Press contact
Katherine Peacock | Marketing and Communications Manager
katherine.peacock@bdspublishing.com
22nd October 2025
Is agroforestry key to mitigating climate change?
“By integrating trees, crops and livestock on the same land, agroforestry boosts general farm productivity,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“But – and perhaps more importantly – agroforestry systems also deliver a whole host of critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, soil health improvements and biodiversity conservation,” he adds.
A new book – Advances in temperate agroforestry – reviews the wealth of recent research which explores just how agroforestry systems support these key ecosystem services.
For example, agroforestry systems create diverse habitats that support soil microbial communities which are absolutely essential for key processes such as nutrient cycling and plant growth.
These systems also act as “carbon sinks”, capturing and storing carbon (which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere) in both biomass and soil.
Research by Gordon and Thevathasan (2004) supports this notion, with results from their research study highlighting that silvopastoral systems which incorporated fast-growing tree species, such as hybrid poplar, can sequester 2.7 – 3 times more carbon than monoculture pasture systems.
“The ability for agroforestry systems to sequester this amount of carbon makes them a formidable tool in the fight against mitigating climate change,” says Francis Dodds.
However, despite the benefits of agroforestry systems, their adoption faces significant barriers in the form of high initial costs, a lack of technical knowledge and policy restraints.
For advocates of agroforestry, these barriers can be overcome through governmental action in the form of incentives and policy support.
The book also considers the development of different silvopastoral and silvoarable practices, including integrating trees and livestock in timber forests, orchard and pasture systems, as well as alley cropping and intercropping.
“This volume offers a valuable collection of critical reviews, insightful evaluation and in-depth commentaries chronicling key developments in temperate agroforestry, particularly across Europe and North America,” says P. K. Ramachandran Nair, Distinguished Professor at the University of Florida, USA.
“I am confident that this book will make an impressive addition to the existing literature on temperate agroforestry and contribute to future advancements in the sector,” he adds.
16th September 2025
Weeding out the problem: The rise of non-chemical control methods
But the good news is that there’s a range of alternative, non-chemical weed control methods which can be implemented by farmers to manage weed populations more effectively and sustainably.
These methods – and how they’re implemented within particular farming systems – are the focal point of Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing’s new book: Weed management in Conservation Agriculture systems.
“Conservation agriculture systems offer great promise for the integrated management of soil, water and crops to deliver valuable ecosystem services in a cost-effective way,” says Professor Adam Davis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
“The depth of expertise and breadth of topics included will make the book a valuable source of information and will be a great addition to the toolkit for practical management of Conservation Agriculture systems,” he concludes.
Conservation Agriculture is built on three core principles: minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and diversified crop rotations.
Whilst these practices offer numerous benefits, including improvements to soil health, reduced erosion and enhanced biodiversity, they also create unique challenges for weed management.
“In the early stages of adopting Conservation Agriculture, weed density often increases due to reduced tillage and the presence of crop residues which can shelter weed seeds,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“This transition period from a conventional farming system to one that prohibits the use of chemicals can be extremely daunting for farmers, particularly if weed populations are increasing and encroaching on crop yields,” he adds.
However, farmers can experiment with a variety of biological, physical and cultural methods to manage weeds effectively, whilst also enhancing the sustainability of their operations.
Notable methods which have shown great promise in suppressing weed populations include allelopathy, cover crops, mulching, mechanical weeding, crop rotations and intercropping.
The planting of cover crops is an extremely popular cultural method of control as these crops, such as legumes and grasses, provide a dual benefit. On one hand they suppress weed populations by outcompeting them for key resources and nutrients, and on the other, they improve soil health by increasing organic matter as they decompose.
There remains considerable uncertainty surrounding the future of effective weed control in agriculture following the sector’s need to reduce its reliance on chemical inputs and adopt more sustainable practices.
What perhaps isn’t up for debate is the role of non-chemical weed control methods in achieving a more sustainable agriculture.
13th August 2025
Unlocking the secrets of soil microbiomes to enhance soil and crop health
Understanding and utilising soil microbiomes for a more sustainable agriculture, the latest book in the impressive collection from Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, summaries the wealth of recent research in this important area and reviews advances in techniques for analysing soil microorganisms and the ecosystem services they support.
