This chapter is an attempt to analyse the characteristic features of Mediterranean family farms, revealing their importance compared with other forms of agriculture. We go on to describe the challenges that they are or will be facing, and their strengths in helping to address these (in terms of food security, protection of the environment, fighting poverty, underemployment and social and territorial inequalities). In conclusion, we question the agricultural policies set in place by different countries in the Mediterranean region and discuss some that should be implemented. In this regard, special attention should be paid to women and young people, whose potential is still largely untapped, but who could become key players in agricultural and rural development. Such an approach involves reformulating and reinvigorating state intervention in rural areas, but also strengthening producer organizations that encourage the spread of good practices and knowledge, acting as a communication conduit between the public authorities and the most vulnerable family farms, so as to maximize their potential and productivity