Acknowledgments

The Delta Farmers’ Institute and UBC Farm would like to thank all of the presenters, attendees, volunteers and organizers of Cultivating Sustainable Agroforestry, for contributing to the success of the workshop.

Funding for the British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, this program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC. The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI. The AIDI is administered by the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is committed to working with industry partners.

Opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and not necessarily those of AAFC.

Funding provided by: In-kind support provided by:

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. 1

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 2

Objective ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Background ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Schedule ……………………..……………………………………………………………………………………….…..7

Workshop summary……….…………………………………………………………………………………….8

Main ideas and recommendations .......................................................................................... 12

Reflections & Feedback …………………………………………………………………………………… 19

Speaker abstracts and biographies ........................................................................................ 20 David Trotter: Agroforestry; BC perspective ................................................................................... 20

Link to presentation video and document ................................................................................................ 20 Kelleen Wiseman: Business planning for your agroforestry venture .................................... 21

Link to presentation video and document……………………………………………………………….…….21 Peter Andres: Hazelnuts in BC; the industry and EFB. ................................................................. 22

Link to presentation video and document……………………………………………………………….…….22 Robin Clark and Taylor White: Carbon and agroforestry; an integrated strategy ........... 23 Link to presentation video and document ....................................................................................... 23 Tom O’Dell: Diversifying your space with disease resistent hazelnut varieties .................. 24 Link to presentation video and document ....................................................................................... 24 David Bradbeer: Functional elements of hedgerows ................................................................... 25 Link to presentation video and document ........................................................................................ 25 Shannon Berch: Mediterranean truffle orchards in BC .............................................................. 26

Link to presentation video and document ................................................................................................ 26 Scott Henderson: Farm and forest mushroom cultivation ................................................................ 27

Link to presentation video and document ................................................................................................ 27

References: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....28

Workshop contacts:………………………………………………………………………………………...…….29

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Executive Summary

Agroforestry is the intentional and interactive practice of integrating trees with crops and/or livestock, to provide multiple benefits. The methods employed are determined by the management objectives and characteristics of the site. Agroforestry practices often emulate natural systems and are often designed to achieve relatively low-maintenance production. This may include combining trees and crops for efficient use of space and complementary resource requirements (e.g., alley cropping), establishing shelterbelts or hedgerows for pollinator, wildlife habitat and microclimate enhancement, riparian zone buffers for increased bank stability and ecological health improvements, forest farming, or grazing livestock in and around tree stands (e.g., silvopasture).

Agroforestry practices are age-old, though agroforestry as a discipline of study is relatively new. Agroforestry is well developed in the southern hemisphere as a form of traditional agriculture, (and more recently as a response to land degradation and space limitations). European agricultural landscapes widely incorporated shelterbelts, hedgerows and silvopasture practices traditionally. In British Columbia, agroforestry practices are being explored now more than ever. To further the extension of agroforestry practices in BC, research and financial support has been offered through government initiatives, such as the Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI), and through collaboration among producers, industry, and researchers.

This report is meant to examine the future directions of agroforestry practices in British Columbia and recap what came out of the Cultivating Sustainable Agroforestry workshop held on September 29, 2012, at UBC Farm. The purpose of this workshop was to bring together people from various backgrounds and areas of interest, to discuss the current state of agroforestry in BC and opportunities for the continued development of this land management practice.

The collaboration between 75 participants and 9 guest speakers made for a day of dynamic dialogue and new connections within the agroforestry community. Facilitated discussion allowed small groups to consider current challenges, successes and ideas of agroforestry in BC and an on-site agroforestry demonstration tour helped coalesce ideas from the day.

The following document outlines the workshop proceedings and offers considerations and recommendations for moving agroforestry in BC forward. This document and the agroforestry website that hosts it comprise the Future Directions package.

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Cultivating Sustainable Agroforestry Who: Delta Farmers’ Institute and UBC Farm with funding from the Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) for an audience of practitioners, students, researchers, industry, government and interested public. What: A day of presentations, demonstration and discussion. Where: UBC Farm, 6182 South Campus Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 When: Saturday September 29, 2012, 9:00 a.m- 5:00 p.m.

Objective:

The goal of this workshop was not only to improve producers’, researchers’ and aspiring practitioners’ understanding of agroforestry in BC, but to illustrate the dynamic opportunities for ecological, economic and social benefits. Participants’ level of agroforestry knowledge varied; some were newly introduced to these concepts, while others were currently practicing agroforestry on their farms. This workshop was designed to bring a variety of people together who share common interests and offer a chance to explore topics relevant to the development of agroforestry in BC.

