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Why Agroforestry Beats Beef Pasture in Brazil

As Brazil grapples with the dual challenges of economic viability and environmental sustainability, the stark contrast between traditional beef pastures and innovative agroforestry systems offers a glimmer of hope. With over 160 million hectares dedicated to cattle ranching—roughly equivalent to the combined areas of Spain, France, and Germany—Brazil has immense potential to shift toward more productive land uses.


Net Revenue per Hectare


Extensive beef pastures often earn farmers only US$100–200 per hectare per year. Even improved pastures with fertiliser and higher stocking rates rarely exceed US$400 per hectare.

By contrast, agroforestry systems — which combine crops, trees, and sometimes livestock — are much more profitable:

  • Cocoa agroforestry can generate US$1,000–2,500 per hectare per year.

  • Coffee agroforestry can reach US$1,500–3,000 per hectare.

  • Silvopastoral systems (trees + pasture + cattle) typically bring in US$800–1,200 per hectare.

That means agroforestry can deliver 5 to 10 times the net revenue of beef pasture on the same land.


Nutritional Productivity


The story is even clearer when you look at nutrition.

  • One hectare of pasture produces only about 5–8 kg of protein and 60,000–100,000 calories per year from beef.

  • For example, a hectare of mixed agroforestry with cocoa, legumes, and fruit trees can provide 150–250 kg of protein and 2–5 million calories annually (depending on crop composition)—though the protein quality and micronutrient profile differs from beef.

In other words, agroforestry can produce 20–40 times more protein and 20–50 times more calories per hectare than beef pasture.


A Smarter Use of Land


Beef production on extensive pasture remains one of the least productive uses of land in Brazil, while agroforestry offers:

  • Higher incomes for farmers,

  • Greater food security,

  • Positive carbon balance (instead of emissions),

  • And richer biodiversity.


Transitioning from extensive beef pasture to agroforestry systems in Brazil presents a promising pathway to enhance productivity, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. However, converting pasture to agroforestry requires significant upfront investment in trees and equipment, specialized technical knowledge, and 3-7 years before reaching full production. Success also depends on regional suitability—including climate, rainfall, and soil conditions—labour availability, and market infrastructure, factors that vary considerably across Brazil's diverse landscapes. By adopting agroforestry practices that integrate trees with crops or pasture, farmers can achieve higher yields, diversify their income sources, and contribute positively to the environment, though these benefits require patience and proper support systems to realize.


Read More:










Barbero RP, Ribeiro AC de C, Moura AM, Longhini VZ, Mattos TF de A, Barbero MMD. Production potential of beef cattle in tropical pastures: a review. Ciênc anim bras [Internet]. 2021;22:e69609. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-6891v22e-69609


Domiciano, L.F., Pedreira, B.C., da Silva, N.M.F. et al. Agroforestry systems: an alternative to intensify forage-based livestock in the Brazilian Amazon . Agroforest Syst 94, 1839–1849 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-020-00499-1


Pedrosa LM, Hoshide AK, Abreu DC de, Molossi L, Couto EG. Financial transition and costs of sustainable agricultural intensification practices on a beef cattle and crop farm in Brazil’s Amazon. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2021;36(1):26-37. doi:10.1017/S1742170519000413




 
 
 

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