Agroforestry: benefits and considerations to meet the challenges of organic livestock production

Abstract

In organic agriculture, farmers’ practices are inspired by natural mechanisms that allow life to thrive. In contrast, the modernization process undergone by agriculture in developed countries since the mid-20^th century disconnected animal and vegetal productions, impeding the realization of many ecosystem services, and weakening the sustainability of many farms.

Agroforestry, an agroecological practice that consists in integrating trees to one or more agricultural production, shows a potential for limiting those drawbacks in animal husbandry. Indeed, the association of trees with animals generates heterogeneities at farm and landscape scales, which creates habitats for biodiversity, stimulates soil functions, and favors animal welfare and health. It also helps achieve farm economic sustainability, and improves the citizens’ and consumers’ view of animal production.

Agroforestry makes the farming systems more complex, meaning that its elements become more numerous and intricate. To achieve maximal performance, these systems therefore require suitable design as well as fine tuning and management, raising the need for additional competencies and novel knowledge production.

This article reviews the available scientific literature about the benefits and drawbacks of agroforestry for animal husbandry (“silvopastoralism”) in temperate areas, for both animal farming under trees, and perennial crops (fruit and forest trees, wines) welcoming grazing animals.