Further, the Cultivating Sustainable Agroforestry workshop was intended to:

1. Expand and strengthen partnerships

2. Demonstrate agroforestry practices

3. Improve market connections

4. Improve awareness, extension and education

Approach:

Below is a brief overview of how these goals were addressed:

1. The representation of backgrounds and experience of the attendees, the collaborative setting and facilitated discussion process helped to build connection and rapport between participants. Additionally, the scope of topics covered was designed to have complimentary themes (e.g. truffles and hazelnuts) which brought relevant players together and encouraged collaboration.

2. The UBC Farm boasts several on-going agroforestry initiatives which made it an ideal workshop location. There are established hedgerows, site preparation for a truffiére, a small Christmas tree farm and over 12 ha of second growth forest. UBC Farm seeks to continue expanding their practices to become a regional demonstration and education site for agroforestry practices.

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3. Attendees were asked to identify the process of bringing a product to market and identify any barriers that currently exist. Connections between participants were made which will contribute to increased involvement between researchers, industry and practitioners, including new research partnerships, farmer-consumer connections and academic networking.

4. The final goal of this workshop was to build awareness, set a precedent for continued dialogue and disseminate the breadth of knowledge that is already available. Education and extension was addressed by utilizing the voice of Delta Farmers’ Institute, an important industry stakeholder capable of attracting and engaging the farming community, and the UBC Farm, a leader and educator of sustainable food systems research capable of reaching the student and broader community. UBC Farm is living agroforestry laboratory that sees more than 50,000 visitors each year and hosts more than 150 student projects conducted in collaboration with 18 departments and units, 9 faculties, and 5 schools. UBC Farm will continue to build upon the ideas and connections brought about by the workshop to inform next steps toward development of agroforestry practices onsite thereby ensuring long-term opportunities for agroforestry research and demonstration.

Through developing this document and the UBC Farm Agroforestry website, the organizers aim to maintain a continued dialogue and help support sharing of information related to agroforestry in BC.

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Background

Historically, agroforestry has been practiced by many different peoples from the tropics to temperate regions. Indigenous populations around the globe have employed agroforestry production systems, as have European farming communities (particularly shelterbelts and hedgerows) and, within the last century, agroforestry systems have made their way across the Canadian landscape as well.

Although long-practiced, agroforestry remains one of the least studied systems. Today, given climate change, increased demand for resources, degradation of soils, loss of agricultural land and continued deforestation, agroforestry offers opportunities to provide significant ecological, economic and social benefits, and is being more widely explored here in BC.

Discussion of the challenges and triple bottom line benefits of agroforestry are discussed on page 12. Below is a brief overview of agroforestry initiatives across Canada.

Eastern Canada

The eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec deserve mention for their expertise in establishing riparian buffers to protect waterways. Planting riparian buffers enhance the ecological benefits of a site in different ways depending on the dimensions of the buffer. For example, a 5m buffer contributes to bank stability, while 10-300 m buffers maintain wildlife habitat and stream protection (www.agr.gc.ca).

Hedgerows are also widely established. Windbreaks, sun shading and habitat corridors are just some of the benefits provided by hedgerows.

Prairies:

In the prairies (Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta), Agri-Food Canada’s Agri-Environment Services Branch (AAFC-AESB), had been providing free seedlings and technical support since 1901 to farmers to establish shelterbelts, through the Prairie Shelterbelt Program. The program helped establish over 1000kms of shelterbelts annually, which had tremendous benefits for the land, air and wildlife such as protection from temperature extremes, high winds and blowing snow and desiccation. Unfortunately, due to funding cuts, the program will deliver its last seedlings in spring 2013.

Like BC, open range grazing in forested land (silvopasture) is commonly practiced in the prairies. Many of these systems involve alley cropping.

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British Columbia:

Agroforestry systems are gaining popularity in BC, and funding opportunities from AIDI provided resources to explore and establish various projects around the province.

Silvopasture is perhaps the most common practice in BC, though increasingly, other agroforestry systems are being developed and demonstrations of functioning shelterbelts and hedgerows, forest farming and riparian buffers can be found throughout the province. Considering the scope and size of BC’s fruit and nut tree industry, alley cropping exhibits high potential.

For information on projects that have taken place in BC, go here.

UBC Farm hedgerow

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Schedule

Table 1: Workshop schedule

Time Topic Speaker

9:00 – 10:00 am Registration

10:00 - 10:20 am Opening remarks Amy Frye, Larry Grant

10:20 – 11:00 am Agroforestry: BC perspective David Trotter

11:00 – 11:15 am Break and refreshments

11:15 – 11:45 am Business planning for your

agroforestry venture

Kelleen Wiseman

11:45 – 12:30 pm Facilitated discussion

12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch UBC Point Grill catering

1:30 – 2:00 pm Hazelnuts in BC; the industry

and EFB

Peter Andres

Carbon and agroforestry; an

integrated strategy

Robin Clark and Taylor White

2:00 – 2:30 pm Diversifying your space with

new disease resistant hazelnut

varieties

Thom O’Dell

Functional elements of

hedgerows

David Bradbeer

2:30 – 3:20 pm Mediterranean truffle orchards

in BC

Shannon Berch

3:20 – 3:30 pm Break and refreshments

3:30 – 4:00 pm Farm and forest mushroom

cultivation

Scott Henderson

4:00 – 4:15 pm Closing remarks Kate Menzies

4:00 --5:00pm UBC Farm agroforestry

demonstration tour

To view presentation slides and videos, click here.

