Key Takeaways
- Propagate and Rodale Institute partner to increase agroforestry adoption in North America.
- New educational hubs for agroforestry will be established in eastern Pennsylvania.
- Agroforestry offers economic and environmental benefits, including soil health improvement and carbon storage.
- Despite its advantages, agroforestry currently occupies only 1% of agricultural land due to educational and financial barriers.
- The partnership aims to overcome these barriers and expand agroforestry practices across the Eastern United States.
Propagate and Rodale Institute Launch Strategic Partnership to Promote Agroforestry in North America
Introduction to the Partnership
Propagate, a leader in agroforestry design and implementation, and Rodale Institute, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture research, have formed a strategic partnership to promote the adoption of agroforestry and tree crop systems in North America. This collaboration aims to establish new agroforestry educational hubs at the Institute’s research sites in eastern Pennsylvania, starting in Fall 2024.
Objectives and Benefits
The primary goal of this partnership is to facilitate the growth of agroforestry systems, known for their ability to create additional income streams for farmers and enhance the resilience of agricultural operations. These practices are crucial for the health of the food system and climate stability, as they improve soil health, store carbon, and support biodiversity and pollinators.
Challenges and Solutions
Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach emphasizes the critical role of agroforestry in improving agricultural land and the environment. However, limited educational resources and financial support hinder agroforestry’s growth, representing only 1% of agricultural land. This partnership seeks to address these challenges by developing innovative research and expanding access to actionable data for adopting regenerative practices.
Propagate’s Unique Contribution
Propagate CEO and Co-Founder Ethan Steinberg points out the need for regional examples and financial incentives to encourage agroforestry adoption. Propagate’s expertise in designing and financing agroforestry projects, combined with its proprietary software and network of farm service providers, will play a crucial role in overcoming the initial costs of land transition.
Rodale Institute’s
Research and Consultancy Expertise Rodale Institute brings a wealth of research and consultancy expertise to the partnership, enhancing the success of agroforestry projects. The nonprofit’s team provides agronomic consulting and valuable insights on crop yields, profitability, soil health, and water quality. This comprehensive approach ensures that the environmental and economic outcomes of agroforestry practices are thoroughly evaluated.
Collaborative Impact and Future Plans
The collaboration between Propagate and Rodale Institute is expected to significantly impact the understanding and implementation of agroforestry across the country. Dr. Leigh Archer, a scientist at Rodale Institute, highlights the growing interest in agroforestry and the Institute’s commitment to staying at the forefront of research in this field.
Propagate’s role in this partnership extends beyond design and implementation; it also involves leveraging financing mechanisms, such as the Expanding Agroforestry Program grant from the USDA, to support the initial planting costs.
Expansion and Long-Term Goals
Looking ahead, the partners plan to expand the knowledge and experience gained from the initial demonstration sites, developing more projects throughout the Eastern United States. Both organizations are committed to supporting educational hubs and farms in the region that adopt agroforestry practices. The research at these sites will focus on environmental outcomes and economic returns for farmers, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture.
