Extensive Farming Systems Research Articles

Desempenho produtivo da tilápia do nilo em tanques-rede numa represa pública: modelo empírico de classificação

Nos últimos anos, a piscicultura brasileira em tanques-rede, em águas públicas abertas, tem sido alavancada por incentivos governamentais e privados, e a tilápia do nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) tem sido o principal pescado utilizado. Como forma de melhorar a eficiência de produção, empiricamente, os piscicultores realizam o manejo de classificação e a repicagem das tilápias em engorda, resultando em lotes com diferentes rendimentos e precocidades, num gradiente dos melhores aos piores rendimentos. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o desempenho de engorda de tilápias em um rotineiro sistema de produção em tanques-rede, sendo utilizado o usual modelo empírico de classificação e repicagem em três etapas distintas e tendo por fundamento a separação dos lotes de peixes em classes de tamanho e peso, ao longo do processo de engorda. Os resultados mostraram situações bem distintas. Num extremo, lotes de peixes precoces sendo comercializados após o processo de classificação e repicagem, aos 152 dias de engorda, apresentando taxas crescentes de ganho de peso diário (entre 0,30 e 7,23g dia-1) e de conversão alimentar aparente satisfatória (entre 1,50 e 1,53). No outro extremo, lotes heterogêneos sendo comercializados com 213 dias, taxas de ganho de peso inconstantes (entre 0,94 e 8,24) e elevadas taxas de conversão alimentar aparente (entre 1,54 e 3,03). A partir dos resultados, pode-se destacar a relevância dessa prática empírica de manejo zootécnico em piscicultura, que mostra grandes discrepâncias de rendimentos e precocidades entre os lotes, considerando o tempo de cultivo, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar aparente. Além disso, recomenda-se, para os lotes heterogêneos destinos, alternativas como a utilização de piscicultura extensiva (sem arraçoamento) para a mitigação dos impactos ambientais negativos inerentes dessa atividade zootécnica.

The economics of sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) aquaculture under three different farming systems in rural Bangladesh

This paper examines production costs and returns of sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) aquaculture under three different farming systems in Bangladesh. Based on the production technology, sutchi catfish farming is classified as extensive, semi-intensive and intensive. Results showed that sutchi catfish farming is profitable irrespective of the level of intensification and in all three instances the cost of feed dominated the variable costs of production. The average annual production costs were estimated at US$5217 ha−1 in intensive farming, while US$2694 ha−1 in semi-intensive and US$981 ha−1 in extensive farming. Despite the higher production costs per hectare, the average annual net return was higher in intensive farming (US$3364), compared with semi-intensive (US$2048) and extensive (US$1099) farming. The average annual production per hectare under intensive farming conditions (13 945 kg) was higher than semi-intensive (7705 kg) and extensive (3380 kg) farming mainly due to higher levels of inputs, including seed, feed, fertilizer and labour. However, the Cobb–Douglas production function model suggests that inputs are inefficiently used in the intensive farming system. Conversely, there is enough scope to increase the production and income from the semi-intensive and extensive farming systems by using more inputs.

Antimicrobial resistance and in vitro biofilm-forming ability of enterococci from intensive and extensive farming broilers

Enterococci, major broiler intestinal colonizers, play a recognized role in antimicrobial resistance transmission. Several virulence mechanisms, such as biofilm expression, have been identified. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of vancomycin, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, and gentamicin and biofilm production of 34 isolates from intensive and extensive farming system broilers were evaluated. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. In extensive-reared broilers (n = 18), resistance to enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, and gentamicin was high (83.33, 55.56, 100, and 83.33%, respectively). Intensive farming broilers (n = 16) showed a lower resistance level for enrofloxacin and streptomycin and a higher resistance level for oxytetracycline and gentamicin. The relation between antimicrobial susceptibility and farming system was not significant for all drugs tested (P > or = 0.05). Enterococci produced biofilm at 24 h (47.0%), 48 h (55.9%), and 72 h (58.8%). Resistance to gentamicin and streptomycin was related to biofilm production at all time points (P < or = 0.05), whereas resistance to enrofloxacin was only related to biofilm at 24 h (P < or = 0.05; Friedman's test). No relation was found between susceptibility to oxytetracyclin and biofilm formation at any of the 3 time points studied (P > or = 0.05). Poultry are colonized by biofilm-producing and antimicrobial-resistant enterococci, independently of the farming system. Results show a relation between resistance to the majority of the drugs tested and biofilm production, which reenforces the importance of these virulence factors in animal and public health.

