What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is a collective name for land-use practices where trees are combined with crops and/or animals on the same unit of land and where there are significant ecological or economic interactions between the tree and the agricultural components.
Cattle Grazing Sycamore Silvopasture in Antrim
Benefits of agroforestry
Farming and forestry working together in the same field, providing additional sources of sustainable on-farm revenue
growing high-quality timber managed to integrate with livestock production and grass growth
promoting animal welfare and contributing to better livestock productivity
enhancing grass growth, biodiversity and water quality with improved shelter, soil health and nutrient capture
enhancing the capacity for on-farm carbon sequestration
availing of attractive establishment grants and annual premiums in addition to the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) on eligible land.
You can learn more about the benefits of integrating trees on livestock farms here
The Signpost Series Webinar - Agroforestry, Multiple Benefits for Irish Agriculture
Watch Forum Directors Prof/Dr Jim McAdam, Dr Ian Short and Department of Agriculture Inspector Eugene Curran as they outline and discuss the positive benefits that agroforestry can provide for your livestock, crops and farm environment.
The role of trees on farms
This Soil Association video tells us how combining trees with crops or livestock is more productive, better for wildlife and healthier for the planet.
Soil Association / Agroforestry: Non-harvest income sources
Soil Association Discussion here on the benefits of trees in supporting and improving your animals’ welfare - shelter, forage, medicine - and how this can positively impact on your farm’s resilience and profitability.
