Full Title: Catalyzing Agroforestry in the Farm Bill: Recommendations for Resilient Agriculture
Author(s): Karen Daiter, Cathy Day, Renee Gasch, Maya Glicksman, Patty Iverson, Peter Lehner, and Kate Wersan
Publisher(s): Agroforestry Coalition
Publication Date: October 21, 2023
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Because of its myriad benefits, agroforestry rises to the top as a priority solution for climate adaptation, climate mitigation, conservation, economic resilience, and environmental justice. At the federal level, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is devoting for the first time substantial funding to new climate-focused projects that will accelerate the scaling of agroforestry. Public and private initiatives recognize the promise of agroforestry for climate mitigation and adaptation. Opportunities and momentum for agroforestry are multiplying at unprecedented rates. Yet, several key barriers remain for producers interested in adopting these practices. To remove these barriers and ensure agroforestry can deliver on its potential to mitigate climate change, build resilience, and support community health, targeted adjustments to federal policy are needed.
The farm bill presents a once-in-five-year opportunity to codify those changes into law. The following is a blueprint for how to embed strategic, coordinated support for agroforestry across federal farm bill programs, from improving cost-share opportunities to expanding regional demonstration projects, long-term research, and technical assistance. The authors urge Congress to include these provisions in the upcoming farm bill to bring this agricultural transformation to fruition.