Élaboration participative de modèles et de scénarios : une entrée pour analyser la coévolution des systèmes d'élevage extensif et des territoires

Participatory modelling has to deal with strong constraints related to the expression and sharing of viewpoints and to the intelligibility of models, which implies that simplifications and trade-offs must be made. Our hypothesis is that the mediation that takes place during the foresight process helped by simulation is effective in highlighting the main issues at the local/regional scale, as well as the more probable adaptation strategies, thus making it possible to validate issues found for other scales of analysis. We analyze the foresight processes in five companion modelling (ComMod) projects on the co-evolution of extensive husbandry systems (EHS) and territories scale in France, Senegal, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. The processes are broken down according to the scenario study objectives, to the method of construction and to the parameters associated with models and simulations. Comparative analysis contributes to improving the design of future ComMod experiments on EHS and reveals a more operational definition of local, regional and global issues which the EES of these regions will face in the next decade.

Ruminal methane emission by dairy cattle in Southeast Brazil

Ruminal gases, particularly methane, generated during the fermentative process in rumen, represent a partial loss of feed energy and are also pointed to as an important factors in greenhouse effect. This study aimed at quantifying methane (CH4) emission rates from lactating and dry cows and heifers, 24 month-old in average, on pasture under Southeast Brazil tropical conditions, using the tracer gas technique, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), four animals per category, distributed in four blocks. Measurements were performed in February and June, 2002, with Holstein and Brazilian Dairy Crossbred (Holstein ¾ x Gir (Zebu) ¼), maintained on fertilized Tanzania-grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania) and fertilized Brachiaria-grass (Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk) pastures. Heifers of both breeds were maintained on unfertilized Brachiaria-grass to simulate conditions of extensive cattle farming systems. CH4 and SF6 levels were measured with gas chromatography. Differences in CH4 emissions were measured (p &lt; 0.05) for genetical groups. Holstein produced more methane (299.3 g day-1) than the Crossbred (264.2 g day-1). Lactating cows produced more methane (353.8 g day-1) than dry cows (268.8 g day-1) and heifers (222.6 g day-1). Holstein, with greater milk production potential, produced less CH4 (p &lt; 0.05) per unit of dry matter intake (19.1 g kg-1) than the Crossbred (22.0 g kg-1). Methane emission by heifers grazing fertilized pasture (intensive system) was 222.6 g day-1, greater (p &lt; 0.05) than that of heifers on unfertilized pasture (179.2 g day-1). Methane emission varied as function of animal category and management intensity of production system.

The influence of land transport on animal welfare in extensive farming systems

The land transport of animals can have 3 types of influence on their welfare. First, the handling, loading, and novelty of the transport environment and experience can induce a psychological stress response in animals. Second, the withdrawal of feed and water and the need to stand and maintain balance for transport periods can cause a physiological and fatigue challenge to the animals. Finally, the thermal and physical conditions of the vehicle and journey can present a risk to the physical integrity of the transported animals. The key determinant of animal welfare is the way in which transport is conducted. The stress response during loading and the initial stages of transport may be minimized by careful handling, good design of facilities, and appropriate stocking densities and driving techniques. Where animals are not fed and watered during land transport, they vary in their ability to cope with periods of feed and water withdrawal, depending on their species, age, physiological state, and pre-transport access to feed and water. Journey conditions can also be an influence, with cold conditions exacerbating the effects of feed withdrawal and hot conditions increasing the risk of dehydration. The facilities containing the animals on the vehicle should minimize the risks of physical injury caused by falls, knocks, bruising, and the protrusion of body parts. Stocking density can also be managed to lessen the influences on animal welfare caused by hot conditions. In a well-ventilated vehicle, it is the stationary periods rather than periods in motion that present the greatest risk of heat stress. The opposite is true for very cold conditions. The land transport of livestock is neither inherently good nor inherently bad for their welfare. Rather, it is the way that it is done, and the management of the risks involved, that determine the level of welfare of the animals involved.

Evaluating extensive sheep farming systems.

