Key factors related to agroforestry adoption in Vermont
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The study "Agroforestry Extent in the United States: A Review of National Datasets and Inventory Efforts (Smith. et al., 2022) examined the successes and challenges of Agroforestry implementation. Of note was the use of the 2017 U.S Census of Agriculture (COA), recognized by the authors as the most comprehensive dataset used to answer implementation questions. As the authors noted, the specific accepted Agroforestry terms (i.e., "Alley Cropping," "Forest Farming" "Riparian buffer" etc.) featured in the survey instrument are not widely used or understood by the public, so the self-reporting practices may have caused some inaccurate reporting. This study identified the key factors related to agroforestry adoption in Vermont. Utilizing the Delphi research method, subject matter experts were anonymously surveyed on agroforestry strengths and weaknesses. Independent of the survey process, a review of applicable law, proposed legislation and land use policy was accomplished. Vermont is an identified leader in agroforestry implementation, but that success does not extend to all agroforestry practices. Government or private funding were weighted as the two most crucial factors leading to success with agroforestry closely followed by Education/Outreach programs and Non-Profit Advocacy. Lack of technical service providers (TSP), and long time to receive return on investment were weighted as the most pressing obstacles. Results provide information that might enable other States to implement agroforestry practices successfully and on a larger scale.
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M.S.