The Farm Woodland Forum have expanded their media presence with the launch of a new Youtube channel. This is already home to many of our past webinars and plans are in place for additional future content to spread the word about agroforestry and the work within the FWF.
Defra have announced a stop to future SFI funding and are expected to review the offers over the next year. This is not only concerning for wider agriculture but specifically affects agroforestry as some popular options are now closed for new applicants.
Further information on funding for in-field agroforestry has been released by Defra earlier this week. This includes details on offers as part of the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme which aim to provide longer-term support for farmers and land owners. Four new offers relating to agroforestry are include:
The Land App have recently released a new digital tool that integrates with their existing platform. The tool allows users to generate automated designs for a specified area i.e. a field, which takes into account machinery width, desired tree functions, and existing vegetation. Full details can be viewed on the Land App website or by watching back the recent webinar.
Defra have announced a pause to several CS grants that are related to agroforestry. Due to high demand they've had to limit new applications for some of the grants that were recently announced.
Specifically, the following grants have been put on hold until further notice:
Defra have announced an update to the SFI and Capital Grant payments with particular relevence to agroforestry and tree planting.
A highlight of this year has been the EURAF 2024 conference in Brno, Czech Republic. Many of our members attended the event with some presenting too.
Some changes to the Agroforestry component of the Forestry Grant Scheme in Scotland were published in March 2024.
Spring 2024 saw the publication of 'Tree species guide for UK agroforestry systems'. This was published by the University of Reading and Forest Research as an output of the 'Expanding Agroforestry' project, funded by the UK government. Follow the link for further information.