Data from each of 5 commercial, extensive sheep farms in Cumbria, UK were used as parameters in a linear program (LP) representing labour and grazing management in such farming systems. The LP maximised ewe enterprise gross margin subject to constraints dictated by the labour availability and land types on each farm. Under the assumptions used, labour availability and price restricted ewe numbers well below those observed in practice on 2 farms i.e. land resources were adequate for the farming system practiced. On two other farms stocking levels and hence returns were limited by the availability of forage and hence feed input prices relative to output. On one farm, greater grassland productivity was the key determinant of system performance. It was concluded that a holistic systems approach was needed to properly evaluate these farming systems in terms of their potential contribution to animal welfare, land use, profit and hence their sustainability

Evaluation d’une méthode d’enquête rétrospective sur une période de douze mois pour estimer les taux de mise bas et de mortalité du bétail dans un système d’élevage africain traditionnel

Les taux annuels de mise bas et de mortalité sont des données de base nécessaires pour quantifier la productivité des cheptels domestiques tropicaux élevés en milieux extensifs. Les suivis de troupeaux avec bouclage des animaux sont une méthode de référence pour estimer ces paramètres sur le terrain. Les méthodes transversales rétrospectives, basées sur des entretiens avec les éleveurs et leur mémoire à court ou long terme de la démographie des troupeaux, sont des alternatives. La présente étude a évalué une méthode rétrospective (12MO) pour estimer les taux de mise bas et de mortalité pour la période des douze derniers mois précédents l’enquête. Le biais de différentes approximations utilisées dans les calculs a été évalué d’après plusieurs jeux de données disponibles et collectées sur les bovins et les petits ruminants au Sénégal. Le principal résultat de l’étude a été la variabilité potentiellement élevée du biais (en particulier pour le taux de mortalité des petits ruminants pour lequel le biais relatif a varié entre -60 et 96 p. 100 dans la classe d’âge « 0 à 1 an »), malgré un biais médian acceptable (la médiane de biais relatif a été ≤ 6 p. 100 en valeur absolue). Les méthodes rétrospectives telles que 12MO devraient être utilisées avec parcimonie (par exemple pour évaluer approximativement l’impact immédiat de chocs importants ou d’innovations) et leurs résultats interprétés avec précaution. Lorsque cela est possible, les suivis de troupeaux (avec ou sans identification des animaux) sur plusieurs années consécutives devraient être privilégiés.

An economic comparison of typical dairy farming systems in South Africa, Morocco, Uganda and Cameroon

Population growth, urbanisation and increased per capita milk consumption are main reasons for recent increasing milk demand in Africa. Due to globalisation, it is important to know how competitive various production systems are, especially as most governments promote local production and disfavour dairy imports. The TIPI-CAL (Technology Impact, Policy Impact Calculations model) was used to analyse and compare costs and returns of predominant dairy farming systems in South Africa, Morocco, Uganda and Cameroon. Results show that, as farms grew larger in size, family resources (especially land and labour) became insufficient and there was need for their acquisition from external sources. Though extensive dairy farming systems had the lowest cost of milk production (<20 US-$ per 100 kg milk), their input productivities and milk yields were lower, leading to very low net cash returns from dairying. Large intensive farms in South Africa had relatively low costs (<30 US-$ per 100 kg milk) and a high Return on Investment (ROI) due to a higher efficiency of input utilisation. It was concluded that, intensification of dairy farming and simultaneously increasing the scale of production will greatly increase productivity of farm inputs, thus recommended for development of the dairy sector in African countries.

The effect of single farm payments on less favoured areas agriculture in Scotland: a CGE analysis

This study quantifies impacts of common agricultural policy reform on farming in Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) in Scotland. LFAs are characterised by low agricultural productivity, because of unfavourable natural conditions, which allow only extensive farming systems such as cattle and sheep rearing. The differential impacts of the single farm payment on LFA farming is examined using a CGE modeling framework that accounts for inter-sectoral linkage effects. The simulation results indicate that the policy reform has considerably larger adverse effects on LFA farms than non-LFA farms and emphasize the need to consider spatially differential impacts in further adjustments to policy reforms taking into account local circumstances.;

Assessing the technical efficiency of extensive livestock farming systems in Extremadura, Spain

