The environmental impacts of mixed farming and agroforestry systems
One of the final reports from the MIXED project investigates the environmental impacts of MiFAS using life cycle assessment analysis (LCA) based on examples from the networks in the project.
Mixed farming and agroforestry systems (MiFAS) integrate trees, crops, and livestock into multifunctional landscapes, offering a sustainable alternative to specialised systems and intensive livestock farming. These systems have the potential to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and contribute to climate change mitigation while maintaining agricultural productivity. However, while some studies have investigated their environmental performance, the findings remain incomplete. A new report evaluates the environmental impacts of MiFAS using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), providing a systematic review of methodologies and empirical case studies to assess their environmental impacts.
Based on an extensive framework the report concludes, that overall, MiFAS contribute to environmental sustainability by carbon sequestration and reduced biodiversity impacts while maintaining agricultural productivity. However, their assessment through LCA presents methodological challenges, particularly in accounting for multifunctionality, and accurately quantifying ecosystem services. Current LCA frameworks often underestimate these benefits due to limitations in methodologies. Refining LCA methodologies further to better capture the complex interactions within MiFAS is essential for more comprehensive assessments.