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Researchers to help farmers adopt agroforestry

Researchers to help farmers adopt agroforestry


A team of researchers and Extension professionals from Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin has been awarded a grant from USDA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help support the use of agroforestry practices and markets by small and medium-sized farms in the region.

The project is led by Dr. Emily Huff, an associate professor in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State University. Dr. Huff says that the project team is passionate about supporting agroforestry and that this is a unique opportunity to collaborate with forestry and agriculture professionals and landowners to expand the use of agroforestry practices throughout the region.

Agroforestry is a land management system that integrates trees and shrubs into crop and livestock production systems. Agroforestry practices can provide a variety of benefits to farmers, including improved soil health, increased water quality, reduced erosion, and increased biodiversity. Agroforestry practices can also help farmers to diversify their incomes and become more resilient to climate change.

The project will provide opportunities for Farmer Woodland Owners (FWOs) in each state to gather in farmer learning circles and connect with agriculture and natural resource professionals to identify innovative uses of trees and forests within agricultural systems that can improve farm viability and increase environmental and social benefits.

The project team will also develop agroforestry demonstration farms in each state where the ecological, social, and economic impacts of agroforestry on farmers' land, businesses, and households can be evaluated.

The impact of this project on the region's farming and forestry industries is significant. Farm viability will improve by increasing the diversity of products coming from farms. Increased carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and water quality will enhance environmental outcomes, and provide opportunities for small and medium-sized farms to participate in new ecosystem service markets.

The project began in summer 2023 and will continue until the end of 2028. Major milestones in the first year include recruitment of farmers to participate in Agroforestry Exchanges, and development of research protocols for demonstration farms.

If you or anyone you know might be interested in participating in this project - either research or event opportunities - please contact the Project Manager, Amanda Curton at curtonam@msu.edu or the Ohio State University co-leads: Kathy Smith (smith.81@osu.edu) and Doug Jackson-Smith (Jackson-smith.1@osu.edu).

This project is made possible by the USDA National Institute for Agriculture (Grant: 2023-68006-38980) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (Grant: 0501.22.075075).

 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley

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