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Agroforestry F.A.Q.s |
What is Agroforestry?
Agroforestry is defined as a land use system that involves the deliberate retention, introduction or mixing of trees or other plants into crop and animal production systems in order to increase profitability, sustainability, protection of the environment and social acceptance.
Agroforestry is:
Agroforestry practices are divided into groups of similar agroforestry activities or crop combinations that can be integrated into farms and woodlands. Agroforestry practices in InfoBasket are:
See these topic areas in InfoBasket for more information.
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Doesn't Agroforestry belong in the forest, not on good agricultural land?
Most Agroforestry practices can be successfully introduced into either cleared agricultural land or existing woodland. One of the primary reasons for interest in agroforestry is for diversification - new crops or new ways of growing old crops. Well-designed and managed Agroforestry Practices should be more environmentally sound and at the same time increase short and long-term farm profitability. Maximum environmental benefit from agroforestry plantings is achieved in agricultural areas where all the trees have been removed.
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Why would I plant trees on my land when so much time and effort was spent removing them so we could farm?
Agroforestry practices do not involve random tree planting or returning the land to the state of a natural forest. If your land has no trees or shrubs, Agroforestry is the planned and intensively managed reintroduction of shrubs and or trees for environmental protection and new sources of income. A well-planned Agroforestry practice can produce more per hectare of land, not less.
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How are Special Crops Related to Agroforestry?
A special crop in BC is:
Generally special crops are commodities that are not part of mainstream agriculture. See Specialty Crops Community Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Agroforestry practices can be utilized to produce a wide range of crops (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants) including most conventional agricultural commodities. Many 'Agroforestry Crops' are also 'Special Crops'. In InfoBasket, you will find Agroforestry focused production and crop information in the 'Agroforestry Community'. Information on some crops will be found in both the 'Agroforestry Community' and the 'Special Crops Community'.
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What kind of trees should I plant?
The variety and type of tree you should plant in an agroforestry practice depends on a number of things:
Trees suitable for planting in British Columbia are included in InfoBasket. Information on all aspects of your agroforestry development including market evaluation is also included. See Section 1.1.1 'Getting Started with Agroforestry' area of InfoBasket for more information on this topic.
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What agroforestry crops will make me money?
If it were only that easy! As with any product traded in the market place agroforestry crops are reflective of supply and demand. Agroforestry crops that have a good return one year may have a poor return the next. Agroforestry crops generally exist in small niche markets where fluctuations in demand and price are common. The only sure fire way to determine the crop that is best suited to your situation is to produce a detailed business plan. With the long rotation period of many agroforestry crops a combination of crops may be the best answer, providing both short and long-term income to offset fluctuations in commodity prices. Agroforestry is primarily a production system so the design should reflect the environmental, economic and social goals of the specific farm operation.
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Are Christmas tree and hybrid poplar plantations agroforestry?
No. When these trees and other crops are grown in monocultures (plantings of only one crop) they do not fit the definition of Agroforestry. Agroforestry involves the production of more than one crop. Both Christmas trees and hybrid poplar can and are being incorporated into Agroforestry developments. Plantations are part of the group of practices called 'Related Practices'. Information on both these crops can be found in InfoBasket in the following location: Agroforestry/Production & Processing/Practices/Related Practices. Christmas trees are in 'Christmas Tree Farms' and hybrid poplar is in 'Short Rotation Wood Crops'.
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Is the wild harvest of non-timber forest products from public land agroforestry?
No. The wild harvest or 'wildcrafting' of non-timber forest products (also called 'forest botanicals' in British Columbia and 'special forest products' in the United States) is the opportunistic harvest of marketable native plants from public and private forests with no management intent. Many of these same plants can and are being integrated into agroforestry practices, particularly forest farming practices. See the 'Wildcrafting Non Timber Forest Products' and 'Forest Farming' areas in InfoBasket for more information.
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Do I need permission to harvest non-timber forest products on crown land?
Currently permission is not required to harvest most non-timber forest products from crown land. These include mushrooms, medicinal plants, floral greens and many other products. There are special regulations controlling the harvest of Cascara and Western Yew. Contact the BC Ministry of Forests and Range for more information. Products described as "Special Forest Products" in legislation in BC do require a permit to harvest from Crown land and to transport them on public highways. These include shake blocks, Christmas trees, poles and rails, etc. Products from the trees like boughs may require a permit since they are being harvested from trees. Check with the District Office of the BC Ministry of Forests and Range closest to you. See the 'Wildcrafting Non Timber Forest Products' area in InfoBasket for more information.
