On the 2nd of December, environmental and green officers from more than 30 municipalities in West Flanders visited Inagro’s agroforestry demonstration plot. Interest in this innovative farming practice was high.
Researcher Willem Van Colen explained in more detail the setup of the demonstration plot and ongoing research. A key topic was the future business model that combines crop yields with nut production. A model that can also deliver ecosystem services such as soil care, carbon storage, biodiversity, and water management.
Why is agroforestry so interesting for local authorities?
Although this is still a relatively new business model for farmers in West Flanders, the participants showed interest. One environmental officer shared: “Farmers sometimes approach their municipality for information on potentially interesting sustainable farming practices. It’s good to know we can turn to the Inagro team for additional insights such as agroforestry.”
Often, municipalities themselves are looking for local solutions to water management challenges in agricultural areas and agroforestry may offer one of the possible solutions.
Focus on biodiversity and water management
Alongside water management, many questions were raised about biodiversity opportunities. During the visit, a concrete issue on the demonstration plot was discussed. Researcher Willem Van Colen explained:
“Two of the five rows of walnut trees died last winter due to extreme water stagnation on the field. As a solution, we are replanting the two rows of walnut trees, but this time on slightly raised ridges. This measure not only improves water management for the plot and the trees but also creates grass-herb strips that provide significant added value for local biodiversity—especially for insects such as ground beetles.”
A successful visit
The field visit was a success! The attending municipalities left inspired to promote agroforestry not only as a sustainable business model but also as a tool for climate adaptation, biodiversity, and landscape quality.
