Agroforestry

How farm and forest work together

Put simply, agroforestry means farming with trees.

Farmers worry that planting trees means giving up productive land and losing the basic payment, which it doesn’t.

Agroforestry can mean anything from shelter belts, hedgerows and timber plantations to a fully integrated farming system, where livestock and/or arable crops and trees are interdependent.

Farming with trees has many benefits for land, livestock, wildlife – and for business.

Advice on agroforestry

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Agroforestry resources

Find all you need to know about agroforestry in Scotland in our resource hub: these are new resources produced by us to inform adoption of agroforestry.
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How to get started with agroforestry

Whether you're looking to introduce a silvopastural or silvoarable system, here you'll find expert advice and farmer experiences to help you figure out how to get started with agroforestry.
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Grants and guidance on agroforestry

There are several organisations in Scotland who are available to help you navigate the grants process.
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Benefits of agroforestry

Trees can store carbon, improve soil health and biology, provide shelter and forage for livestock and wildlife, and give farmers additional income. Hear from other farms, crofts and estates across Scotland who are putting agroforestry into practice.
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Agroforestry in Action

Exploring the practicalities of integrating trees on farms.
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Want to learn more about agroforestry?

We run regular, free events on sustainable farming methods. Attend a Soil Association Scotland event to learn more about integrating farming and forestry.

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Events

Find out what events related to climate and nature-friendly farming, or agroecology, are happening near you in Scotland.

Events