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What are the potential economic advantages and disadvantages of a silvopastoral practice as opposed to open grazing?
Economic benefits are both short term and long term. Short-term benefits include protection of the livestock from summer sun and harsh weather in both summer and winter. The trees also protect the forage crop from wind and most forage crops have improved growth in partial shade. Once the amount of shade exceeds 50% production of forage starts to drop off. Silvopastoral practices are planned to keep the density of shade below 50% for as long as possible. Long term benefits depend on the trees planted - fruit, nuts, medicinal crops, boughs, firewood and various solid wood products. For more information see these topic areas in InfoBasket: 'Silvopasture', 'Forest Grazing and Vegetation Management' and 'Livestock'.
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Will livestock damage the trees?
Livestock may browse or trample young trees if the trees are not protected or the livestock intensely managed to prevent the damage. Once trees reach a reasonable size (depending on species) trees should not require a lot of protection. See the 'Silvopasture' area of InfoBasket for more information.
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If I plant a riparian tree crop will I be allowed to harvest it in 30 or 40 years or will it become an environmentally protected area?
It is difficult to anticipate changes in legislation that may prevent the harvesting of riparian areas 30 or 40 years down the road. Currently farmers have no legislative requirements for leaving a specific width buffer strip around on-farm watercourses. However, discussions are underway between the BC Agriculture Council, Ministry of Environment and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands to develop riparian guidelines for agricultural land. This legislation will be contained under the provincial Fish Protection Act. The federal Fisheries Act while pertaining to farmland is more reactive to farm practices that may harm inhabiting fish in farm waterways as opposed to prescribing setbacks. Under the Farm Practices Protection Act a "Farm Operation" is described as any activity that involves growing, producing or raising animals or plants or the primary products of those plants or animals. This includes intensively cultivating in plantations any specialty wood or fibre crop as prescribed by the Minister of Agriculture.
Planning is the best defense:
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Where do I get trees to plant?
Trees can be grown from seed, transplanted from crown land (with a permit) or purchased from a nursery. Planting stock is a critical component of agroforestry developments. See the 'Getting Started with Agroforestry' area of InfoBasket for much more information on this topic.
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Is there any government support to start an agroforestry operation on my farm?
Historically the government offered funding or loan programs that supported adoption of new technologies and on-farm environmental improvements. These programs are no longer available. For the most part these programs have been replaced by funding that assists industry development and grower organizations. However free or relatively inexpensive information is available to producers through Ministry offices or the Internet. There are still some programs available that will support new research and marketing initiatives. See the 'Directories and Contacts' area of InfoBasket for more information.
There are several federally and provincially funded programs that provide support for start-up operations. Each program has different aims — some focus on exports, while others focus on research. These programs have strategic priorities and formalized eligibility and application guidelines. And many programs provide services rather than funding. Funding programs include:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Electronic Information Service
Provides information on inspection, regulations, industry information, research and technology, and human resources.
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation
A non-profit agricultural association that helps fosters growth in the agri-food industry. A secondary role is to assist industry in responding to current issues facing the sector.
Phone: 250 356-1833
Fax: 250 953-5162
Website: http://www.iafbc.ca/Business Development Bank of Canada
Provides information on financial products, venture capital, and consulting services.
Website: http://www.bdc.ca/Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre
A business resource centre that provides information on starting a new business, entering new markets, accessing government programs and services, taxation, and regulations.
Phone: 604 775-5525
Fax: 604 775-5520
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Assists companies to succeed in the global marketplace.
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/If you are looking for general information on export marketing, financing and logistics, go to http://www.canadabusiness.ca/
Export Development Corporation
Provides programs that can assist Canadian exporters to compete in foreign markets.
Website: http://www.edc.ca/Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
The FCC offers innovative products and services to farmers and small- and medium-sized agri-businesses. The family farm has been and will continue to be the main focus of their lending operations. They also support farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations on the farm and beyond the farm gate.
Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/Industry Canada
Provides programs and funding to assist with exporting and research and development.
Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD offers a network of business professionals to help with business planning and development, accessing capital, export or trade development, selling to government markets, and providing information on government programs and services for which a business may be eligible.
Website: http://www.wd.gc.ca/
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