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Workshop summary:

After opening remarks and acknowledgement of traditional Musqueam territory, Dave Trotter and Kelleen Wiseman gave informative presentations which would help frame the theme for the day. During the opening presentations and the facilitated discussion that followed, illustrator Sam Bradd was busy creating a graphic depiction of emerging ideas and discussion, on a 6’x4’ poster at the front of the room. Below is the finished product.

To view a larger version of the graphic, click here.

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Participants, in groups of 6-8 discussed some of the challenges and benefits associated with new agroforestry ventures. Below is a summary of key points of the facilitated discussion, please see ‘Main ideas and recommendations’ for elaboration of these and more.

Public perception of agroforestry is somewhat unclear, the term has many definitions.

The branding of agroforestry could be based on the products or the systems (similar to branding of organic, fair trade, local, shade-grown, etc.) and promoted to consumers. Agroforestry could benefit from this type of branding.

There are challenges with obtaining financial support and start-up services for agroforestry – long payback periods and new operations present investment risks.

Lack of economic incentives, advocacy and awareness has led to underdeveloped industry.

Education of the environmental benefits of agroforestry practices will lead to consumer awareness of ‘agroforestry’ branded products.

Agroforestry provides opportunities from underutilized land bases or farm margins.

Land efficiency and increased diversity of production can help producers weather changes in market demand and reach new niche markets.

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Lunch

Lunch was catered by UBC’s Point Grill. The menu showcased UBC Farm produce; roasted acorn squash, roasted beets, fresh-picked carrots, and spinach.

Conversation continued between attendees as they enjoyed the fresh, organic meal harvested from just metres away, and reflected on the morning’s presentations.

Afternoon There were two sets of concurrent sessions running in the afternoon, providing a wealth of information but a hard decision for participants to decide which to attend!

Session I:

Peter Andres Hazelnuts in BC; the industry and EFB

Robin Clark & Taylor Black Carbon and agroforestry; an integrated strategy

Session II:

Thom O’Dell & Haley Argen Diversifying your space with new disease resistant hazelnut varieties

David Bradbeer Functional elements of hedgerows

Closing Presentations

Following the afternoon concurrent sessions, Scott Henderson spoke in the main tent, after which Shannon Berch’s presentation concluded the day.

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Closing remarks and UBC Farm demonstration tour:

Closing remarks were made and then the group toured some of UBC Farm’s agroforestry initiatives. David Bradbeer (left) led the group to the hedgerows, established several years ago by UBC Alumni Andrea Morgan, as part of a directed study course.

Participants helped lift a barn owl box into position, ready to be erected within the hedgerow by UBC Farm staff. The box will provide habitat for barn owls which are considered species at risk.

Afterward, Shannon Berch (below) led the group to the site of the future Truffiére research plot and described more about the project.

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Main ideas and recommendations

Benefits of agroforestry practices

Agroforestry systems appeal to a triple bottom line approach to provide ecological, social and economic benefits and are designed to complement the characteristics and management objectives of a given site. Objectives can pertain to combinations of; revenue generation, conservation, ecosystem services, ecological benefits, increased efficiencies, economic diversification and moderation of financial risk. Indicators of success are determined according to the management objectives of the site.

Ecological

On an ecological basis, agroforestry practices may: enhance biodiversity; provide protection from wind and extreme temperatures (microclimate management), habitat retention or provision (including wildlife corridors) and stream and wetland protection; mitigate erosion; and contribute to soil health, carbon sequestration and/or conservation. Integrating practices that involve ecological restoration is integral to developing sustainable forest management and agricultural land-use practices. Incorporating agroforestry systems may provide alternatives to traditional intensive agriculture and realize greater support for ecosystem services (McNeely, 2004).

Interconnectivity between fields and forests provides important habitat refuges for birds and wildlife. Hedgerows and shelterbelts thus increase biodiversity both of vegetation and wildlife. Planting native trees and shrubs, and avoiding invasive species or varieties that are prone to disease, is important due diligence in order to maintain optimum health of the hedgerows and surrounding ecosystems. These vegetative buffers help regulate microclimate, mitigate erosion and nutrient leeching, protect top soil from sun exposure, and hold snow to create springtime water reserves. To learn more please see David Bradbeer’s presentation.