The technical efficiencies of a sample of extensive dehesa farms were analyzed using a non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model. This technique creates efficiency indices by comparing the performance of each farm with the best production practices observed, which define the efficiency or production frontier. The influence of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies (taken as an output) on the farms' efficiency was determined. The measurement of the efficiency has taken place from inputs per hectare thus allowing to make a different interpretation from the scale efficiency that, instead of referring to the dimension of the farm, is referred to the intensification. Thanks to the input-oriented analysis it can be established that the farms could maintain similar production levels by introducing a 30% reduction of their inputs (e.g. with breeds better adapted to the environment, a better use of the own produced pastures to reduce the amount of feedstuff to be bought, reductions in manpower…). Those highly intensified dehesas have shown decreasing inefficiencies of scale, whereas the least intensified have shown increasing inefficiencies. With a second stage analysis, different types of farms were identified as corresponding to greater or lesser efficiencies. It has been identified that the group of farms with high stocking rates have the greatest efficiencies indices. With respect to the livestock orientation, the farms with a livestock mix including pig were the most efficient. Modifications in the stocking rate, allowing an adequate use of the natural resources available, can be a solution to improve the efficiency of dehesa farms. In addition mixed livestock farming is another useful tool towards achieving increased efficiency, and a reduced dependence on subsidies.

An Economic Analysis of Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Farming in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract This paper deals with production systems, cost structure, and profitability of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, farming in a new area of Mymensingh district in the north‐central part of Bangladesh. In the study area, prawn farming practice is still extensive, and only a few farmers (20%) cultivate semiintensively. The costs and returns of extensive and semiintensive farming systems are compared. All farmers in different farming systems made a profit, with seed and feed dominating variable costs. Considerable variation in production costs and profitability was observed. Based on the Cobb–Douglas production function model, return to scale indicates that there is scope to increase production and income from prawn farms in extensive and semiintensive systems by applying more inputs (i.e., seed, feed, and fertilizer).

Ecología y gestión pastoral en el Pirineo. Una perspectiva de medio siglo

Along the last 50 years, we have studied the pyrenean extensive farming system. In spite the transhumant traditional system, after a weakness period is now finishing, the potential productivity of mountain pastures is still important. Moreover, the recent declaration of the “Parque Natural de los Valles Occidentales” (Western Pyrenees, Spain) may help to develop new strategies to save traditional cultures. After following the bibliography about this topic, we emphasized the ecological role of herbivores, specially after a behaviour selection of the herds in order to improve pasture’s quality and management. If we want to maintain nice and productive mountain grasslands, we would also profite “dehesas” and ancient fields around the villages, and the pre-pyrenean farms (“pardinas” in Aragon) as well. A case study (Aisa-Borau valley) is here introduced. Nowadays it’s true we have an important scientific and technical knowledge, but for a recuperation of the grassland system and a training of young shepherds we need a better coordination between Schools and research centers, both together with the aid of the Natural Protected areas.

Supplementary feeding at milking and minimum milking interval effects on cow traffic and milking performance in a pasture-based automatic milking system

In extensive pastoral dairy farming systems herds graze 12 months of the year with the majority fed a near-100% pasture or conserved pasture diet. The viability of automatic milking in these systems will depend partly upon the amount of supplementary feed necessary to encourage cows to walk from the pasture to the milking unit but also on the efficient use of the automatic milking system (AMS). This paper describes a study to determine the importance of offering concentrate in the milking unit and the effect of minimum milking interval on cow movement and milking performance in a pasture-based AMS. The effects of feeding rate (FR0=0 kg or FR1=1 kg crushed barley/d) and minimum milking interval (MM6=6 h or MM12=12 h) on cow movement and behaviour during milking were studied in a multi-factorial cross-over (feeding level only, 4 weeks per treatment) experiment involving 27 mixed-breed cows milked through a single AMS. Feeding 1 kg barley in the milking unit resulted in a higher visiting frequency to the pre-selection unit (FR0=4.6 visits/d, FR1=5.4 visits/d, sed=0.35, P<0.05) and a higher yield (FR0=22.5 kg/d, FR1=23.6 kg/d, sed=0.385, P<0.01) but had no effect on milking frequency (FR0=1.6 milkings/d, FR1=1.7 milkings/d, sed=0.04, NS). Minimum milking interval was the major factor influencing milking frequency (MM6=1.9, MM12=1.4 milkings/d, sed=0.15, P<0.01). The absence of feeding in the milking unit had no negative effect on behaviour during milking or the number of cows that had to be manually driven from the paddock. The results show that automatic milking can be combined with a near-100% pasture diet and that milking interval is an important determinant for maximizing milk harvested per AMS.

