Maintaining production when trees dominate agroforestry systems at Vale do Ribeira, Brazil

Abstract

The Vale do Ribeira Successional Agroforestry System practiced in areas not covered by native vegetation in the dominion of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, generates food security, agroecological processes and production, income, social justice and ecological restoration. There is a production bottleneck when the system reaches the tree dominated phase. Our objectives were to examine potential products and propose enhancing strategies. Species diversity and regulation constraints are challenges for production and commercialization. To be successful, one or a few products must be determined, product-specific strategies must be developed, together with building adequate regulations. The juçara palm (Euterpe edulis) is the species with the most interesting characteristics and should be the focal species for tree phase sustainable production.