This article briefly examines the evolution of the agricultural sector in Italy and outlines the concept of the agro-food system that includes the agriculture and the food industry activities. The Italian agro-food system has reached a global annual value of 250 billions €, which corresponds to about 16% of the added gross value. The agricultural system is also analyzed in respect to the objectives of the European Package 20-20-20. This article outlines the impact of the agro-food system in terms of energy, energy efficiency, use of renewable resources related to the food production. The impact of the large retail groups and the key role of the agro-food system are also analyzed in respect to the development of a sustainable economy.
Keywords: Agro-food system, agriculture, environment, energy, energy efficiency, sustainable development.

Carlo Alberto Campiotti, Corinna Viola, Matteo Scoccianti, Giuseppe Alonzo, Agriculture and economic sustainable development: energy, energy efficiency, environment and food in "RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA'" suppl. 2/2012, pp. 69-86, DOI:10.3280/RISS2012-SU2006