Systems of plant protection.

A framework for associating pest management with farming systems may be characterized by a cropping index (number of crop cycles per year); a plant species homogeneity rank, described as the degree of monoculture or polyculture and intensity of use of modern, high-yielding varieties versus land races or traditional varieties; intensity of use of synthetic agrochemicals; the availability of societal infrastructure to support agriculture, such as irrigation and roads; and availability of support services such as credit, public/private sector research and extension services. Traditional methods of plant protection in the tribal areas of the Philippines rely heavily on ritual-based cultural practices that recognize the crop calendar and its activities as part of a larger social agenda. Most groundnut growers in West Africa utilize minimal inputs with little infrastructural support but they have often adopted improved varieties. Extensive farming systems with modern inputs are exemplified by wheat in the mid-western USA, where pests are managed mainly through host plant resistance. In intensive farming systems--vegetables in South-East Asia, wheat in The Netherlands and orchards in the USA--crop intensification is greatest and pest problems arising from overuse of pesticides are most noticeable. Unsustainable farming systems evolve if realistic plant protection is not taken into consideration.

The extent of linkage disequilibrium in a large cattle population of western Africa and its consequences for association studies

Several previous studies concluded that linkage disequilibrium (LD) in livestock populations from developed countries originated from the impact of strong selection. Here, we assessed the extent of LD in a cattle population from western Africa that was bred in an extensive farming system. The analyses were performed on 363 individuals in a Bos indicus x Bos taurus population using 42 microsatellite markers on BTA04, BTA07 and BTA13. A high level of expected heterozygosity (0.71), a high mean number of alleles per locus (9.7) and a mild shift in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were found. Linkage disequilibrium extended over shorter distances than what has been observed in cattle from developed countries. Effective population size was assessed using two methods; both methods produced large values: 1388 when considering heterozygosity (assuming a mutation rate of 10(-3)) and 2344 when considering LD on whole linkage groups (assuming a constant population size over generations). However, analysing the decay of LD as a function of marker spacing indicated a decreasing trend in effective population size over generations. This decrease could be explained by increasing selective pressure and/or by an admixture process. Finally, LD extended over small distances, which suggested that whole-genome scans will require a large number of markers. However, association studies using such populations will be effective.

Volatile fractions and sensory attributes of cheese from intensive and extensive farming systems: results of a survey

The volatile composition and sensory attributes of cheese produced in the border area between Italy and Slovenia were analysed. A total of 22 samples, derived from intensive and organic/extensive farms and obtained by processing raw and pasteurised milk respectively with craft and industrial manufacture, were collected in spring for two consecutive years (2005-2006). Important differences in flavour characteristics were observed mainly between countries, while volatile composition differed significantly between countries and farming typology. The Italian and Slovenian areas along the border area are characterized from a substantial similarity of the territory but also from remarkable differences in animal productive systems, other than in cultural, historical and traditional aspects. It is interesting to observe how diversities could affect, in so close countries, various domains and in this particular case the sensorial qualities and the chemical properties of a common food farming product. Eight Italian, 6 Slovenian cheeses from intensive farms and 6 Italian, 2 Slovenian cheeses from extensive/organic farms were collected after a ripening period of 60 – 80 d in two consecutive years in spring. The content of volatile compounds of these cheeses was analysed with the head space sampling technique coupled with GC-MS. Cheeses also underwent sensory analysis by 16 assessors members of a certified organization (ACAU, Udine, Italy). Considering the differences of cheeses on the basis of country origin, Slovenian have a lower milk and hay flavour and an higher spicy and persistency of taste. The colorimetric parameters (rednees, blueness and hue) statistically differed between Italian and Slovenia products. The number of volatile compounds detected was 64, grouped in ketones, aldheydes, alcohols, hydrocarbons, sulphur compounds, esters and terpenes and 8 of them were significantly higher in cheese from Slovenia. Cheeses from intensive and organic farms did not differ for colorimetric and sensory attributes, but the content of 6 volatile compounds (2 alcohols, 2 esters, 1 hydrocarbon and 1 terpen) was higher in those from organic/extensive farms. Different organoleptic quality and volatile compound profile for cheese originating from different areas and production systems have been reported from others authors, suggesting that these parameters can be used as secondary indicators to trace the area of origin of dairy products.

