Silvopasture is a form of agroforestry which integrates raising livestock, planting trees and growing crops. Together, the three activities mutually benefit each other and create an impactful method of carbon sequestration. Project Drawdown's research suggests that "Pastures strewn or crisscrossed with trees sequester five to ten times as much carbon as those of the same size that are treeless, storing it in both biomass and soil."
This collection contains three stories (see below) that detail how silvopasture is being used in different regions. While cutting the emissions of conventional farming and sequestering huge amounts of carbon, silvopasture also revitalizes farms as is seen in places like Mexico and Italy where farmers are adopting silvopasture to fight soil degradation, increase biodiversity and regenerate the land. US farmers have lagged in adopting this practice - currently only 1 percent of farms in the US use the technique. Still, knowledge of this ancient practice is slowly spreading around the world, showing that it is a relatively technology-free way to make a large impact.
This solution is one of the Drawdown Ecochallenge actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
https://medium.com/@ensiamedia/the-farm-that-grows-climate-solutions-3fcf56f65151
Eric Toensmeier
Ensia
9 March 2016
Text / 800-1500 Words
A small agricultural co-op in the mountains of Veracruz, Mexico, has effectively implemented its own approach to climate change. The community adapts the main sector of its economy and livelihood-- farming-- to sustainable practices. "Las Cañadas" has increased the food security and health of the local community while simultaneously decreasing deforestation, soil degradation and carbon emissions.
http://nationswell.com/silvopasture-practiced-by-1-percent-farms
Chris Peak
NationSwell
19 October 2015
Text / Under 800 Words
The U.S. Department of Agriculture assists farms which follow the sustainable farming style, Silvopasture, but few farmers take advantage of the program. ForeverView Farms in Vermont is advising policy groups about ways they can boost this type of farming.
https://news.mongabay.com/2020/01/young-farmers-apply-ancient-agroforestry-practices-in-the-heart-of-sardinia
Monica Pelliccia
Mongabay
29 January 2020
Text / 1500-3000 Words
Sardinia's vast forests are seeing the comeback of an ancient farming practice known as silvopasture which has potential as a climate solution. The ancient technique combines trees with forage plants and livestock and even results in uniquely flavored cheese. The technique has also kept people from leaving the countryside in search of jobs, allowing the next generation to carry on the family business while simultaneously combatting climate change.
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