“Components of environmental systems are intrinsically linked through microbiomes that connect water, soil, plants and animals,” says Dr Alan Richardson, CSIRO Agriculture & Food, Australia.
“This volume, edited by Professor Kari Dunfield – a renowned soil biologist – brings together a series of quality reviews that explore the structural and functional relevance of microbiomes across agricultural systems and their associated contribution to ecosystem services,” adds Dr Richardson.
Much of the research surrounding soil microbiomes is focussed on their contribution to ecosystem services, but what does this mean and what do they actually do?
In short, soil microbiomes are absolutely essential for maintaining ecosystem functionality as they contribute to nutrient cycling, soil structure formation and the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Microbial diversity is particularly important for stabilising ecosystem services as different microbes perform unique functions, and, when combined can ensure that soil ecosystems remain functional even when experiencing abiotic and/or biotic stress.
So, how can microbial diversity lead to improvements in agricultural productivity?
Ultimately, the way in which land is managed can have a significant influence on the microbial communities living within the soil.
Techniques such as crop rotations and the use of organic amendments have been shown to enhance soil structure, water infiltration rates and microbial diversity.
Whereas practices such as deforestation and agricultural intensification are known to profoundly alter soil microbial communities, reduce microbial diversity, degrade soil health and diminish soil fertility.
The domino effect of understanding the soil microbiome is truly remarkable. In deepening our understanding of these microbial communities and their contributions, we can improve the health of our soils. This leads not just to the production of more nutritious food, but much broader improvements to human, animal and environmental health.
And the end result? A healthy, functional and sustainable food system.
30th June 2025
Global pig industry transformed by developments in breeding and reproduction
“The science in these fields is advancing rapidly with new information about genetic control of disease resistance, feed efficiency and reproductive performance arriving in abundance,” says Professor David S. Buchanan, North Dakota State University, USA.
A new book – Advances in pig breeding and reproduction – considers these significant developments and also explores how reproductive efficiency can be optimised to achieve the desired breeding outcomes.
One particular development that has helped revolutionise pig breeding programmes and the wider pig sector is the application of molecular genetic information through techniques such as genomic selection and marker-assisted selection.
“The application of these techniques increases the accuracy of the breeding value predictions and can heavily influence early selection decisions,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“They’re also extremely beneficial for measuring particular traits which are hard to measure directly, including the likes of meat quality and disease resistance,” he adds.
But optimising breeding programmes and applying conventional and molecular breeding techniques is only one half of the picture. What’s also key is gilt reproductive efficiency.
Proper gilt development and management are absolutely critical for achieving optimal reproductive performance, as is the manipulation of hormones and management of mating.
Hormonal treatments, such as PG600, GnRH analogues are used to induce and synchronise the oestrus and ovulation cycles, whilst various mating management techniques are deployed to enhance the successes of fertilisation. Examples of these techniques include artificial insemination, pen breeding and hand mating.
“Publication of a book about the advances in pig breeding and reproduction is very timely [and] includes scientists and researchers from many of the institutions at the forefront of the science of sustainable pork production,” says Professor Buchanan.
“This volume will be a valuable reference for anybody who is a serious student of the science of pigs,” he concludes.
19th May 2025
How safe is the food on your plate?
A new book sets out to become the ‘go-to’ reference for how best to deal with these zoonotic threats and prevent future outbreaks.
Improving poultry meat safety and sustainability features contributions from an impressive list of international researchers working in academia and industry and has been edited by Professor Steven C. Ricke – one of the world’s foremost authorities on poultry meat safety.
“The contents will be applicable to the poultry industry's ever-changing regulatory environment and expanding scientific exploration”, says Dr Bill D. Potter, Extension Specialist in Poultry Food Safety & Processing at the University of Arkansas, USA.
“The highly-experienced authors and distinguished editor will provide many thought-provoking perspectives in regards to continuous improvement in poultry meat safety and several ongoing sustainability initiatives,” he adds.
Given the move away from the excessive, prophylactic use of antibiotics (and its contribution to antimicrobial resistance), there is a renewed focus on biosecurity measures which themselves face greater challenges with the shift towards giving poultry greater freedom of movement on welfare grounds.
