Agroforestry
What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is an integrated and intensive agricultural production system that includes trees and shrubs as an essential component to achieve environmental, economic and social goals. This means that trees are not incidental to the farm operation but rather contribute to improved productivity, yield, profitability and sustainability.
Growing trees in combination with crops, forage and livestock enhances yields, reduces soil losses, conserves soil moisture, recycles nutrients; and reduces environmental impacts of agricultural operations. Furthermore, trees and shrubs can add directly to a farm's bottom line when they are managed to produce high-value timber or other tree product (for example, fruit).
Association for Temperate Agroforestry
Web pages with further information on Alley Cropping, Forest Farming, Riparian Buffers, Silvopasture and Windbreaks.
Agroforestry Practices
Shelterbelts/Windbreaks are linear plantings of trees and shrubs designed to block winds that can enhance crop production, protect buildings, people and livestock, trap snow and/or prevent soil and water erosion. Shelterbelts may also be a source of valuable timber and non-timber products as well providing habitat for wildlife.
Silvopasture is the integration of trees with forages and livestock. The trees are managed for high-value timber or non-timber products while providing shade and shelter for livestock, reducing stress and increasing forage production.
Riparian buffers are strips of trees, shrubs and grass planted between surface water courses and agricultural land (for example, cropland and pasture). Buffers protect water quality, reduce erosion, decrease flooding, enhance wildlife habitat and increase biodiversity. Riparian buffers can provide beneficial opportunities for crop farmers, ranchers, dairy, livestock producers, and horticulturists.
Alley cropping is the cultivation of agronomic, horticultural, or forage crops in wide alleys between rows of woody plants. The traditional agricultural crop provides an annual income while the tree crop matures.
Forest farming is the intentional cultivation of high-value specialty crops (for example, mushrooms) under the protection of a managed tree canopy that has been modified to provide the correct shade level. This is not the same as wildcrafting, that is the gathering of naturally-occurring plants from native forests.
Agroforestry Development Centre
The Agroforestry Development Centre (formerly the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration Shelterbelt Centre) is located in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. The Division promotes environmental and economic benefits of integrating trees with agricultural systems through tree distribution to prairie farmers and other eligible clients, applied research and extension.
Agroforestry Program
Planting shelterbelts is the most prevalent agroforestry practice in Western Canada and has been promoted by the Government of Canada since the late 1800's. The Prairie Shelterbelt Program delivers technical services and provides tree and shrub seedlings at no charge for agroforestry plantings in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Peace River Region of British Columbia. Eligible Applicants must complete a Prairie Shelterbelt Program Application for trees
Agroforestry Research
The Agroforestry Development Division Research Unit is headquartered at Indian Head, Saskatchewan. The staff is committed to developing agroforestry science, technology and genetic material for the improvement of the agro-ecosystem and benefit to Canadian farmers and rural landowners.
Regional Agroforestry Services
In collaboration with the Agroforestry Division, Agri-Environment Services Branch - Regional Services supports agroforestry development throughout Canada. The Regional Ag-Land and Agroforestry managers deliver technical advice and support initiatives focusing on the adoption of agroforestry practices.
In 2007, the Quebec Region published A portrait of agroforestry in Quebec.