Silvopastoral production as part of alternative food networks: Agroforestry systems in Umbria and Lazio, Italy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Silvopastoral agroforestry systems combine the management of livestock and trees or other woody perennials on the same land. Aside from giving farmers an opportunity to diversify their income and reduce inputs, these systems have been shown to provide a number of ecological benefits. Given the growing demand for environmentally produced food, this paper assessed how farmers of silvopastoral agroforestry systems distribute their products in the context of alternative food networks (AFN). Applying Global Production Network (GPN) analysis, the distribution of output was assessed for eight farms in two Italian regions (Umbria, Lazio) following qualitative interviews. While farmers of the case studies partly rely on conventional supply channels and markets, all of them engage in alternative forms of food distribution, such as off-farm sales, home deliveries, and farmer-owned shops enabling direct exchange with customers. Paired with a focus on high product quality, it can be argued that these farmers also form part of alternative food networks. This practice does result in higher prices for directly marketed products, an easier management of product information at the point of sale, as well as high levels of traceability. Yet, the fact that only a few farmers advertise the environmental benefits of their production systems indicates some potential for further value enhancement, which could allow farmers to capitalize on the synergy of alternative production and distribution.