“Biosecurity is the first line of defence against infectious diseases in poultry and if these measures are implemented correctly, they can significantly reduce the risk of disease transmission,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“But biosecurity is more than just washing your hands,” he adds.
A significant biosecurity measure is to minimise contact between poultry and wild birds through physical separation, such as fences or enclosures.
However, in some cases more extreme measures are required. For example, at the peak of the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in November 2021, the UK government implemented a mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds. Remarkably, this housing order lasted for more than a year and half as the nation (and the rest of the world) battled against rising infection numbers.
Through the implementation of effective disease management programmes which optimise key safety measures, such as biosecurity and vaccination, the poultry industry can work towards mitigating the risks posed by zoonotic diseases, and in turn, produce healthier flocks and safer poultry products.
"With its wide range of content and perspectives, this book will be a very valuable resource for poultry operations managers, food safety leaders, poultry health professionals, researchers, students, and others affiliated with the industry,” concludes Dr Potter.
14th May 2025
Reach new heights with your business at Vietstock Expo & Forum 2025
Vietstock Leading the Way In Innovation & Collaboration
As Southeast Asia's livestock sector evolves rapidly, Vietstock Expo & Forum stands out as the region’s leading annual B2B platform professionals. for feed, livestock, animal health, and meat processing.
Recognized as Vietnam’s leading international exhibition for the livestock industry, Vietstock is part of Informa Markets’ trusted ASEAN-wide livestock and aquaculture exhibition series, renowned for connecting innovators, key decision-makers, and solution providers across the value chain.
Scheduled from October 8–10, 2025 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietstock Expo & Forum is more than just a showcase of products, it fosters valuable conversations, drives regional collaboration, and highlights transformative solutions for a sustainable future.
With more than 300 exhibitors and 13,000 professionals from over 40 countries expected, Vietstock 2025 will cover 13,000 sqm of exhibition space, offering businesses unparalleled opportunities to connect, collaborate, and lead in a rapidly advancing industry landscape.
Vietstock - Your Strategic Gateway To Vietnam’s Livestock Market
Is your business aiming to scale, expand market reach, or establish a leading position in Vietnam’s and Southeast Asia’s livestock, animal feed, animal health, or meat processing sectors? Seeking a high-impact platform to showcase your innovations, build direct relationships with key decision-makers, and expand business potential across the region? Vietstock Expo & Forum is the must-attend gateway!
Unlock New Opportunities, Create Valuable Partnerships
Join 13,000+ qualified trade visitors, including farm owners, feed millers, meat processors, distributors, veterinarians, and governments from across Vietnam and over 40 countries and regions. Vietstock offers you face-to-face access to the decision-makers who matter most, enabling high-value interactions that shorten the sales cycle and open doors to new partnerships.
Mr. Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shared his thoughts on Vietstock: “Exhibitors have noted that each year after Vietstock, their equipment sales increase. Our livestock and aquaculture technologies are continually being innovated, which plays a key role in boosting the industry's productivity, quality, and competitiveness”.
Showcase Innovation in a High-Impact Environment
With over 13,000 sqm of exhibition space and 300+ exhibiting companies, Vietstock 2025 brings together the entire livestock industry under one roof. Whether you offer feed technology, breeding solutions, animal health products, farm automation systems, or meat processing equipment, this is where innovation gets noticed.
The exhibition is designed for maximum exposure, giving your brand the spotlight it deserves.
Livestock Roadshow held in key livestock provinces across Vietnam, increases opportunities for exhibitors to connect directly with potential customers in these vital markets.
Match & Meet Program - The platform offers a professional business networking space where exhibitors and industry leaders can network quickly and privately, opening up the opportunity to reach the “final decision” right at the event.
Maximize ROI with Quality Leads and Targeted Connections
Exhibiting at Vietstock is a strategic investment in measurable business outcomes. Capture high-quality leads, engage with key decision-makers, and position your solutions directly in front of industry buyers who are actively seeking innovative technologies and sustainable solutions to enhance productivity within livestock production.