Simulation of forage management strategies considering farm-level land diversity: Example of dairy farms in the Auvergne

Land diversity is a characteristic of low-input farming systems. Land diversity can refer to between-field diversity of grassland vegetation types that are a result of management practices (fertilisation, grazing, cutting), and environmental factors (altitude, aspect, soil water capacity) that have an influence on herbage production. Land diversity can also concern other characteristics of the field, like its distance to the cowshed or its suitability for mechanization for hay-making that are key characteristics affecting the spatial organization of management practices. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using a simulation model, the consequences for yield of taking the land diversity at farm level into account in the decision-making process. We made the assumption that it could be an asset rather than a constraint for the management of the forage system, and that it could lead to an improvement in the forage balance in dairy farming systems. The model is able to simulate the decision-making process in managing this diversity during a growing season. The decision process was translated into three management strategies of the forage system representing increasing consideration of the farmland diversity. We then simulated these three strategies for two weather series and two farmland diversity levels. We noticed that the strategy giving the most consideration to the farmland diversity improves the forage self-sufficiency (due to higher yields and quality of forage supplies, and a decrease in the amount of hay fed during the grazing period). We thus concluded that the management of between-field diversity could be an asset for extensive farming systems. In the context of extensification of agriculture and increasing concern about its environmental impact on biodiversity, this approach must be pursued. The oriented-object structure of the model will facilitate improvements.

Contaminación de animales con sustancias químicas en las explotaciones

Food products should not contain unsafe levels of chemical contaminants. However, it is not possible to monitor each and every one of the many thousands of chemicals that are used in our advanced societies. Chemical contaminants in foodstuffs of animal origin may be classified into three categories: natural contaminants (e.g. mycotoxins), environmental contaminants linked to industrialisation and/or urbanisation (e.g. dioxins and dioxin-like compounds) and authorised chemical products (e.g. residues of veterinary medical products). Chemical hazards may contaminate foodstuffs of animal origin all the way from farm to fork. Contamination may occur in any of the different production systems, and it is difficult to make comparisons between production systems (e.g. extensive versus intensive farming systems) with regard to food safety. Even when we take into account the latest analytical methods, which can detect ever-smaller quantities of residues, the relative importance of chemical contaminants seems to have declined during recent decades due to improvements in information and prevention. Nonetheless, individual incidents can never be ruled out and may have serious economic, health or social repercussions. Particular attention must be paid to chemical hazards, in order to reduce as much as possible the risks to livestock and to the consumer. Continued monitoring and periodic reassessment of risks posed by these contaminants (at the national level) are needed to detect or anticipate new problems, so that appropriate actions can be taken in the interest of public health. More attention should be paid to the production of detailed information, especially with regard to background data (e.g. the objectives of the monitoring, sampling methods, chemicals to be analysed, analytical methods, detection limits, raw data and specified units), in order to obtain a better basis for risk assessment. Such risk assessment provides control authorities with an effective tool for the exchange of information and measures to be taken to ensure food safety.

Assessing the Impact of Pluriactivity on Sustainable Agriculture. A Case Study in Rural Areas of Beotia in Greece

Pluriactivity of farms, or part-time farming, is a common feature of agriculture in all countries regardless of their socioeconomic system and level of development. Currently, pluriactivity is related to the values of sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study is to delineate those specific characteristics of pluriactive farms that contribute to sustainable agriculture. In rural areas of Boetia in Greece, a socioeconomic survey was carried out on 114 farms to determine the types of farming applied. The results demonstrate that pluriactivity is a stable component of the agricultural structure in the rural areas of Boetia. It is widespread in plains, but its presence is more important in mountainous and semimountainous areas. The choice of young farmers is to opt for pluriactivity. Farm size does not differ between pluriactive and full-time farms. Pluriactive and full- time farms use the same level of input and get the same output for the same type of crop. However, pluriactive farmers under the same land-productive conditions are oriented toward a more extensive farming system, managing their land with crops that need less inputs. Considering these findings, it can be claimed that pluriactivity can contribute to diminishing the demand on natural resources in favored (level and irrigated) areas, to continue agricultural production in unfavorable (mountainous and semimountainous) areas, and to help the sustenance of the rural population.