Multifunctional olive-growing systems in Mediterranean agroforestry

Multifunctional olive-growing systems integrate olive cultivation with grazing or intercropping to improve environmental, economic and social sustainability in the Mediterranean. These systems reduce erosion, improve soil fertility and optimise land use, with examples in Italy, Portugal and Greece. The LIVINGAGRO project promotes the transfer of sustainable knowledge and technologies, drawing on traditional practices such as controlled grazing and pruning. Olive trees are often spaced at least 10 metres apart to avoid competition, with planting taking place from October to November. Such approaches increase profitability, landscape resilience and the production of biomass and cereals.