Abstract:
Structural changes in agriculture have drawn attention to new opportunities to use the farm's resources. In order to
support rural development, the agricultural policy makers have consistently promoted multifunctionality and
diversification of farms by encouraging new types of activities. Farmers get involved in diversification operations and
developed on-farm and off-farm activities for various reasons: to face the challenges of the agricultural context, to
obtain additional income, continuity of their agricultural activity, to improve their family's quality of life and to reduce
the risk of the unstable agricultural market environment. The decision regarding farm diversification depends on a series
of factors related to economic, geophysical and socio-demographic farm characteristics or to environmental
conservation strategies. The proximity to urban areas fosters the process of farm diversification and it also influences
the level of diversification. The sustainability of the farm involves not only economic, but also social and environmental
aspects, but most of the farmers are more interested in the economic and social performance and less in the ecological
performance. The main forms of farm diversification include: agritourism; non-traditional crops, livestock and
practices; added value to existing agricultural products; new marketing and distribution channels; consulting or
education service; conservation and restoration of historical buildings, equipment, artifacts from the farm.
