THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF ACTIVITIES DIVERSIFICATION FOR ENHANCING FAMILY FARMS COMPETITIVENESS

Family farms are the most significant development entities of rural areas. The welfare of the rural population depends on the success of their business operations and ability to survive in the market. Bearing this in mind, it is necessary to find ways and create the adequate conditions to activate development potentials. The objective of this study is therefore to systematize potential sources of farm households’ income, with special emphasis on how and why they diversify their income and activities. Results of the research unambiguously show that diversification of income and activities are now integral part of business activities of numerous farms. No doubt, importance of diversification will increase in future period, considering that more dynamic development of farms is not possible without engagement of all potentials at their disposal