Integrative Power for Agroforestry and Conditions for its Continuance

Abstract

An integrated silvicultural and agricultural system, as part of an agroforestry system, that combines log-grown shiitake mushroom production with beef cattle production has been practiced in Japan. That is to say, family labor is spread equally between fodder production in summer and mushroom production in winter. Satoyama is also a common place for the production of oak trees for mushroom logs and the production of ground bamboo for grazing cows. Furthermore, breeding cows not only produce calves, but also are used for weeding under growing oak trees. Therefore, the integrative power of this integrated silvicultural and agricultural system is so strong that its profitability is higher than either specialized mushroom or beef cattle farming. It’s also clear through model analysis that its profitability is stable because of its ability to cope with fluctuation of sales prices for each commodity.

On the other hand, it is critical in beef cattle farming to reduce both labor and feed expenditure costs. This is normally done by enlarging farm size which enables the farmer to specialize. To maintain this integrated silvicultural and agricultural system and thus conserve Satoyama, a policy that promotes the enlargement of beef cattle farming, such as excessive support for farmers to introduce cows, facilities, and fodder production on paddy, should be reconsidered.