We promote the potential and benefits of agroforestry as a multifunctional land use option that integrates trees into agricultural and horticultural systems at a range of levels and spatial orientations, to sustainably produce nutritious, wholesome food and quality timber while delivering a wide range of ecosystem services. IAF is a Registered Charity Number: 20206686

By joining the IAF you can access expert knowledge via discussion groups and email. There are discounted rates for farm visits and our annual conference. You can contribute to forum discussions and help influence policy change. As a member, you will have access to members-only files and you will receive a quarterly newsletter to your email. There is also the opportunity to email your agroforestry queries directly to forum experts.

Agroforestry on your farm can bring many benefits to livestock, crops and environment. Trees can store carbon, extend the grazing season, contribute to biodiversity, nutrient cycling and water quality. Trees can provide shelter for animals, improve welfare and improve nutrition through the use of tree fodder.

If you are interested in adding an agroforestry plot to your farm you can firstly read through material on this website and any websites we recommend. Your local Teagasc forestry advisor will be able to advise on system design and grants available. Applications for the Department of Agriculture Agroforestry measure FT8 under the Afforestation Programme 2023-2027 have to be made through a registered Forester. Details can be found here. Your first step is to contact the forester and give them a map of your farm and where you want to plant so they can check for suitability and any environmental restrictions, this will save time and money.

Yes, the planting of trees in an area greater than 0.1ha requires planting approval from the forestry section of the Department of Agriculture

Information on agroforestry can be found on this website and in the links sections. If you are a member you may also submit agroforestry related agricultural enterprise and production questions directly to us, any questions with regards to planting permissions and grants should be directed to the forestry section of the Department and/or your Teagasc Advisor.

The Establishment of Agroforestry is currently funded under the Environmental Farming Scheme. Further information on the agroforestry option is available from the Department’s website EFS information sheet - (W) - Establishment of agroforestry (EAF).pdf (daera-ni.gov.uk)

There are DAERA grant options available for tree planting:

1. DAERA Forestry Grants: Forest Expansion Scheme and Small woodland grant scheme. Both schemes are expected to open for application in early summer 2022, see links below for more information.

a. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/daera-forestry-grants

b. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/forest-expansion-scheme-information-booklet

c. https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/small-woodland-grant-scheme-information-booklet

2. EFS options: Establishing agroforestry, planting native tree corridors, creating an orchard and establishing native woodland less than 5ha.

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/environmental-farming-scheme-wider-options

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) provides information on grants and funding available in Northern Ireland https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/grants-and-funding and publishes a list of Forestry Services & Suppliers https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/list-forest-service-contractors-suppliers-northern-ireland . Contact details for DAERA teams is also available from these web pages.

Woodland creation projects in Northern Ireland are subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (as amended). The environmental impacts of the proposed project must be carefully considered and further information and advice is available from the Department’s website https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/environmental-impact-assessments