Conclusions

Abstract

The theoretical foundation of the European agri-environmental policies, based on neo-classic economics, in many cases fails to take into adequate consideration the territorial and collective dimensions of public goods associated to agriculture. The institutional economics approach, conversely, may provide a more comprehensive and integrated basis on which to develop adequate forms of intervention, based on innovative institutional arrangements that may determine a pro-active engagement of rural stakeholders in the provision of environmental goods and services.

The book explored the multifunctional role agriculture though this institutional perspective and analyzed the role of collective action as a viable solution to provide and protect agri-environmental public goods at territorial scale. The research shows that the success of collective action is highly dependent on the capacities of local actors in stimulating social, cultural and institutional innovation. The CAP should take into more account innovative the agri-environmental strategies based on collective action which, by stimulating participation and social learning, have the potential of delivering a broad range of public goods and services that the government is unable to deliver itself.