Agrobiodiversity

What is Agrobiodiversity?

Agrobiodiversity (agricultural biodiversity) refers to the variety and variability of living organisms that contribute to agriculture and food production, including crops, livestock, soil organisms, pollinators and surrounding ecosystems.

It encompasses not only the diversity of species used directly in farming — such as different crop varieties and animal breeds — but also the wider ecological systems that support agricultural productivity, including insects, microorganisms and natural habitats.

Agrobiodiversity is essential for building resilient, sustainable and productive farming systems that can adapt to environmental change.

What Does Agrobiodiversity Include?

Agrobiodiversity operates across multiple levels:

A. Crop Diversity

Different plant species and varieties used in agriculture, including traditional and modern cultivars.

B. Livestock Diversity

A range of animal breeds with varying traits such as disease resistance and climate adaptability.

C. Functional Biodiversity

Organisms that support farming, including pollinators, predators and soil microbes.

D. Ecosystem Diversity

Habitats such as hedgerows, grasslands, wetlands and field margins that support agricultural systems.

E. Genetic Diversity

Variation within species that allows adaptation to pests, diseases and climate conditions.

Why Agrobiodiversity Matters

1. Climate Resilience

Diverse systems are better able to withstand extreme weather and environmental stress.

2. Sustainable Farming

Reduces reliance on chemical inputs by supporting natural processes.

3. Pollination & Ecosystem Services

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects essential for crop production.

4. Genetic Resources

Preserves traits needed for future crop and livestock improvement.

5. Long-Term Productivity

Healthy ecosystems contribute to stable yields over time.

Agrobiodiversity in the UK

Agrobiodiversity is becoming increasingly important in UK agriculture through:

Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements
Natural capital and ecosystem service frameworks
Regenerative agriculture practices

UK farms are encouraged to enhance biodiversity by:

Maintaining hedgerows and field margins
Diversifying crop rotations
Supporting pollinator habitats
Integrating livestock and cropping systems

Agrobiodiversity is now a key component of sustainable land management strategies.

Agrobiodiversity in Europe, USA & Globally

Europe

The EU Biodiversity Strategy and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) promote agrobiodiversity through eco-schemes and environmental incentives.

United States

Agrobiodiversity is supported through conservation programmes and climate-smart agriculture initiatives led by the USDA.

Global

The FAO identifies agrobiodiversity as critical for food security, climate adaptation and sustainable development worldwide.

Agrobiodiversity vs Biodiversity

Feature	Agrobiodiversity	Biodiversity
Scope	Agriculture-specific ecosystems	All ecosystems globally
Focus	Farming systems and food production	Entire natural environment
Role	Supports agriculture and food systems	Supports overall ecological balance

Agrobiodiversity is a subset of biodiversity focused on agriculture.

Agrobiodiversity vs Monoculture

Feature	Agrobiodiversity	Monoculture
Diversity	High	Low
Resilience	Strong	Vulnerable to pests and disease
Sustainability	Higher potential	Often input-dependent

Agrobiodiversity promotes diversity.
Monoculture relies on uniformity.

How Farmers Improve Agrobiodiversity

1. Crop Rotation & Diversification

Growing multiple crops to improve soil and ecosystem balance.

2. Habitat Creation

Planting hedgerows, buffer strips and wildflower margins.

3. Integrated Farming Systems

Combining crops and livestock to enhance nutrient cycling.

4. Pollinator Support

Encouraging bees and other beneficial insects.

5. Reduced Chemical Inputs

Using integrated pest management (IPM) to protect ecosystems.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is agrobiodiversity in simple terms?

Agrobiodiversity is the variety of plants, animals and ecosystems that support farming and food production.

Why is agrobiodiversity important?

It improves resilience, supports sustainability and helps maintain productive farming systems.

How does agrobiodiversity help farmers?

It reduces risks from pests, diseases and climate change while improving soil health and ecosystem stability.

What is the difference between biodiversity and agrobiodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to all living organisms, while agrobiodiversity focuses specifically on those involved in agriculture.

Can agrobiodiversity improve crop yields?

Yes. Diverse systems can lead to more stable and resilient yields over time.

Is agrobiodiversity part of sustainable farming?

Yes. It is a key principle of sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

Key Resources on Agrobiodiversity

Learn the meaning of more essential agricultural terms with our easy-to-use Key Terms Glossary here