The limits of coexistence: the development of “frugal” systems in agro-pastoral regions

Abstract

Since the 1950s, the development of livestock farming in France has focused on a technical model aimed at constantly increasing the physical productivity of labour, to the detriment of value creation. A comparative study of four small agro-pastoral regions illustrates the consequences of this development model in the geographical context: falling numbers of agricultural jobs and an ebb in the share of grazing in the diet of flocks, resulting in underuse or abandon of the areas deemed most difficult, which has in turn led to closure of landscapes. Alternatives have, however, emerged, some of which seek to create more value through a frugal functional model based conversely on greater use of pastoral resources, promoting more sustainable agriculture. The limited development of these frugal agro-pastoral systems is analysed here, with the aim of identifying areas of competition and the limits of coexistence between agricultural development models.

Élevages au pâturage et développement durable des territoires méditerranéens et tropicaux

“…Pour des raisons similaires, des éleveurs allaitant développent la vente directe de viande pour tout ou partie de leur production (Nozières-Petit, 2019). En dehors de quelques exploitations dites économes, cette évolution vers les circuits courts et la transformation ne s'accompagne pas systématiquement d'un recours accru au pâturage dans l'alimentation des animaux (Garambois et al, 2020). Elle n'en reste pas moins intéressante car elle témoigne d'adaptations aux conditions locales susceptibles de faire contrepoids à des déterminants nationaux et européens.…”

What do our research friends say about the coexistence and confrontation of agricultural and food models? Introduction to the special issue

“…The authors reveal the parallel development of production systems with high labour productivity that leverage pastoral resources. They highlight the conditions under which such systems coexist with more inputsintensive systems by analyzing land competitions, market differentiation strategies, inequalities in support by public policies, and shortcomings of technical advisory systems (Garambois et al 2020). 7.…”

Diversification increases the resilience of European grassland‐based systems but is not a one‐size‐fits‐all strategy

“…In uplands, where animals graze on steep slopes and sometimes in more remote areas, grasslands are threatened by partial abandonment due to lack of economic profitability. Forage production for hay and silage is concentrated on mechanizable plots on the farm, and the steep slopes are under‐grazed, abandoned or planted with softwoods (Garambois et al, 2020).…”

“…Forage production for hay and silage is concentrated on mechanizable plots on the farm, and the steep slopes are under-grazed, abandoned or planted with softwoods (Garambois et al, 2020).…”