Agroforestry, blending trees and shrubs with crops and livestock, shows promise on many fronts

Agroforestry, "a method of growing trees and shrubs on the same land parcel with crops and/or livestock," shows promise as a way to increase profits and land values for farmers and landowners, prevent soil erosion, reduce deforestation and generate new agribusiness, reports Jennifer Beecher of Landthink, a website that provides knowledge, ideas and networking opportunities to land professionals and investors. (Landthink image)

The U. S. Department of Agriculture revealed its Agroforesty Strategic Framework plan at the North American Agroforestry Conference in Athens, Ga., as a guide to implementing agroforestry plans. The goal "is to continue developing the scientific practice and to provide farmers, ranchers and landowners with the latest information, training and tools neede to implement a plan," Beecher reports.