Agroforestry as land-based carbon dioxide removal in central Europe: tensions between institutions, interests, and ideas hindering scaling up

Agroforestry systems (AFS) present significant potential for carbon dioxide removal (CDR), climate adaptation, and the provision of environmental and social co-benefits. However, their current rate of expansion remains insufficient to meet the European Union's climate neutrality objectives. This study critically examines the political dynamics influencing AFS adoption in the trinational Upper Rhine region (Germany, Switzerland, and France) using the analytical framework of institutions, interests, and ideas (3I). While there is broad conceptual support for expanding AFS, conflicting perceptions and restrictive institutional frameworks reveal deeper structural resistance – particularly in Germany, where AFS are frequently perceived as economically nonviable and incompatible with modern agricultural practices. Conversely, the stronger cultural and economic valuation of trees and hedgerows in Switzerland and, increasingly, in France highlights alternative pathways for scaling up AFS. Effective policy interventions must prioritize climate adaptation, enhance farmer engagement, and create enabling conditions for experimentation. This necessitates the development of more robust compensation mechanisms and supportive legal frameworks to facilitate the broader implementation of agroforestry systems. Agroforestry systems can contribute to carbon dioxide removal targets as well as adaptation and other socio-environmental co-benefits Scaling up agroforestry is hindered by widespread ignorance, legal contradictions and restrictions to experimentation, as well as mistrust in farmers’ interests and capacities Policies need to simplify legal processes, guarantee upfront finance, implement mitigation-oriented schemes (long-term finance), address knowledge needs, and promote more collaboration and trust-building Building trust and aligning incentives with farmers’ realities are essential for integrating AFS into mainstream agriculture and unlocking their full climate mitigation potential.