Contract Period : 01/11/2024 - 01/03/2026
Main Funder : Farming the Future
ORC Staff Contact : Rowan Dumper-Pollard
Agroforestry gives rise to three areas of economic benefit: enhanced ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration, soil improvement and biodiversity), enhanced agricultural outputs (e.g. meat production from silvopasture) and products derived from the tree component of the agricultural systems (e.g. fruit, nuts and timber). The latter is a significant opportunity for farmers, but also poses challenges in terms of lack of preparedness. Knowledge and infrastructure for accessing or developing markets for new tree outputs is missing for many farmers. For example, in a survey of agroforestry educational priorities conducted by the University of Reading as part of the Future of UK Treescapes programme, most of the farmers believe knowledge about markets for agroforestry products was important but didn’t believe trusted advice and information on this area was available, easy to access or affordable. Even with the right knowledge, logistical and local procurement challenges can discourage farmers from embarking on agroforestry.
ORC (project leader)
This project addresses market access barriers in agroforestry by (1) creating case studies to inspire and inform farmers on marketing tree-based products, and (2) supporting policy and local initiatives to develop alternative supply networks for agroforestry outputs.
ORC’s work on this project is part of a wider body of work being undertaken by Farming the Future. This project aims to grow, strengthen and connect the agroecology movement by taking a field building approach. Rather than scaling a single intervention, it focuses on fostering networks, relationships and shared purpose across the sector. The objectives are to build collective power, increase resilience, diversity and confidence within the movement, support collaboration, and influence thinking and behaviour beyond the agroecological sphere. This approach is informed by over a year of reflection, evaluation, and input from Farming the Future Ambassadors to target areas where systemic support is needed.
Our focus on agroforestry is part of wider work looking to build networks of supply. The networks of supply group are looking for the furtherance of local supply chains and retail that can support diversity and resilience of agroforestry (ORC), arable (UK Grain Lab), and fibres (Fibreshed). agricultural produce and develop and disseminate case studies for specific agroforestry tree products.
Our role is to provide research and evidencing for local food movements that support sustainability, diversity and resilience.
