Agroforestry
Agroforestry is best understood as the integration of agriculture and forests. At Velskov, we practice forest farming, which is a vital part of the global agroforestry movement.
The Velskov Method for sustainable land management systems blends trees and shrubs, creating diverse, productive, and resilient ecosystems through the combination of agricultural and forestry practices.
Benefits of Agroforestry
Biodiversity: Enhances habitat diversity and supports wildlife conservation.
Soil Health: Improves soil fertility, structure, and moisture retention.
Climate Resilience: Mitigates climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gases.
Economic Viability: Provides additional income streams through timber, fruits, nuts, and other products.
Community Benefits: Supports local economies and strengthens rural communities.
Examples of Agroforestry
Agroforestry is practised worldwide, with several countries leading the way in adopting and promoting these sustainable systems:
Aotearoa New Zealand: With a high level of native and endemic flora and fauna, New Zealand is uniquely positioned to become the global leader in natural forest farming.
India: With a rich history of agroforestry, practices like taungya (intercropping trees with crops) and agri-silviculture enhance agricultural productivity and soil fertility, providing additional income for farmers.
Brazil: In the Amazon, agroforestry systems promote sustainable land use and biodiversity preservation, offering alternatives to slash-and-burn agriculture and integrating native tree species into agricultural practices.
Kenya: Agroforestry significantly contributes to rural livelihoods, soil conservation, and climate adaptation. Common practices include integrating trees with coffee and tea plantations, which provide shade and improve soil health.
Indonesia: Widespread in regions like Java and Sumatra, Indonesian farmers blend trees such as rubber and various fruit trees with crops, enhancing biodiversity, soil fertility, and resilience to climate change.
United States: Various federal and state programs promote agroforestry practices such as alley cropping and windbreaks, which improve soil health, conserve water, and provide wildlife habitat while supporting agricultural production.
France: Known for its strong tradition of agroforestry, France employs agroecological approaches to enhance biodiversity and soil quality, integrating these systems into agricultural landscapes for multiple benefits like carbon sequestration and erosion control.
These countries exemplify how integrating trees with agriculture can yield environmental, economic, and social benefits, contributing to sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security.
What are Food Forests?
Food forests, also known as forest gardens or edible forest gardens, are sustainable gardening or farming practices that mimic the structure and function of a forest ecosystem while primarily producing food for humans.
Many food forests typically incorporate exotic plant species and may not prioritize the conservation of unique native fauna and flora.
What are Natural Forest Farms?
Natural Forest Farming originated in 2022 in Aotearoa New Zealand is a method to economically sustain the conservation of the unique native fauna and flora.
A natural forest farm integrates native tree and plant species without emphasizing large-scale commercial timber production. Its primary goal is to restore and replicate natural forest ecosystems while promoting sustainable food production, local jobs and economy.
Outlook for Agroforestry, Food Forests and Natural Forest Farming
Global Perspective
Internationally, there is a growing interest in agroforestry due to its potential to address multiple global challenges such as food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Innovative organizations and governments worldwide are investing in research, pilots and implementation of agroforestry systems, especially with funding from the European Union (EU).
New Zealand Perspective
In New Zealand, the movement of natural forest farming is in its infancy. If you like to get involved, please email mamakan@mamakan.com
Conclusion
Agroforestry and natural forest farming offer promising solutions to create sustainable, resilient landscapes while meeting diverse societal needs.
Explore the links below to learn how these practices can be applied in different contexts to benefit both people and the planet.
Links
New Zealand: Velskov
Australia: Agroforestry in Australia
Europe: European Agroforestry Federation