THE AGROFORESTRY-REVOLUTION
OF THE FARM-LIFE PROJECT

Inspiration day “Harvesting the Future”

On 28 November 2023, an inspiration day “Harvesting for the Future” was held as part of the Farm LIFE project to celebrate the culmination of five years of dedicated experimentation and innovation in agroforestry. With a focus on showcasing the results and sharing knowledge, the event drew participants from various sectors, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, and educators.

The inspiration day highlighted the successes of the Farm LIFE project. That event featured keynotes from experts like Anne Cobben (Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Safety) and Sandra Erkelens (Netherlands Enterprise Agency), practical workshops, and an agroforestry market. The rich discussions during the day were a testament to the project’s significant contributions to sustainable farming practices.

During the international webinar, participants revisited some of these key themes, such as the integration of trees, shrubs, crops, and animals into agricultural systems to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and manage climate risks. The project’s emphasis on product development, earning models, and the adaptation of legislation was particularly noted.

A series of workshops during the inspirational day provided deeper insights into key aspects of agroforestry:

• Earning Models for Agroforestry: Participants explored risk diversification, cost savings, and how agroforestry can lead to multiple smaller-scale outputs that require new organizational and marketing approaches.

• Market and Product Development for Agroforestry Products: This workshop focused on strategies for bringing agroforestry products to both consumer and business markets, emphasizing the unique characteristics of these products.

• Agroforestry Decision-Making Models: Attendees learned how to use a decision-making tool (In Dutch: De Juiste Boom op de Juiste Plek) to select the right woody perennials for agroforestry systems based on the soil and water table conditions in the context of the Netherlands.

• Online Course and Educational Tools: This session introduced a newly developed online course with educational resources designed to help farmers transition to agroforestry.

The Farm LIFE project has successfully demonstrated that agroforestry is not just an environmental solution but also an economically viable model for future farming. The lasting impact of this project will continue to shape sustainable agriculture across Europe.

For those interested in learning more, the presentations are available here.