To prevent contamination to water sources, trees and shrubs can be planted as riparian buffers which improve stream channel stability, protect fish habitat, provide refuge for birds and wildlife and filter runoff.

Ground vegetation, augmented by agroforestry systems, changes the physical and chemical properties of soils and can lead to increased soil productivity. In temperate climates woody perennials such as the red alder (Alnus rubra) have nitrogen-fixing capabilities that benefit crop yields in alley-cropping systems (S Seiter, 1995).

Carbon sequestration- the absorption of carbon through living vegetation as a means of storage- is a process that can be enhanced through intentional land management. By incorporating trees into the land base, farmers/land owners can contribute to carbon sequestration. Given that the agricultural industry contributes to 10-12% global anthropogenic greenhouse gases emitted (Smith et al. 2007), increasing the number of farms which integrate trees (as carbon sinks) through agroforestry, can help reduce the impact of agricultural emissions on climate change.

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You can calculate your farm’s carbon footprint here.

Carbon sequestration may be considered by small landholders as a way of voluntarily offsetting some emissions from their operations. This can be recognized as a method of Corporate Social Responsibility or may be employed as a way of marketing a product as being more environmentally responsible. Large operations may benefit from long-term management of trees as carbon sinks that can be applied to the carbon offset market. This requires a carbon broker and adhering to standards and certification criteria. To learn more, please see Robin Clark and Taylor White’s presentation.

Agroforestry practices not only increase the ecological health of the site but can increase the carbon storage process and change carbon sources into carbon sinks (Jose, 2012).

Social

Where there are ecological health improvements there are benefits to individuals and communities, including improved air and water quality. Trees capture dust particles and filter the air from pollutants such as vehicle and industry emissions. (Dennis Y. C. Leunga, 2011). Riparian zone buffers help remove nonpoint-source pollutants (such as agricultural run-off), nitrate concentrations and sediment as water drains into rivers and streams, thereby increasing water quality (Gilliam, 1994).

With respect to the establishment of hedgerows or wildlife corridors, these systems increase biodiversity both on a plot and landscape level. Trees and shrubs boarding one field are great, but connecting that boarder to adjacent fields provides interconnectivity across the landscape which has significant positive effects for wildlife. Consequently, not only does the land manager employing the practice of hedgerow establishment benefit, but neighboring land-holders, wildlife and ecosystems do as well.

Incorporating agroforestry practices has potential to create new markets, diversify revenue streams and provide alternatives to traditional intensive agriculture that will better protect critical ecological systems and incorporate a broader spectrum of environmental values. Businesses and communities that diversify their economic means strengthen their resilience to tough economic times or shifting markets.

Trending toward this integrative, interactive and intentional management practice has positive implications to individuals and the broader community.

Economic

As mentioned above, agroforestry systems diversify a land base and can be employed to broaden the scope of operations to provide new revenue streams. This helps to mitigate the risk involved in relying on the success of just one or two means of production. Incorporating an agroforestry enterprise within current operations can successfully

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leverage pre-existing capital, infrastructure, market access etc., while taking advantage of new opportunities. Additionally, many products of agroforestry systems hold potential for value-added or niche markets. Examples include botanical and medicinal plant products, preserves, craft and artist materials, mushrooms, truffles, syrups and more.

Inherent in agroforestry systems is land-use efficiency. Because trees and woody perennials can be incorporated within fields, around edges or on the margins of the land base, previously underutilized areas can be made to generate direct, or indirect (in the form of ecosystem services) income.

Building consumer awareness around agroforestry systems may provide incentives for consumers to purchase products derived from agroforestry systems, given the multiple benefits associated with this type of land use. Collective enthusiasm toward ‘going green’ continues to motivate consumers to become more environmentally responsible consumers. Labels such as “Local”, “Organic” or “Fair Trade” have become symbols of conscientious buying and provide ways for consumers to vote with their dollar for products that value the health of people and planet. As the agroforestry industry develops, it may benefit from creating a brand identity that similarly represents production practices with a triple bottom line approach.

The Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative has funded many projects that serve to generate more knowledge and experience around implementing agroforestry systems in BC. Investing in these initiatives supports a growing community of agroforestry practitioners as they explore many potential opportunities.

Challenges of agroforestry practices

As with other agricultural or forestry pursuits, barriers to entry or expansion include costs, access to land or resources, uncertainty and risk. Obtaining land tenure or coming up with the capital to purchase land is expensive, time consuming and often complicated. Uncertainty with regards to the quality, quantity and reliability of your target crops is also a concern. In coming years as more attention, resources and funding are directed toward better developing operational procedures and business planning of agroforestry ventures in BC, much of this uncertainty may become better understood.

