A systematic scoping literature review into temperate food forests: an overview of the current knowledge and a research agenda

Abstract

Food forestry might be a sustainable complement to agricultural systems in the temperate biome. These systems need to address ongoing challenges, such as biodiversity decline, water quality issues, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, while examples of temperate food forestry exist, a comprehensive overview of literature is lacking, limiting insight into how to grow and maintain these forests, as well as the potential of these forests in addressing environmental and social challenges. This study conducts a systematic scoping literature review to collate the existing knowledge on temperate food forestry. Topics addressed in this paper include the challenges and benefits of food forestry, the different phases of establishment, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge. The paper concludes with a research agenda, highlighting the need for more research into mature food forests, including harvesting practices and revenue models; more research in temperate climates in the southern hemisphere, including South America, Australia and New Zealand; and a stronger focus on the integration of Indigenous knowledge in food forestry to address agricultural challenges.