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 (e.g. fruit).
Association for Temperate Agroforestry Inc.
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 (e.g. 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 (e.g. 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.
PFRA Agroforestry Division
The AAFC-PFRA Agroforestry Division is based at the PFRA Shelterbelt Centre in Indian Head, SK. 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.
PFRA Agroforestry Programs
Prairie Shelterbelt 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 tree application form (PDF Version, 1.26 MB).
Other AAFC Programs that support Agroforestry in Canada
Greencover Canada
Producers can receive technical and financial assistance to implement Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) through the Greencover Canada Program. Visit the Program websites to learn which BMPs are eligible for funding in your province.Environmental Farm Plans
Shelterbelts and other agroforestry practices are Beneficial Managment Practices (BMPs) that are promoted across Canada as part of an Enviromental Farm Plan (EFP).
PFRA Agroforestry Research
The Agroforestry Division Research Unit is headquartered at the PFRA Shelterbelt Centre, Indian Head, Saskatchewan. Unit 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, PFRA 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 PFRA Regional Services, Quebec Region published A portrait of agroforestry in Quebec. The complete version of the report is available on the Centre d'expertise sur les produits agroforestiers website (PDF Version, 1.27 MB - available in French only).
A Guide to Agroforestry in BC (PDF Version, 3.27 MB) was published in 2001 by the Small Woodlands Program of British Columbia.