Workshop attendees voiced interest in exploring opportunities for using crown land for agroforestry practices, particularly silvopasture (in BC, this most commonly refers to cattle grazing). Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture is partnering with a number of cooperators on a pilot initiative that explores ways of combining forestry pursuits and livestock grazing on crown land to maximize both endeavors while reducing the environmental impact on the landscape. This project partnership is the first of its kind in British Columbia. It has brought together federal, provincial and local government partners as well as industry and the private sector to address concerns raised from the Oyama and Vernon Creek Source Water Assessment and a Forest Practices Board watershed audit. The process has involved integrating the planned management of trees with forage and livestock production, and conservation practices on the same land.

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By optimizing economic, social, and environmental benefits from British Columbia’s natural resources, this model could serve as a blueprint for other regions. The project uses agroforestry, and specifically silvopasture, to blend agricultural, forestry and conservation practices. Silvopasture brings together the planned management of trees with forage and livestock production. On Crown land, it builds on BC’s multiple use model and seeks to optimize benefits such as diversified economic, social and environmental goods and services. Specific project objectives are to provide data and information to assist in the development of a provincial silvopasture policy on Crown land, and to determine production potentials, costs and benefits as well as environmental goods and services such as drinking water protection and carbon sequestration.

Grazing cattle near streams, lakes and wetlands can have negative impacts on riparian zones such as decreasing stream channel stability, destroying fish habitat, compaction, excessive nutrient enrichment and mineral soil disturbance. A 2002 report about grazing practices on riparian zones, prepared by the BC Forest Practices Board, can be seen here. Projects like the one mentioned above may determine best practices that mitigate negative impacts on these sensitive ecosystems.

For now, breaking relatively new agroforestry ground means working within current forestry and agricultural land management policies until a time when (and if) there is a need to develop new policies, unique to agroforestry.

The importance of language

Agroforestry encompasses a large scope of management approaches. During the workshop, presenters and attendees discussed the observation that between farmer, industry, community and mainstream circles, ‘agroforestry’ is often interpreted in different ways. In some experiences, the term was taken to mean an activity that involved some degree of logging; replacing forested land with agriculture or was considered synonymous with ‘ecoforestry’ (which also has many definitions). Other people remarked from personal experience that people outside of the agroforestry community simply had not heard of agroforestry, or if they had, they did not know what it entails.

This was flagged as an issue that highlights the need for better understanding, within and beyond the agroforestry community, of what agroforestry means, specifically within a local, BC context. As agroforestry in this province continues to grow and evolve, it is important that a general understanding of what it represents - diverse practices and integrated systems- becomes clear to the people who consume and support products and services derived from agroforestry systems.

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Language used among agroforestry practitioners, academics and the greater community, impacts the way people understand the values and objectives of agroforestry as a land-management practice. Clarity and consistency is needed in order to build mainstream understanding of agroforestry values. Identifying techniques or products derived from agroforestry systems will help promote consumer awareness and build recognition of the term.

Further, publicity of agroforestry initiatives and demonstration sites around the province will help educate people about the benefits of these systems. Certainly, workshops and events like Cultivating Sustainable Agroforestry, and other projects funded by AIDI will help achieve a better understanding of such concepts.

Connecting people to their food

Agroforestry practices can provide benefits for not only rural, but urban and peri-urban food systems. One of the goals of the Vancouver City Council, to increase urban food systems, encourages native species, fruit and nut trees, and medicinal herbs to grow in an urban setting. Their priority action (here) includes incorporating community gardens, urban farms, and adding public fruit trees to Vancouver’s food hub. These installments help bridge knowledge gaps by encouraging residents to learn more about how food is grown and where it comes from; they are not intended to supply food in a large capacity to address food insecurity. Not only do these initiatives connect people to food (which is acknowledged to have far reaching benefits), it affords the opportunity to experiment with producing various specialty products, growing native plants and engaging community (Check out Vancouver’s, Means of Production Garden, or The Purple Thistle Community Food Forest, for example). Teaching people about forest farming or other agroforestry techniques can provide education and outreach needed to help consumers identify food produced within an agroforestry context. When agroforestry becomes a better-known food production system, it stands to reason that producers will benefit from that understanding.

Public food forests, such as this one in Seattle, is an amazing example of public lands being transformed into demonstration, learning and food producing hubs. Vancouver could lead similar initiatives or even explore the addition of food producing hedgerows boarding parks and green spaces. Encouraging more public consultation recommending agroforestry systems within an urban setting could increase the efficiency and function of pre-existing green spaces within our communities.

Branding: would producers benefit from an ‘agroforestry’ label?

