Capturing the value of ecosystem services from silvopastoral systems: Perceptions from selected Italian farms

Combining livestock and trees in silvopastoral agroforestry systems has shown to be valuable in fostering the provision of ecosystem services. For farmers, these systems provide an opportunity for diversifying their product range. This study assessed if farmers can additionally translate the ecological value into economic benefits. Applying the concepts of global value chain (GVC) and global production network (GPN) analysis, the evolution of value was analysed for eight farms in the Italian regions of Umbria and Lazio following qualitative interviews. Production benefits and ecosystem services resulting from the silvopastoral systems were perceived to contribute to product value either by (i) minimising inputs or (ii) adding value through the marketing of quality attributes such as environmentally friendly production or nutritional value. Although ecological benefits of the systems are recognised by most farmers of this study, few advertise it. Due to a lack of possibilities to label products from silvopastoral systems as such, farmers must rely on close connections to consumers for marketing or use organic certification if selling over greater distances. Designing public payments to reward the provision of ecosystem services directly could make silvopastoral farming more attractive and encourage wider application.