Project Drawdown ranks silvopasture as the ninth best solution for reducing carbon emissions and, according to them, "Silvopasture is an ancient practice that integrates trees and pasture into a single system for raising livestock. Research suggests silvopasture far outpaces any grassland technique for counteracting the methane emissions of livestock and sequestering carbon under-hoof. 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 Tanzania 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://news.mongabay.com/2016/07/carbon-farming-can-fight-climate-change-boost-diversity-and-feed-people-author-interview
Erik Hoffner
Mongabay
28 July 2016
Text / Over 3000 Words
Deforestation, overgrazing, and increased carbon emissions are familiar challenges as climate change continues to threaten our food systems. Author Eric Toensmeier discusses how "carbon farming" - or practices such as agroforestry, improved annual crop rotation, and better grazing practices are not only good for farmers - increasing yields and reducing land degradation - but good for capturing carbon and environmental health overall. Toensmeier also discusses how to get more farmers to practice these methods: improved financial models, government support, and a certification system.
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.
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