As mentioned above, the marketing power derived from labels such as ‘organic’, ‘fair trade’, ‘local’, ‘free-range’, ‘GMO-free’ etc., is well known. BC producers engaging in agroforestry practices may benefit from a similar brand strategy which appeals to

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consumers seeking products that are derived following a triple bottom line land-management approach. Similar to ‘organic’, agroforestry does not strictly apply to a particular product, commodity, service but rather, is defined as a production system. ‘Shade-grown’ is an example of an agroforestry production system that is well branded to identify coffee that has been grown within a system recognized to be more environmentally sustainable than typical coffee monoculture plantations. Consumers who are familiar with the term ‘shade-grown’ understand the ecological benefits of such methods, but would they link ‘shade-grown’ to ‘agroforestry’? Perhaps not yet.

Determining the details of an agroforestry brand, including criteria (production standards) and compliance (third party monitoring) for example, would entail a great deal of organization and necessitate collaboration between producers and industry but it is reasonable to assume the framework for such a process could be derived from successful similar examples. Acknowledging this endeavor would present administrative challenges and require an organizational body (with funding) to achieve, given the potential benefit, this concept should be further explored.

Information sharing

Collaboration and knowledge sharing through workshops and conferences such as Cultivating Sustainable Agroforestry, can help bridge the gap between new and existing agroforestry practitioners, industry, researchers and interested public, to allow for increased dialogue and discussion around important agroforestry topics.

Support from government and industry, such as AIDI and Delta Farmers’ Initiatives contribution of funding for the workshop and Future Directions package offer much needed funds and resources to assist this burgeoning industry.

Places of research and demonstration like UBC Farm and others will continue growing the knowledge base and provide research into the development of successful agroforestry ventures so that some of the risk and experimentation inherent in trialing new practices or crops/tree production will be reduced.

Next steps

Brinkman and Associates Reforestation is partnering with UBC Farm on an AIDI funded project for 2013. Along with consultation from UBC Faculties of Land and Food Systems, and Forestry, Brinkman staff, community experts and five BC farms (Amara Farm, Big Bear Ranch, Nathan Creek Organic Farm, Pilgrims Produce & Singing Lands) they will develop an ‘Agroforestry Production Development Tool’ which will aid landowners/farmers in planning for new agroforestry ventures. The tool will be a framework for decision making and business planning for the implementation of

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agroforestry practices, which inherently involve many considerations addressing multiple management objectives.

During discussions at the Cultivating Sustainable Agroforestry workshop, participants noted that implementing agroforestry initiatives can be a confusing and complex process given the degree of integration and interaction of different systems. This project seeks to collect and combine relevant planning models that are currently available, address any gaps or oversights and tailor the tool to the specific needs of those wishing to implement agroforestry practices on their land. The tool will be informed by feedback by farm partners to ensure it is developed with practicality and ease-of-use in mind. It will then be piloted by each of these farms, including UBC Farm, and will be evaluated so future iterations of the tool can be improved.

Stay tuned to the UBC Farm agroforestry and AIDI website for updates or contact Kate Menzies, kate.menzies (at) ubc.ca for more information.

Questions for further discussion and dialogue: The following were considered topics of interest for further discussion:

Is agroforestry knowledge abundant, accessible, and adaptable?

Are there knowledge gaps? What are they? What research needs to be done?

With regard to barriers to adopting agroforestry practices, in which ways do

producers have the capacity to confront/change this and what factors are

beyond their control?

Are there emerging technologies or opportunities that could be appropriate

for uptake in BC?

What is the role of regulation? Is there a need for regulatory change?

How can you remove barriers to market access?

How do you develop a niche market?

How can agroforestry in BC be: Sustainable? Culturally appropriate? Inclusive

to multiple land users? Profitable? Measured for success? (qualitatively and

quantitatively)

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Reflections and feedback

The organizers of the event were thrilled with the success of the workshop but also acknowledge areas of improvement that could be addressed for future events/conferences.

Due to time limitations and the great extent of the topic, it was not possible to have presentations spanning the scope of agroforestry; focusing on a few key topics was determined to be the best course of action. The organizers acknowledge that many other areas of interest could have been explored. The following is a list of topics suggested by attendees, in a post-conference survey.

More on business development (steps on how to enter the industry, look at the stats of how many folks are practicing agroforestry in BC, dollar value of the industry in BC and how that compares to other places,etc).

Urban agroforestry Agroforestry on public land Maple syrup, cultivation of artistic materials, medicinals/botanicals, Christmas

trees/swag, berries, value added products, 7-layer forest farming, Biochar Small wood-lot management Training/career opportunities Agroforestry in the context of climate change/natural disturbances (e.g., pine

beetle) More on ecological benefits of agroforestry

The organizers also wish to recognize the limitations arising from time of year the workshop was held. Accommodating the busy schedules of some of the keynote speakers, as well as parameters regarding the event location and other logistical details, Saturday September 29th was determined to be the best option for holding the event. However, it was acknowledged that given the date was a Saturday, at the end of an untypically warm fall, many farmers and producers in the area were unavailable to attend due to obligations of harvesting, markets or other seasonal duties. Hosting the event later in the season would have been ideal for scheduling, but would have also meant colder weather whereby an outdoor venue may not be appropriate.

