The Resilience of a Farming System at Crossroads between Intensification and Environmental Sustainability: The Hazelnut Case in Viterbo (Italy)

Abstract

This chapter explores the current and future resilience of the hazelnut farming system in Viterbo province (Italy). Although being robust in economic terms, it shows vulnerabilities due to the high specialization level, the exposure to the downstream exertion of market power, and societal concerns about controversial environmental effects. These challenges are expected to drive the system towards new potential and contrasting configurations, from higher intensification to a more sustainable organization. Hence, the system should decide which direction to take and chose the most useful strategy for its implementation. This chapter describes each system’s alternative configuration and the proposed strategies.