ReForest at the 19th North American Agroforestry Conference in Missouri

De 19^th North American Agroforestry Conference will take place from July 23–25, 2025, in Columbia, Missouri. Organised by the Association for Temperate Agroforestry (AFTA), this biennial event gathers a global community of agroforestry professionals including scientists, farmers, technical advisors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. As one of the most important international forums dedicated to agroforestry, the conference provides a unique platform for sharing research, exchanging knowledge, and exploring practical strategies to advance agroforestry systems. It also offers an excellent opportunity for the ReForest project to disseminate its results, foster transatlantic dialogue, and engage with U.S. stakeholders working on the development of agroforestry practices in a North American context.

During the conference, ReForest will be represented by project coordinator Martin Lukac, who will deliver key presentations showcasing major project developments. His contributions will address some of the core challenges tackled by the project and highlight significant results achieved to date.

• Financial tools for scaling agroforestry

Prepared in collaboration with Tiago Zibecchi (EMEA), lead researcher of the ReForest financial work package, and Ivan Hajdukovic (Postdoctoral researcher at EPFL I Research fellow at EMEA), this contribution will examine how innovative financing mechanisms, such as carbon farming schemes, green bonds, and hybrid payment models, can address the key financial barriers limiting agroforestry adoption. The study underscores the need for blended finance approaches and streamlined policy frameworks to make agroforestry a more viable and attractive land-use strategy for farmers and investors alike.

• FarmTree Tool: a platform for agroforestry and sustainable farming

De FarmTree Tool, developed by the project partner FarmTree B.V. and integrating data from the ReForest Living Labs will be presented in a poster presentation highlighting key features of this user-friendly digital platform for simulating agroforestry systems. It will be demonstrated how the tool can enable farmers, advisors, and policymakers to project yields, costs, and environmental benefits under different scenarios, supporting better decision-making for sustainable land use and investment planning.

Prof. Lukac will also contribute to the topic of integrating tree canopy into grazing systems can reduce livestock heat stress under future climate scenarios and how expanding tree cover can enhance animal welfare and system resilience—underscoring silvopasture’s role as a climate adaptation strategy.

The conference program includes presentations, poster sessions, lightning talks, and organized discussions showcasing the latest research and hands-on approaches in agroforestry. Attendees of NAAC 2025 will have the opportunity to explore a range of innovative agroforestry systems through guided tours of the Horticulture & Agroforestry Research Farm (HARF) in New Franklin, MO, and the Baskett Research Forest in Ashland, MO featuring experimental orchards, silvopasture, and forest farming demonstrations. Additional site visits to Cedar Hill Farms in Napton, MO, and Rusted Plowshare Farm in Concordia, MO, will highlight practical applications of chestnut orchards, silvopasture, and diversified perennial systems. Participants will also have valuable opportunities to connect with researchers, professionals, and land managers to exchange knowledge and foster partnerships that support the future of sustainable land use.

The ReForest team looks forward to engaging with the agroforestry community and contributing to this vibrant exchange of ideas and practices.