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Speaker biographies and presentation abstracts

David Trotter:

David Trotter is a specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture in the areas of agroforestry, riparian management, biodiversity and Environmental Farm Planning. He completed his BSc at McGill and his MSc at SFU and was previously employed with the BC Forest Service as an extension specialist working with reforestation nurseries and silviculturists on early plantation establishment.

Agroforestry: BC perspective

Abstract

Agroforestry in BC is in the early stages of acceptance particularly in the areas of producer awareness, provincial policy, and the integration of traditional agriculture and forestry management systems. This presentation looks at the agroforestry industry in BC today and highlights some wide ranging agroforestry demonstration and research projects across the province.

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Kelleen Wiseman:

Kelleen Wiseman is a lecturer with the Food and Resource Economic Group at the UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems with over 20 years of experience in the area of agri-business planning and marketing. Kelleen has worked in the agri-food sector of California and various provinces in Canada with organizations such as Farm Credit Canada, Oracle Corporation, Canadian Farm Business Management Council and the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture. Business planning for your agroforestry venture

Abstract

This presentation outlines business planning and marketing tools that can be used to assess readiness and expansion potential of a farm business into the agroforestry area.

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Peter Andres

Hazelnuts in BC; the industry and EFB Peter is currently the president of the BC Hazelnut Growers Association and was CEO for nearly 20 years. He is an active member of the Kent Agricultural Advisory Committee and participates with the new organic legislation as an advisor for the tree fruits sector. He often gives farm tours of his farm and of the farming community and presents on topics of farming, education and computer technology. Abstract

This presentation provides an overview of the hazelnut industry, including current challenges and specifically eastern filbert blight (EFB) disease. He will discuss what the industry is doing to build itself up again and what this means in terms of opportunities for farmers looking to incorporate hazelnuts into their production.

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Robin Clark & Taylor White

Carbon and agroforestry; an integrated strategy

Robin Clark is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with over 40 years of experience in the BC forestry industry. As president of Robin B. Clark Inc., Robin works with a wide variety of clients in government, industry and First Nations in Canada and abroad to provide expertise in forest sector capacity building, forest stewardship, sustainable resource management planning, teaching and training, strategic planning, and economic analysis.

Taylor White has a BSc in Natural Resource Conservation from the Faculty of Forestry at UBC. Taylor currently interns at Robin B. Clark Inc., and has worked on a range of projects including community wildfire protection plans, timber reconnaissance, proposal writing, carbon management, and clean energy projects.

Abstract

Agroforestry provides an opportunity to sequester carbon through minor changes to harvest strategies and farming practices. Integrating carbon sequestration into an agroforestry strategy offsets a farm's emissions footprint, may be profitable if carbon markets are pursued and contributes to a business' corporate social responsibility (CSR). This presentation outlines steps that assess the carbon footprint of an agriculture operation and examines how to integrate carbon sequestration into agroforestry strategies.

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Tom O’Dell & Haley Argen

Thom O’Dell has a PhD in botany and plant pathology from Oregon State University. He

has expertise in fungi and plant-fungal interactions, particularly mycorrhizal symbioses. Haley Argen earned a Horticulture diploma (honours) from the University of Guelph. She was a grower in a greenhouse and nursery in the far north for nine years, and returned to the Fraser Valley to work in a native plant nursery 6 years ago. Haley is experienced with all aspects of nursery management.

Diversifying Your Space with Disease-resistant Hazelnut Varieties

Abstract

Hazelnuts have diverse applications to agroforestry, but older varieties are susceptible to eastern filbert blight (EFB), a fungal disease first found in BC in about 2002 that is lethal to hazelnut trees. We are producing six new, highly EFB-resistant hazelnut varieties recently released by the Oregon State University breeding program. Due to quarantine, they had to be imported in tissue culture before growing on and planting in orchards. Some trees are planted in a variety trial with Investment Agriculture Foundation support to evaluate their suitability to the local conditions. We will describe some challenges of starting a ‘new’ crop, how that affects

the supply of trees, and discuss advantages and uses of hazelnuts related to agroforestry.

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David Bradbeer David Bradbeer, at the time of the conference, was the program coordinator for the Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust, an organization that works with farmers in Delta and Richmond to steward local soil resources and provide habitat for migratory birds. David now works as Wildlife Program Specialist for the Vancouver Airport Authority. The Wildlife program is designed to reduce incidence of wildlife strikes with aircraft using a variety of techniques including habitat management, falconry, raptor trapping and relocation and working dogs. David received a BSc in agro-ecology from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at UBC, followed by an MSc in Animal Sciences from the same faculty. He specializes in avian ecology and farming systems of southwestern BC.

