On 15th of October 2024, ILVO hosted the agroforestry event of the year: ‘Farming with trees: the road to 2035’. Over 200 farmers, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of agroforestry in Flanders. The event marked 10 years of research by the Consortium Agroforestry Flanders, of which Inagro is also a member, and focused on the further development of agroforestry towards 2035. Here are some important highlights, including all the presentations and videos that were covered.
New manual – Proven benefits of agroforestry
Over the past decade, the partners of the Agroforestry Consortium Flanders have collaborated in more than 20 projects focused on research, knowledge exchange, learning networks, farm support, policy development, and on-the-ground implementation. This yielded substantial data on the impact of trees on crop production, soil quality, carbon storage, biodiversity, and profitability. In addition, the consortium developed knowledge sheets, decision-support digital tools, online training modules, and an agroforestry map, all of which are included in the handbook.
After a decade of research, the benefits of agroforestry are clear:
• up to 7 tons of additional CO₂ storage per hectare per year
• a protective microclimate
• improved water management
• increased biodiversity
• and a higher overall productivity. Although crop yields may decrease by an average of 20% due to competition with trees, this loss is compensated by the trees’ contributions to climate adaptation and the production of timber, nuts, and fruit. Agroforestry also creates opportunities for new revenue streams, such as local nut production, fruit juices, and ciders.
Manual Agroforestry in Flanders 2014-2024: A Guide after 10 Years of Research and Practice.
Keynote and Panel Discussion
Mark Shepard, an American pioneer in regenerative agriculture, opened the day with an inspiring keynote on water management and the role of agroforestry in climate adaptation. Shepard highlighted the importance of trees in retaining water and creating resilient farming systems.
The panel discussion brought together experts, including Elise Van Broeckhoven (Plukboerderij Grondig), Nico Vandervelpen (Hoeve De Peinwinning), and Franky Bossuyt (VUB). They explored the challenges and opportunities in agroforestry, addressing how legislation, policy, and markets can better support farmers who want to apply agroforestry into their agricultural practices.
Workshops: Practical Insights and Tools
The event also featured a series of interactive workshops, providing participants with practical knowledge on various aspects of agroforestry:
AGROFORESTRY AND POLICY: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
This workshop focused on the legal and policy challenges surrounding agroforestry. Participants gained insights from neighboring countries and collaborated to devise solutions that could remove barriers for farmers. The need for experimental flexibility and support for pioneering farmers was also discussed.
USING THE AGROFORESTRY PLANNER
Participants learned how to use the Agroforestry Planner, a decision-support tool for developing their own agroforestry projects. The tool assists in selecting tree species, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and estimating carbon storage potential.
RESEARCH AND REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
Mark Shepard joined researchers to discuss the future of agroforestry and regenerative agriculture. The workshop focused on water management and the importance of continued investment in agroforestry research to develop resilient farming systems.
Inagro is highly involved in this topic. Our project AFaktive highlights agroforestry as key to improving water management and adapting to extreme weather.
THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF AGROFORESTRY
This workshop addressed the profitability of agroforestry and potential revenue models. Participants discussed the challenges of market access for agroforestry products and explored ways for farmers to mitigate risks by diversifying product lines (e.g., timber, nuts, fruit).
LEARNING NETWORKS IN AGROFORESTRY
This session zoomed in on the experiences of learning networks where farmers and researchers share knowledge. Emphasis was placed on fostering collaborations and supporting farmers throughout their agroforestry journey.
FIELD VISITS
During the field visit participants got a glance at one of the experimental agroforestry sites at ILVO. This knowledge exchange is part of Inagro’s REFOREST project, which aims to broaden the adoption of agroforestry and address barriers to scaling it up across Europe.
In the video’s below, we not only take you to the experimental site at Ilvo, but also those at Inagro, and at Praktijkpunt Vlaams-Brabant:
Agroforestry Ambassadors
During the event, three Agroforestry Ambassadors were put in the spotlight for their pivotal roles in advancing agroforestry in Flanders:
- Jeroen Watté – Former employee at Wervel, Watté has had a crucial contribution as agro-ecologist in putting agroforestry on the map in Flanders. He served as a EURAF board member for many years and is now an innovation broker for agro-ecology.
- Louis-Marie Tennstedt & Wouter De Stecker – Representing 4SE, an agroforestry-driven family farm in Pajottenland, Louis-Marie pioneered forestry and agroforestry practices, while Wouter continues the legacy with innovative plots and tree varieties.
- Daphne Ruigrok – A policy implementation advisor at the Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries, Ruigrok plays a key role in guiding farmers as they adopt agroforestry, bridging policy and practice.
Roadmap 2035 and next steps
The event concluded with the presentation of a roadmap outlining the steps needed to advance agroforestry in Flanders. The five focus areas include research, policy, education, economics, and social engagement. Key proposals include providing more experimental flexibility for pioneers, fair pricing for agroforestry products, and further policy development on ecosystem services.
With the insights gained from research and the practical tools available, Flemish farmers are well-positioned to take a significant step toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. The event underscored the multifunctionality of agroforestry and the need to foster an enabling environment for farmers to integrate this practice into their operations.
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