Potential of agroforestry in climate change mitigation

This study evaluates greenhouse gas emissions across four beef cattle production systems in Finland, highlighting forest pasture as the lowest emitter (2.19 kg CO₂-eq/kg carcass) due to carbon sequestration by trees. Wood pasture, open pasture, and indoor systems show higher emissions, with indoor systems highest at 10.60 kg CO₂-eq/kg due to lack of sequestration. Enteric fermentation and feed production—especially roughage—drive emissions. Silvopastoral systems reduce emissions through carbon storage, soil enrichment, and biodiversity benefits, offering income diversification via timber and potential carbon credits. Despite global evidence, Finland lacks national research on agroforestry for climate mitigation. Challenges include lower feed digestibility and farmer concerns over animal performance. Further research is needed on carbon storage in grazing systems to achieve carbon-neutral meat production.