Communicating the economic and environmental impacts of agroforestry systems

Abstract

The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agroforestry Division conducts research, development and delivers technology tools, products and services including tree and shrub seedlings for the adoption and integration of agroforestry practices by producers. The Division works toward increasing the adoption of agroforestry by demonstrating that agroforestry practices can be both environmentally and economically beneficial if properly integrated as a management practice in the agricultural landscape. To do so, it is important to demonstrate the return on investment for the producer, highlighting private benefits, while also determining opportunities that recognize public benefits. Agricultural practices are constantly changing as producers adopt new technologies and adapt to changing markets, social concerns and changing physical environments. Some producers may no longer consider trees in the agricultural landscape necessary as they rely more on adopted technologies and machinery advancements to impact production and environmental issues traditionally addressed by shelterbelts and tree buffers. As farms become larger and demographics of the farm population change, there is less time and traditional labour for producers to plant and care for trees. Agroforestry specialists and development staff must be cognizant of agricultural trends and keep this in mind when developing agroforestry marketing strategies and programming that is directed at producers. Using the AAFC-PFRA Agroforestry Division's Prairie Shelterbelt Program as an example, this presentation will focus on government & producer investment in agroforestry systems and the economic and environmental impacts of agroforestry systems for the producer and on the agricultural landscape.