Boost your lead generation with LeadGrab - Lead Retrieval Application. This tool enables exhibitors to efficiently capture visitor information by simply scanning badges, turning every interaction into a valuable business connection. Seamlessly track and follow up on potential leads to maximize ROI and accelerate your sales pipeline post-event.
Stay Ahead of Livestock Trends & Industry Insights
During the three days of Vietstock 2025, benefit from technical seminars, industry forums, and policy briefings delivered by top industry experts and associations. Gain valuable knowledge, sustainability trends, animal welfare, biosecurity, and feed innovation, that can sharpen business strategy and inspire product development.
Conferences & Technical Seminars: An education hub for technical knowledge and market updates in the livestock industry, features engaging sessions led by industry thought leaders, covers a diverse range of topics, from market trends and regulatory updates to technological advancements and best practices
Biosecurity Asia Forum: The forum will focus on orientations, methods, and implementation strategies for biosecurity, which is a core value for sustainable development in the livestock industry
Eggcellent Theatre: Vietstock celebrates World Egg Day at Eggcellent Theatre every year with many exciting activities: product showcase, workshops, seminars, free Egg-Gift-Away.
Stand out in Southeast Asia’s thriving livestock market
Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets for livestock production and meat processing. By exhibiting at Vietstock 2025, you position your business at the center of Southeast Asia’s agribusiness transformation. Strengthen brand visibility, enhance credibility, and become a recognized name in a market where trust and long-term partnerships are key to success.
Adding to the prestige of the event, the Vietstock Awards – 13th edition will once again be hosted by the Department of Livestock Production and Veterinary (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) offer a unique opportunity to elevate your brand. These prestigious awards honour organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Vietnam’s livestock sector. A nomination or win amplifies your brand, reinforces your leadership, and strengthens regional credibility.
Start your journey to success at Vietstock Expo & Forum 2025
Vietstock 2025 is your gateway to unlocking new growth opportunities and building long-lasting partnerships in the heart of Southeast Asia’s rapidly advancing livestock industry. With thousands of industry leaders and decision-makers converging under one roof, this is the place to highlight your innovations, expand your reach, and position your brand for success in a competitive market.
Now is the time to act, secure your stand at Vietstock Expo & Forum 2025 and be part of the region's most impactful livestock exhibition.
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Contact information:
• Website: https://www.vietstock.org/en/
• Exhibiting: Ms. Sophie Nguyen – Sophie.nguyen@informa.com
• Group Delegation Support: Ms. Phuong – Phuong.c@informa.com
• Marcom Support: Ms. Anita Pham – Anita.pham@informa.com
1st May 2025
BDS presented with award for its generative AI-based knowledge platform
"It’s such a great feeling to be recognised for the innovative work we’re doing with AI and the ways that we users can now interact with our content,” says Rob Burleigh.
“I can’t wait to take it back to the office and share the fantastic news with the rest of the team,” he adds.
Whilst other publishers have remained cautious about AI, BDS instead saw its emergence as an exciting opportunity to reach new markets and sales channels and disseminate author’s work more widely, whilst also providing users with a completely new experience.
And this ability to innovate resulted in the development of AgNetZero – a ground-breaking software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution which utilises the publisher’s internationally-trusted content to provide science-based evidence to stakeholders tasked with helping agriculture meet its net zero goals.
And perhaps it was their willingness to ‘grasp the nettle’ that made them stand out from the crowd, with judges commenting on their win:
“This is smart use of tech to leverage content and find new audiences. It shows how AI can be a positive for publishing when used right.”
This is the second time BDS have been successful at The Independent Publishers Awards. In 2018, they were awarded the Nick Robinson Newcomer Award for their innovative commissioning model and the successful development of a book programme with titles dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food systems.
15th April 2025
There's nothing synthetic about biocontrol solutions!
A new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing – Advances in biocontrol of crop insect pests – provides a detailed overview of some of the key developments in this area.
“This book brings together leading experts to provide a comprehensive and timely overview of the latest advancements in biocontrol for insect pest management” says Professor Ilaria Pertot, University of Trento, Italy.
“Covering cutting-edge techniques – from semiochemicals to genetic engineering – it is an essential reference for researchers, industry professionals and policymakers striving for sustainable, environmentally friendly pest control solutions,” she concludes.
