A letter has been sent by leading farming organisations to Defra Secretary Michael Gove explaining the benefits of agroforestry, which also calls for more support.
The letter highlights the benefits of cultivating trees and crops or livestock on the same area of land.
It states that the current Rural Development Programme for England does not include options to support agroforestry, the result of a perceived lack of demand from farmers and landowners to adopt the practice.
But in June this year, a major conference on agroforestry – organised by the Soil Association, the Woodland Trust and the Royal Forestry Society – brought together 250 farmers, foresters and researchers.
The conference heard from farmers who are already investing in agroforestry schemes.
While the opportunities were clear, it was evident that gaps in support and advice presented a significant obstacle that could be overcome by new Government policy.
'Bold ideas'
One of the organisations which signed the letter, the Soil Association, said agroforestry offers 'exciting opportunities'.
Tom MacMillan, Director of Innovation at the Soil Association, said: “We know that the new Secretary of State is looking for bold ideas to square the UK’s environmental and economic goals, and agroforestry is one of the exciting opportunities to do that in the agricultural sector.
“Our understanding of its potential for farm businesses, tackling climate change and supporting our soils is growing all the time and the early adopters already show inspiring examples of how to make it work.
“On a large scale this could be game-changing. But to exploit it fully, and to remove some of the barriers farmers have identified, requires strategic support from government.”
Boosting productivity
The letter was signed by organisations that want to see agroforestry brought in to the mainstream.
They said a well-managed agroforestry system can boost land productivity by up to 40% by making efficient use of natural resources.
Trees also store carbon, improve water management and enrich biodiversity.
The organisations said that by using trees alongside livestock, farmers can create natural shelter that improves livestock welfare.
Christopher Price, Director of Policy at the CLA, said: “As a sector farming needs to improve both its productivity and its environmental ambitions: agroforestry has the potential to deliver on both of these which is why CLA members are increasingly taking it up.
“However, if we are to see the full benefits of agroforestry we need the right regulatory and policy frameworks in place.
“Devising a post Brexit agricultural policy provides the opportunity to revisit these issues, improving the incentives and removing the obstacles.”
