Agroforestry Species in Vermont

Agroforestry is a rapidly growing climate mitigation strategy that brings together indigenous knowledge with modern day farmers looking for ways to enhance production and sustainability. Although there are an increasing number of resources available on agroforestry, few look take an in-depth specifically at species that thrive in the Vermont climate and soils.

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems. Examples of practices used by farmers include alley cropping, silvopasture, forest farming and riparian buffers.

Recognizing this need, the Farm to Plate Agroforestry Priority Strategy Team took on creating a Vermont specific Agroforesty species list. This “quick reference” list of commonly used species adaptable to our local climate will prove helpful for: 1) technical assistance providers; 2) farmers interested in looking to adopt agroforestry related practices; 3) researchers, and 4) nurseries looking to expand and offer more agroforestry related species.

Members of the agroforestry team worked with consultant, farmer and author, Eric Toensmeier, to complete this project. The team compiled a list of ten individuals, deeply involved and knowledgeable on this topic. Toensmeier completed the interviews, and also gathered feedback via a farmers survey and review of existing literature. In addition to the “quick reference” list, the agroforestry team now has a comprehensive spreadsheet that describes agroforestry species’ potential for a wide variety of agroforestry uses and needs, considering factors such as emerging markets, function for conservation, lifespan, hardiness, management costs, feed and fodder, nutrition, and price. The team will continue to add and refine this list over time.

Eric presented to members of the Agroforestry Priority Strategy Team meeting on October 19th, 2023. A recording of this meeting as well as all resources related this project can be found here.

Interested in learning more? Join the Agroforestry Priority Strategy Team. Email kellydolan@vsjf.org

Photo courtesy of the Intervale Conservation Nursery.