As the sector stands, there are four major groups of biocontrol technologies that products can be categorised into: microbials, macrobials, natural substances and semiochemicals.
Microbial-based biopesticides have emerged as a cornerstone of modern pest control strategies and utilise microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses to target and eliminate pests.
Bioprotectants, which include microbial-based bioprotectants and natural substances, are also gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides used for plant disease control.
Both of these products reduce reliance on harmful synthetic pesticides, support resistance management and can seamlessly be implemented into integrated pest and disease management programmes.
However, the advantages of bioprotectants extends beyond sustainability. Their use presents fewer risks to public health, complies with regulatory restrictions on chemical controls and meets the increasing consumer demand for labelled products.
“Despite cost-of-living concerns, health-conscious consumers are searching for pesticide-free products,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“This shows just how important it is for farmers to invest not only in their understanding of the pests and diseases which threaten their crops, but also the wider biocontrol market, the development of biocontrol products and the consequent impact of their use,” he adds.
The biocontrol sector remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation, offering sustainable solutions for pest and disease management. However, the sector faces its fair share of challenges in the form of additional production costs, field stability and host resistance.
By addressing the challenges and leveraging the benefits of these biocontrol agents, the agricultural industry can move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
26th March 2025
Can organic farming solve our sustainability dilemma?
“Dairy cattle farming has played a key role in the development of organic principles, regulations and practices,” says Dr Mette Vaarst, Senior Researcher at Aarhus University, Denmark and co-editor of this new book.
This is the focus of Advances in organic dairy cattle farming – a new book edited by three of the world’s foremost authorities on organic animal farming: Dr Mette Vaarst (Aarhus University, Denmark), Dr Stephen Roderick (Duchy College, UK) and Dr Lindsay Whistance (Organic Research Centre, UK).
The book considers how organic dairy farming has the potential to address major environmental challenges, whilst also meeting the four key organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and care.
“The environmental footprint of conventional dairy farming is significant and we can’t hide away from that fact,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
“But perhaps what needs to be highlighted and spoken about more is organic farming and its remarkable potential to not only reduce the environmental impact of dairy production, but also how it can promote biodiversity and enhance other ecosystem services,” he adds.
Conventional dairy farming often relies on intensive livestock management, imported feed and synthetic fertilisers and pesticides for pasture management which collectively contribute to higher emissions. In contrast, organic dairy farms utilise natural processes and inputs, including a higher reliance on pasture, organically-sourced feed supplements and regenerative methods for optimising pasture quality.
By working with nature, organic farms can promote biodiversity and create more resilient and sustainable agroecosystems able to deliver key ecosystem services, including pollination, pest control and water regulation.
“However, whilst organic dairy farming does offer numerous environmental benefits, it also presents challenges that need to be addressed,” says Francis Dodds.
“These challenges include potentially lower yields associated with more extensive production systems as well as health and welfare issues given a lower reliance on antibiotics and anthelmintics,” he adds.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth within an already exciting sector which offers a promising path to greater sustainability for the wider agricultural sector.
18th March 2025
Creeping up the agenda – insects as food
And this is just one of the focal points of a new book published by Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.
Insects as alternative sources of protein for food and feed provides a comprehensive overview of the recent research undertaken in this rapidly-expanding area and considers how we can optimise its use as a sustainable feed and food source which contributes to a more resilient food system.
“More than ever, efforts are needed to develop a global bioeconomy and harnessing and industrialising insect biology will create opportunities for recycling organic streams to generate materials of value while minimising environmental impacts,” says Professor Jeffery K. Tomberlin, Texas A&M University, USA.
“Such systems are already being developed in Global North and Global South Nations and this new book sets part of the foundation for the recognition and application of such practices,” he adds.
Of the 1.1 million different species of insects which have been identified by scientists, around 1,700 of them are edible. Included in this list is black solider flies, yellow mealworms, house flies and crickets.
The above-mentioned species are already utilised as ingredients in poultry, pig and fish feed due to their remarkable nutritional profile and contribution to overall animal health.
“Many [insects] are rich in protein and good fats and high in calcium, iron and zinc,” says Professor Sujaya Rao, University of Minnesota, USA.
