ICLFS-INTEGRATED CFOP-LIVESTOCK FOREST SYSTEMS

 

Why the delay in practising this demonstrably positive system in the Amazon?

Cattle ranchers in the Amazon are increasing the productivity of their herds and, at the same time, recovering native forests. Created in 2011 in Paragominas, Pará, the Green Livestock project is becoming a model for the Amazon.

What is "ICLFS"?

 

ICLFS is an acronym for Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems. It is an agricultural production strategy that integrates different production systems, namely agricultural, animal farming and forestry systems, within the same area. It can be performed through intercropping, crop succession or crop rotation, so that all the activities are mutually benefitial.

Such integrated systems aim to optimize land use by increasing productivity levels in one area, better using inputs, diversifying production and generating more jobs and income. All of this in an environmentally sound way, with low greenhouse gas emissions or even mitigating such emissions.

Different crops aimed at producing food, fibers or energy can be used in ICLFS. Similarly, the cattle component can be made with beef or dairy bovines, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and, in some cases, even swines and poultry can compose the system. With regard to the trees, native or exotic species can be used for tiber and non-timber purposes.

Due to this large variety of crops, ICLFS can be adapted for small, medium and large properties in all Brazilian biomes. The definitions on the characteristics of the adopted system will depend on the region's edaphoclimatic conditions, logistics, terrain, market, farmer's aptitude, availability of technical assistance, manpower available, among other factors.

Integrated agricultural production systems can only be made by combining two or three components as follows:

      

       

Benefits of ICLFS

Based on simple linear models, the area with ICLFS in 2020 was estimated at between 15.07 and 17.42 million hectares.. 

 

Year	Model 1	Model 2	Model 3
2015	11.47	11.47	11.47
2016	12.19	12.43	12.66
2017	12.91	13.39	13.85
2018	13.63	14.35	15.04
2019	14.35	15.31	16.23
2020	15.07	16.27	17.42

*Source: ICLFS Network