Opportunities and barriers for promoting biodiversity in Danish beef production

Grazing at near-natural stocking rates is increasingly rare, whereas abandonment and overgrazing is common, despite both leading to loss of threatened species. Here, we evaluate a biodiversity-promotion strategy of a beef-producing company involving livestock grazing for conservation. Using field surveys, a national biodiversity map, and farmer interviews, we evaluate the conservation potential of farmers committing to a conservation grazing scheme. Most farmers practiced summer grazing, and-contrary to their pledge-primarily grazed areas of low conservation value, and with stocking rates far above carrying capacity. We conclude that a conservation grazing beef brand will only have real value for threatened species if committed to, and held accountable to, a scientifically informed grazing scheme. Our results point to rural traditions, legal regulations, and economic incentives as factors obstructing of a beneficial grazing practice. Hence, the results of this study call for a critical and scientifically informed approach to future land-sharing policies.