Agroforestry - integrating farming and forestry
The Agroforestry option in the National Forestry Programme offers benefits including dual income streams, carbon sequestration and extended grazing/ forage opportunities. Paul Butler and Padraic O’Leary tell us more.
As part of Ireland’s Forestry Programme (2023-2027), the Forest Type 8 (FT8) Agroforestry option promotes the sustainable integration of forestry with agriculture. The aim is to support farmers and non-farmers alike to create dynamic, ecologically resilient landscape
Benefits
Increased revenue potential
Agroforestry provides dual-income streams by combining ongoing agricultural revenue with long term gains from high-quality timber and other forest products.
Carbon sequestration and soil health
The two-tier design of agroforestry systems enhances solar capture, improves carbon cycling, and enriches soil health by increasing water infiltration and fostering diverse root structures.
Microclimate and shelter
Well placed trees have been shown to provide essential shelter for both livestock and buildings, reduce lamb losses and boost overall productivity. Trees also create a stable microclimate that minimises stress on animals and enhances their welfare.
Extended grazing and forage Opportunities
Silvopastoral systems can increase soil trafficability and water permeability, potentially extending the grazing season. Careful tree management over time ensures minimal loss of grazing and allows for silage or hay cutting between rows.
Nutritional benefits for livestock
Tree leaves contain vital minerals such as zinc and cobalt, which improve animal health. For instance, willow leaves provide natural supplementation, reducing the need for additional inputs like mineral licks.
Biodiversity and sustainability
Trees enhance biodiversity by supporting pollinators and providing habitats for various species, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable farming environment. And by incorporating trees, farmers create resilient agricultural systems that enhance soil, livestock productivity, and ecological stability
Scheme Details
Under the FT8 Agroforestry option, participants can create several types of systems:
- Silvopasture Systems Combining trees and pasture for livestock grazing.
- Silvoarable systems Integrating trees with crop production (pilot scheme).
- Forest gardening systems Innovative pilot for food forests, combining fruit and nut trees with diverse cropping (pilot scheme).
Who Can Apply?
Both farmers and non-farmers can apply for support. Both groups can receive the same establishment grants and annual premiums for ten years. Farmer applicants who meet relevant scheme criteria can also benefit from direct payments such as Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), Complementary Redistributive Support for Sustainability (CRISS) and Eco Scheme.
Support Rates
- Silvopastoral System Establishment Grant: €8,555/ha
- Silvoarable & Forest Gardening System (Pilot): €6,000/ha
- Annual Premium Payments: Up to €975/ha for silvopastoral, €829/ha for pilot schemes over 10 years.
Additional Support
- Fencing Grant: Provides protection for newly established forests from browsing animals.
- Environmental Report Grant: An Environment Report Grant will be paid if a report from an ecologist or archaeologist is submitted as part of an application for an afforestation licence.
- Organic Farmers’ Supports: Qualifying organic farmers may be eligible to receive Agroforestry supports, direct payments (e.g. BISS, CRISS), and Organic Farming Scheme payments (at the drystock rate) for the same land, provided all relevant scheme criteria are met.
Suitable Sites
The scheme targets sites with specific characteristics:
- Site types should typically contain free draining mineral soils and have no requirement for additional drainage.
- Minimum plot size: 0.5 hectares; width: 20m.
- Elevation below 200m with free-draining mineral soils.
- Stocking requirement of 400 trees per hectare.
Application and Planning
Teagasc forestry advisors are available to provide support to landowners considering agroforestry options. This includes the vital area of whole farm planning, which incorporates how such options can fit in on farms, how they complement existing enterprises and schemes and how they can help meet farm family objectives. Applicants work with a DAFM registered forester to assess site suitability, plan tree selection, and ensure compliance with environmental standards. The forester assists in application preparation, and planting must follow approved designs to ensure successful establishment and premium eligibility.
Planting and Design
- Tree Protection: Individual tree guards or group fencing are necessary to safeguard young trees from livestock.
- Species Selection: Appropriate tree species should be chosen to suit site conditions and objectives (eg timber, fruit, and shade).
- Planting Patterns: Options include grid planting for silvo-pasture or innovative layouts for silvo-arable and forest gardening systems.
Ongoing Management
Effective management is key to balancing both robust tree growth and agricultural production:
- Pruning and thinning: Promotes valuable timber growth and reduces shading.
- Rotational grazing: Ensures trees are not damaged and maintains pasture health.