“The composition of unsaturated omega-3s and six fatty acids in mealworms is comparable with that in fish, and higher than in cattle and pigs,” she adds.
As well as being a highly nutritious alternative to mainstream protein sources, such as chicken, beef and fish, insect farming is also suggested to be more sustainable when compared to conventional livestock production as insects raised as food emit less greenhouse gases and ammonia and also required less land.
Despite the role of insect production in addressing some of the key global challenges, including food security, environmental sustainability and waste management, consumer acceptance of insect-based food remains a significant obstacle that the sector must hurdle if it is to truly revolutionise the global food and feed industries.
29th January 2025
Reimagining our agri-food supply chains
A new book comprehensively delves into this complex picture and features contributions from leading international experts affiliated with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Rainforest Alliance, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) and the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN).
Improving standards and certification in agri-food supply chains: Ensuring safety, sustainability and social responsibility has been edited by Professor Louise Manning – one of the world’s leading authorities on food safety, quality and integrity and agri-food supply chains.
The book explores through multiple case studies the roles of different stakeholders in standard setting, how changes in governance and the use of technology can improve accountability, as well as discussing the different ways of enhancing good agricultural practices (GAPs) to meet new ways of producing safe, nutritious food. GAPs are a collection of practices designed to ensure safe and nutritious food production while considering economic, social, and environmental sustainability. They can be context specific as in some parts of the world the key challenge is deforestation, in others water use, worker welfare, or biodiversity loss.
Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS), such as those that campaign for fair trade, organic farming and ethical sourcing, also contribute to improving the social, environmental and economic aspects of agricultural production and are an integral part of the agri-food supply chain.
The Rainforest Alliance is a notable example of how a certification body can promote sustainability, whilst also addressing key environmental and social issues. For example, in 2018 the Rainforest Alliance merged with UTZ and developed the Sustainable Agriculture Standard which aims to make certification more user-friendly and less complex for farmers. This standard helps farmers improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability while promoting sustainable practices.
“Agri-food supply chains increasingly need to take account of how they contribute to and support the delivery of societal aims and ambitions including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, notably reducing hunger,” says Professor Louise Manning, editor of this new book.
The role of standards and certification is undeniable in ensuring that food supply chains are visible, transparent and food is produced with integrity. As the global population continues to grow and environmental challenges become more pressing, the importance of standards and the need for stakeholders to demonstrate their contribution and support of the sustainability and safety of the agri-food supply chain, whilst ensuring food security and minimising the negative impact of food production will only increase.
13th January 2025
Managing and protecting biodiversity crucial for a sustainable future
Managing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: Conservation, restoration and rewilding brings together a host of international experts in conservation biology and ecological restoration from Africa, Europe, North America and Oceania to highlight the current biodiversity threat, as well as how agriculture can contribute to improving biodiversity in farmland and other agricultural settings.
Agri-environment schemes (AES) have emerged as vital tools in promoting biodiversity conservation within agricultural landscapes and encompass a range of policies and programs designed to incentivise farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
In North America, AES have been instrumental in addressing the negative externalities of agriculture, such as pollution and habitat destruction, whereas in Australia and Europe the focus of these schemes has been on reforestation and the restoration of native vegetation and peatlands.
Although extremely promising, AES face their own challenges, including the need for better coordination amongst stakeholders and the integration of scientific knowledge into policy and practice.
Another area that shows great promise is animal rewilding – a conservation practice which involves the introduction of native species into their historical habitats with the aim of restoring natural processes and ecological functions.
Case studies from Australia and New Zealand showcase the reintroduction of endangered species, such as the stitchbird (hihi Notiomystis cincta) and the South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) and their role in the recovery of key ecological functions, such as seed dispersal, pollination and nutrient recycling.
“Agricultural landscapes have the potential to bring people and nature together in ways that support human wellbeing and sustain valuable biodiversity,” says Professor Saul Cunningham, Australian National University, Australia.
“This edited volume brings together an outstanding selection of experts to help us to understand how it is possible to get better outcomes for nature and people, considering principles practice and policy,” he concludes.
Protecting biodiversity is not just an environmental responsibility, but a practical approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems.