Agroforestry
No tree is ever alone. Above, in its branches, birds and squirrels make their homes, eating the fruits and nuts that the tree provides. Underfoot, deer eat low-hanging leaves and underbrush, making space for new growth to come through. In the soil, fungal systems communicate and give nutrients through mycorrhizal networks to and from other trees. Together, they create a method that works, one that gives and takes in a balance. By taking a page from how an ecosystem works, Indigenous practices learned from these systems and started to grow like a forest. Agroforestry is not a modern concept, but a reintroduction of traditional knowledge. By combining forestry, pasture, and crops into one system, agroforestry mimics structures found in nature to best utilize space and production systems. By having each element build off each other, through the exchange of water, nutrients and space, all parts are part of a whole. Instead of a monoculture system, agroforestry allows for multiple products to be grown in one spot, and for more security for crops, livestock, trees, and farmers.
Introduction to Agroforestry - RUVIVAL Toolbox is a great starting point for introducing what agroforestry is and what it looks like. This video goes through the three major agroforestry systems: silvoarable, silvopastoral, and agrosilvopastoral. Using trees as a key player in agricultural systems can bring lots of benefits to your operation. The benefits and drawbacks are as diverse as the systems used.
USDA National Agroforestry Center is where you can find conservation practice standards and different agroforestry practices through the USDA. Having this information can give a guide in establishing and managing an agroforestry system that allows your farm to qualify for USDA programs. The USDA has created an interactive practice standards map, along with articles and resources of common practices, including: alley cropping, forest farming, riparian forest buffers, silvopasture, and windbreaks.
University of Vermont Agroforestry is a part of the UVM Extension that gives quick basic information on agroforestry components, system design, and arrangements. This is a great gateway agroforestry resource, such as the NRCS Agroforestry for Farms and Ranches, and VT Farm to Plate Agroforestry resources.
SARE Agroforestry Transition Hub is an on-farm-based research and education hub based at Dartmouth’s Organic Farm through SARE. This project has agroforestry-related guides, such as the Agroforestry zine and the Benefits of Trees zine, to give insight into how this system works. A research report was created through this program to study the opportunities agroforestry has for local farms in New England.
UNH Adaptive Agroforestry Principles and Teaching, or ADAPT, is a great local resource with a newsletter to keep you informed on the New England Agroforestry community. ADAPT develops climate smart strategities to expand agroforestry production in New England, while supporting healthy ecosystems. This program establishes research, extension, and education opportunities to expand agroforestry through a partnership between SARE, Yale, Dartmouth, and UNH.
If you are interested in agroforestry practices that are outside of New England, the Savannah Institute is a Midwest-based research nonprofit working to create multifunctional agricultural systems. Though this is a Midwest-based project, many of their ideas and research can be applied in the Northeast. By integrating trees, crops, and livestock, there are ways to create ecological resilience, climate stability, and economic prosperity. The Savannah Institute has created lots of resources for farmers on agroforestry, including guides to understand basic agroforestry principles and practices. Watch an example of one of the projects of the Savannah Institute through Mark Shepard - Agroforestry Farm Tour Video Series.
Agroforestry values creativity; through these resources, farmers can explore different ideas and practices. Each forest is as unique as each farm; some organisms thrive while others struggle. It is a balance to figure out a way to perfect the harmony of all parts of a system. These resources are only the start of the agroforestry path, but a great place to begin the journey. If you have other agroforestry-related resources, please share them to expand our guide and network!
To Learn More:
For some video resources, check out What is Agroforestry? - The Future of Farming by Solarity Acres and The Incredible Benefits of Agroforestry on Small Farms/Introduction to Agroforestry by Regenerative Medi.
Check out NOFA-NH’s other agroforestry resources, such as the Silvopasture blog and the YouTube video Agroforestry: What it is and how it can revolutionize your life. | NOFA-NH 2022 Winter Conference.
This resource was funded in partnership with the Transition to Organic Partnership Program