Policy Briefing #27. Agroforestry & Adaptation to Climate Change

Agroforestry is mentioned in the Adaptation Strategy or Adaptation Plan of ONLY 11 EU Member States.  This is despite extensive scientific literature on using agroforestry systems to help adapt agriculture and forestry to climate change. There is also a FAO guide on how to include both forestry and agroforestry in National Adaptation Plans.  EURAF suggests that the Adaptation Plans of Czechia, France, Italy and Slovakia are examples of good practice, and provides guidance for other countries on how they can include agroforestry measures related to i) improved carbon sequestration; ii) reduced soil erosion, increased fertility and resource use efficiency; iii)  greater resistance to droughts and floods; iv) diversified landscapes and biodiversity; v) reduced pest and disease pressure; vi) maintained crop yields and animal welfare; vii) increased resilience to extreme events – including wildfires and storms; viii) improved economic diversity and benefits; and ix) reduced groundwater and air pollution.

Read more about EURAF’s reaction by clicking here or the image down below.

This Policy Briefing is an output from the  DigitAF Project Grant agreement: 101059794.  DigitAF is a consortium of 26 European and international partners committed to providing digital tools to boost Agroforestry in Europe to meet climate, biodiversity and sustainable farming goals.  Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.