AGROMIX created a conceptual framework of resilience in the context of mixed farming and agroforestry systems. We created a GIS database to model upscaling of these systems. The estimated total surface area of these systems in the EU is 7.7% of utilised agricultural area. Silvopastoral land use is dominant, while agroforestry systems with permanent crops are still relatively scarce.
AGROMIX developed a participative design approach for sustainable and resilient systems and organised workshops with farmers. We also created of a detailed catalogue comprising of 78 case studies in 12 countries across Europe, where user-friendly information can be accessed.
AGROMIX replicated field trials on key agroforestry sites across Europe have collected data on indicators of performance, carbon balance, animal welfare and biodiversity (flora and fauna). All field sites have statistical analysis in replicated trials and ongoing multi-year trials to ensure scientific rigour. In a paired comparison we analysed i) agroforestry against nearly sites with ii) mono-use (pasture or arable) and iii) woodland. This made it possible to make Europe wide assessments of the mixed agroforestry land use system versus the two mono-type land uses.
AGROMIX improved computer simulation models to estimate performance and design novel approaches to predict resilience of complex systems, with improved detailed climate datasets scenarios until 2100 being integrated in the modelling.
AGROMIX carried out a multi-criteria assessment training with farmers, including analysis and selection of indicators for sustainability and resilience decision trees. It produced a handbook for participatory GIS mapping and carried out work to support the development of an online app.
AGROMIX analysed the socio-economic performance of agroforestry and mixed farming using farm accountancy databases (e.g. FADN), were possible. We also assessed value chain networks to identify successful value chains, obstacles and enabling factors. In addition farmer adoption motives of agroforestry and mixed farming were researched in 5 countries.
AGROMIX carried out an inventory of current policy contexts, instruments, and operational means to support of mixed farming and agroforestry systems. Further work was with a series 14 co-design policy workshops in 7 countries/federal states. This was done during 2023 and was feeding into the ‘AGROMIX summit’ in Brussels with further work at EURAF (European Agroforestry Federation) conference Brno and FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN) World Food Day, Rome and the launch event of the AGROMIX agroforestry white paper in Brussels, October 2024.
The AGROMIX white paper makes recommendations how to change this e.g. with a European Agroforestry Strategy. This work had already many downloads and institutional endorsers. It can be endorsed here, also by individuals:
https://agromixproject.eu/agromix-policy-white-paper(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)AGROMIX has worked to ensure continuous interaction and communication with all relevant stakeholders and the wider public with dissemination of results to maximise impact. We engaged with many other research projects and organised events on key issues around the topic of resilience. We created 12 Knowledge Exchange Hubs to share relevant information on studies, projects, events, key stakeholders in different languages.
