Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AF4EU (Agroforestry Business Model Innovation Network)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-01-01 bis 2024-06-30
Agroforestry (AF) is a viable answer to these issues since it incorporates trees and shrubs into farming systems while also increasing soil health and sequestering carbon. However, the lack of scalable business models, poor regulatory support, and restricted access to practical expertise have made the general implementation of AF practices in Europe difficult. AF4EU seeks to modernize the agriculture industry by encouraging innovation, exchange of knowledge, and the digitization of AF systems in order to overcome these obstacles.
The project’s objectives are to expand regional networks for knowledge exchange through the creation of Regional Agroforestry Innovation Networks (RAINs), improve advisory services, and provide practical, region-specific business models for AF. A core output of AF4EU is the development of the AF4EU Knowledge Platform, which will integrate digital tools like the AFI-Bus Decision Support System (DSS), the Alive Handbook, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to provide stakeholders with accessible, practice-oriented knowledge on agroforestry.
In order to optimize its impact, AF4EU also aims to connect agroforestry with other national and European projects and bring it into line with more comprehensive European policies, such as the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy.
AF4EU will boost the adoption of agroforestry systems throughout EU by proving their economic viability, modernize agriculture by supporting sustainable land management techniques and digital tools, and strengthen legislative support for AF practices. The project aims to enhance advisory services and promote cross-regional collaboration via RAINs, thereby guaranteeing the effective sharing and implementation of practical knowledge. All things considered, AF4EU is anticipated to be crucial in turning European agriculture into a more resilient and sustainable sector that is in line with the environmental and climate aims of the EU.
The project’s objectives are to expand regional networks for knowledge exchange through the creation of Regional Agroforestry Innovation Networks (RAINs), improve advisory services, and provide practical, region-specific business models for AF. A core output of AF4EU is the development of the AF4EU Knowledge Platform, which will integrate digital tools like the AFI-Bus Decision Support System (DSS), the Alive Handbook, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to provide stakeholders with accessible, practice-oriented knowledge on agroforestry.
In order to optimize its impact, AF4EU also aims to connect agroforestry with other national and European projects and bring it into line with more comprehensive European policies, such as the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy.
AF4EU will boost the adoption of agroforestry systems throughout EU by proving their economic viability, modernize agriculture by supporting sustainable land management techniques and digital tools, and strengthen legislative support for AF practices. The project aims to enhance advisory services and promote cross-regional collaboration via RAINs, thereby guaranteeing the effective sharing and implementation of practical knowledge. All things considered, AF4EU is anticipated to be crucial in turning European agriculture into a more resilient and sustainable sector that is in line with the environmental and climate aims of the EU.
Significant advancements were accomplished in the technical and scientific areas during the AF4EU project's first reporting period, especially in the creation of networks, knowledge generation, and digital tool development. The creation of Regional Agroforestry Innovation Networks (RAINs) throughout Europe was one of the main technical tasks. These networks enabled knowledge sharing amongt actors, including farmers, advisers, researchers, and policymakers. As a result, creative agroforestry (AF) business models that are customized to the unique requirements and circumstances of various relevant EU locations and sectors were co-created and validated. 33 model AF farms and the value chains that connect them were identified attributable in major part to the RAIN meetings. These farms will act as inspiration for the continued adoption and replication of AF techniques.
The AF4EU project has generated key results that have the potential to significantly boost the adoption of agroforestry (AF) practices across Europe by understanding for the first time the diverse value chains linked to the multi-product agroforestry systems. These value chains integrated the co-creation processes linked to the multi-actor approach to further develop in the sedond part of the project digital tools, and business models to provide essential resources for farmers, advisors, and policymakers to incorporate agroforestry into sustainable agricultural systems. These efforts address challenges such as limited knowledge, lack of practical business models, and weak policy frameworks that have traditionally hindered the widespread adoption of AF practices. To facilate agroforestry further adoption and upscaling, the first period of AF4EU was also focussed on analysing the main preferences with regard to the materials to be produced (format, type, etc..) that will be created in the next steps. Moreover, upscaling will be based on the development of the first international agroforestry advisory system linked to the CECRA soft skills development targeted to each rain but also associated with the organization of the technical information to be produced and integrated in an open and easy-to-use and follow MOOC (Multilingual open online course) tool,
The creation of the AF4EU Knowledge Platform (KP), which combines the Alive Handbook, the AFI-Bus Decision Support System (DSS), and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), will be the most remarkable outcome for the second period of the project. The website will act as a central location for readily available, useful information on agroforestry, enabling users to decide on business models, land management, and carbon footprint estimations through knowledge. Furthermore, the establishment of Regional Agroforestry Innovation Networks (RAINs) has made it easier for stakeholders to share knowledge and collaborate resulted in the identification of 33 model AF farms and value chains that show the profitability of AF techniques. The environmental and financial advantages of agroforestry systems are further highlighted by the sustainability evaluation of these farms.
Several crucial demands must be met in order to guarantee continued uptake and success. In order to improve AF business models and present practical implementations in various locations, further research and demonstration projects are required. Obtaining investment and market access are necessary for AF systems to be economically feasible. This entails ensuring that farmers are able to market their AF goods and obtain funding for the initial installation of AF systems. In order to include agroforestry into agricultural policies and provide incentives for its adoption, policymakers must establish a regulatory framework that is supportive of the practice. International cooperation and knowledge sharing will also support the globalization of AF practices. During the first period of the project, the understanding of the former CAP and the new Strategic Plans
The AF4EU Knowledge Platform will be completely operational by project's conclusion, including online resources and digital technologies to assist in the adoption of agroforestry. The validated business models and value chains will offer infographics of how AF systems may be both environmentally and economically feasible, and the RAIN networks will keep promoting innovation and knowledge sharing. All things considered, AF4EU will have established a strong basis for the widespread adoption of agroforestry, contributing to the development of more sustainable agricultural landscapes throughout Europe.
The creation of the AF4EU Knowledge Platform (KP), which combines the Alive Handbook, the AFI-Bus Decision Support System (DSS), and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), will be the most remarkable outcome for the second period of the project. The website will act as a central location for readily available, useful information on agroforestry, enabling users to decide on business models, land management, and carbon footprint estimations through knowledge. Furthermore, the establishment of Regional Agroforestry Innovation Networks (RAINs) has made it easier for stakeholders to share knowledge and collaborate resulted in the identification of 33 model AF farms and value chains that show the profitability of AF techniques. The environmental and financial advantages of agroforestry systems are further highlighted by the sustainability evaluation of these farms.
Several crucial demands must be met in order to guarantee continued uptake and success. In order to improve AF business models and present practical implementations in various locations, further research and demonstration projects are required. Obtaining investment and market access are necessary for AF systems to be economically feasible. This entails ensuring that farmers are able to market their AF goods and obtain funding for the initial installation of AF systems. In order to include agroforestry into agricultural policies and provide incentives for its adoption, policymakers must establish a regulatory framework that is supportive of the practice. International cooperation and knowledge sharing will also support the globalization of AF practices. During the first period of the project, the understanding of the former CAP and the new Strategic Plans
The AF4EU Knowledge Platform will be completely operational by project's conclusion, including online resources and digital technologies to assist in the adoption of agroforestry. The validated business models and value chains will offer infographics of how AF systems may be both environmentally and economically feasible, and the RAIN networks will keep promoting innovation and knowledge sharing. All things considered, AF4EU will have established a strong basis for the widespread adoption of agroforestry, contributing to the development of more sustainable agricultural landscapes throughout Europe.