Climate Resilience through Agroforestry and Carbon Farming

Carbon farming is an agricultural approach that enhances the ability of soils and vegetation to absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. By adopting sustainable land management techniques, such as agroforestry, cover cropping, no-till farming, and improved pasture management, carbon farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and removes CO₂ from the atmosphere. This approach contributes to climate change mitigation and holds the promise of farm income diversification through carbon credits and ecosystem service payments. Unlocking the potential of carbon farming in the EU requires innovation, and agroforestry presents a particularly viable and scalable solution. As the EU accelerates its effort to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, carbon farming has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance soil carbon sequestration while supporting sustainable agriculture. Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs with crops or livestock, providing an opportunity to continue producing food and capture atmospheric CO₂ and store it in woody biomass and soils. These systems enhance soil health, reduce erosion, increase biodiversity, and strengthen farm resilience against extreme weather events. Unlike conventional monocultures, agroforestry diversifies income sources through timber, fruits, nuts, and non-wood products and services, thereby reducing economic risk for farmers.

For example, the EU’s Green Deal or England’s Sustainable Land Management scheme recognise agroforestry as a key component of sustainable food production. Additionally, voluntary carbon markets are emerging as a potential revenue stream for farmers who adopt agroforestry practices, allowing them to monetise the carbon sequestered in their trees and soils. However, despite its potential, agroforestry faces challenges such as initial investment costs, long payback periods, and the complexity of measuring and verifying carbon sequestration. To scale up adoption, we must enhance financial incentives, provide clear carbon credit methodologies, and offer technical support to farmers.

Ongoing research in agroforestry is helping to refine best practices, improve carbon sequestration measurements, and develop region-specific guidelines for implementation. Projects such as ReForest and DigitAF focus on optimising tree-crop combinations, understanding soil health dynamics, and evaluating long-term economic benefits for farmers. Researchers are also exploring advanced remote sensing and AI-driven monitoring techniques to enhance carbon accounting accuracy. Collaborative initiatives between universities, research institutions, and policymakers aim to create evidence-based strategies that ensure agroforestry’s scalability and effectiveness. As scientific advancements continue to shape the field, agroforestry is poised to become a cornerstone of agriculture in the EU, supporting its environmental and economic resilience.