Agroforestry

The educational materials listed on this page are about Agroforestry.

What is a practical agroforestry definition? How do you define agroforestry? What is agroforestry? These are common questions from farmers seeking to diversify their operations. The definition of agroforestry contains several pieces that are integral to the success of this type of farming. Agroforestry is an alternative farming system that integrates trees and shrubs with crops or livestock. An agroforestry system can create more diverse farms, ranches and communities. Different types of agroforestry can help farmers diversify both their farm products and their business income. An example of agroforestry practices is the practice of using trees that produce an annual fruit or nut crop but can also be grown for a future timber harvest. These are just a few of the benefits of agroforestry as a farming enterprise. Key practices include agroforestrypermacultureintegrated crop and livestock systemsnew enterprise developmentfruitnutsforest managementwindbreaksalley croppingforest farmingsilvopasture.

The Agroforestry brief sheet provides information for farmers looking to diversity their products and income. SARE’s book Building a Sustainable Business can aid producers in building a sustainable and profitable business plan for their new enterprise. For help with identifying funding for agroforestry ventures, Building Sustainable Farms, Ranches and Communities gives producers alternative ways to get their business up and running through innovative funding opportunities. Diversifying Cropping Systems is a bulletin that can be useful in identifying practices that enhance diversity on farms, including forest management practices.

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The Fruit and Nut Compass

The Fruit and Nut Compass is a farm business planning tool to help both new and experienced producers project the financial costs and returns from an enterprise focused on perennial crops.

Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices

The Training Manual for Applied Agroforestry Practices helps to explain agroforestry practices and their applications. It is designed for natural resources professionals and landowners, and includes worksheets and exercises for use as an educational tool. Additionally, the manual is designed to assist in the decision process so that, when established or managed, the agroforestry practice is most effective at achieving the desired objectives.

Handbook for Agroforestry Planning and Design

The steps provided in the Handbook for Agroforestry Planning and Design will allow you to identify what agroforestry products can grow on your land, which of these products you can sell profitably, and how to develop basic business and marketing strategies. 

Agroforestry

Agroforestry practices can help landowners diversify products and markets, boost farm income, improve soil and water quality, and reduce erosion, non-point source pollution, and flood damage. NCR-SARE values the integrated practices of agroforestry and has funded grants that have enhanced wildlife habitat and improved biodiversity while sustaining land resources for generations to come.