Trees have traditionally been an integrated part of European farmlands and bringing them back could be part of an answer to some of our pressing environmental challenges. Asger Mindegaard and Celia Nyssens walk the readers through the forest of opportunities for more agroecological farming provided by agroforestry in Portugal.

Herdade do Freixo do Meio is about an hour drive east of Lisbon. The 500 hectares of farmland have belonged to the same family for six generations and since Alfredo Sendim took over the land in the 1990s agroecological agroforestry has been the goal. The approach combines traditional knowledge of the ancient Portuguese ‘montado’ system with state-of-the-art agronomic practices and research.

Agroecology and community are the main values driving production at Freixo do Meio and, in January, the farm began a transition from private enterprise to a cooperative of 35 partners. The cooperative produces a wide range of organic grains, vegetables and permanent crops (fruits, nuts, olives, acorns), not to mention traditional breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and hens. The cooperative is divided between seven different production zones, including a bakery, olive oil, as well as various meat and vegetable products. The site features a restaurant, an open library, an eco-hostel and a solar cell park. The cooperative also collaborates with several national research institutions.

Farm products are mostly sold through a local community-supported agriculture (CSA) scheme but also through a webshop, two on-farm shops   and shops in Lisbon. The coronavirus crisis has triggered an explosion in consumer interest in buying food from smaller-scale sustainable producers across Europe

Freixo do Meio is in many ways a good example of what an agroecological future could look like in Europe. A diversified agriculture guided by a comprehensive knowledge of ecological processes and with deep roots in the local culture, community and environmental conditions.

Agroecological agroforestry enhances the resilience of farms as trees protect soils and crops, retain water, cool the micro-climate and break strong winds. In addition, diversifying production makes the farm business and regional food security less dependent on a few crops and thus less vulnerable to weather events affecting some crops in particular.

As for biodiversity, agroforestry is particularly beneficial when part of a diverse farm managed without pesticides and with plenty of ‘landscape elements’ (such as hedges and flower strips). Richer biodiversity increases the presence of natural enemies (including birds and predatory insects) which enhances biological control of pests. Finally, trees often act as physical barriers to the spread of diseases and fungi.

Eduardo Santos from Liga para a Protecção da Natureza states that “It is fundamental that post-2020 EU's Common Agricultural Policy adequately acknowledges the natural, economic and social value of agroforestry”.

Photo credits: Freixo do Meio