Introduction to the Functional Elements of Hedgerows

Abstract

This presentation introduces the idea of establishing native trees & shrubs on local farms, and what benefits (and challenges) these impart on the agroecosystem. Some focus will be given to ways of managing hedgerows for food production. We will also cover some tips for establishing native trees and shrubs.

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Shannon Berch

Shannon Berch is a research scientist with the BC Ministry of Environment specializing in soil conservation, soil biota and commercially harvested mushrooms.

Mediterranean truffle orchards in BC

Abstract

Members of the Truffle Association of BC are attempting to produce valuable Mediterranean truffles on oaks and hazelnuts in select parts of the province. In addition, native truffles that are harvested from overgrown Christmas tree farms in Oregon and Washington also occur here but are not harvested. This presentation explores basic truffle biology, the methods used to produce and harvest them, and what success would look like in BC.

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Scott Henderson

Scott Henderson is a mushroom aficionado and member of the Vancouver Mycological Society. Through his business, The Mushroom Man, Scott conducts workshops to help people to learn to grow their own mushrooms at home and has worked with groups and businesses to integrate mushrooms as a component of permaculture and edible landscaping. The Mushroom Man sells cultures and spawn of edible and medicinal mushrooms to both commercial and hobby mushroom growers.

Farm and forest mushroom cultivation

Abstract

Growing mushrooms can be a fun and rewarding way to utilize often-unused spaces and unwanted materials on a farm. From winecap mushrooms in between the rows, to Shiitake mushroom logs in the forest, to oyster mushrooms in straw, we'll touch upon ways you can works mushrooms into your operation and your daily life.

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References

Dennis Y. C. Leunga, J. K.-K.-H. (2011). Effects of Urban Vegetation on Urban Air Quality. Landscape Research, 173- 188.

Environment, B. M. (2011). Live Smart BC. Retrieved 11 31, 2012, from Carbon Neutral BC: http://www.livesmartbc.ca/government/carbon_neutral/index.html

Gilliam, J. W. (1994). Riparian Wetlands and Water Quality. Journal of Environmental Quality, 896-900.

Jose, R. P. (2012). Agroforestry strategies to sequester carbon in temperate. Agroforestry Systems, 86:225–242.

McNeely, J. A. (2004). Nature vs nurture: managing relationships between forests, agroforestry and wild diversity. Agroforestry Systems, pp. 155-165.

Powell, G. W. (2009). Bristish Columbia Agroforestry Strategic Plan 2009-2013. Quesnel: BC Government.

S Seiter, E. I. (1995). Increase in soil microbial biomass and transfer of nitrogen fromalder to sweet corn in an alley cropping system. Growing a sustainable future, 56-158.

Smith, P., D. Martino, et al. (2007). Agriculture. In Climate Change 2007: Mitigation. Contribution of Working Group III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [B. Metz, O.R. Davidson, P.R. Bosch, R. Dave, L.A. Meyer (eds)], Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.

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Workshop Contacts: Alisa Koebel, alisa.koebel(at) alumni.ubc.ca, Undergraduate in Land and Food Systems, UBC Amy Frye amy.frye (at) ubc.ca Acting Director, Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (UBC Farm) 604-882-5092 Andrews Rodriguez andres.eurodr (at) gmail.com Andrew Rushmere Andrew.rushmere (at) ubc.ca Academic Coordinator, Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (UBC Farm) 604-882-5092 Christopher Buschhaus Buschhaus Farms buschhaus (at) gmail.com Cori Busby cori.busby (at) gmail.com Diana Mckenzie dianamckenzie (at) yahoo.com Program Leader, UBC Continuing Studies Centre for Sustainability 604-827-5431 Dominique Goulet Undergraduate in Land and Food Systems, UBC (Agroecology) dga279 (at) gmail.com 778-709-1518

Erin DeShong dryadess (at) gmail.com Haley Argen Nature Tech Nursery Ltd 24733 16th Ave Langley, BC V2Z 1J4 778-835-1400 Hannah Buschhaus Buschhaus Farms buschhaus (at) gmail.com Jorge Pereda jpereda (at) landlife.com Kate Menzies Kate.menzies (at) ubc.ca Agroforestry Assistant Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (UBC Farm) 604-822-5092 Khin Maung kkmaung (at) shaw.ca Laura Ralph Alive and Well Organic Gardening 604-215-0232 http://www.aliveandwellorganic.ca ralph.laura (at) gmail.com Lisa Hansen Hansen.lisa.c (at) gmail.com Mark Elder melder2005 (at) yahoo.ca Madison Mackenzie maddie.mackenzie (at) yahoo.ca Michelle Nelson Founder, Agropolis Vancouver

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PhD Candidate, SFU (salmon-forest conservation) mcnelson (at) sfu.ca Nicole Grunfeld n.grunfeld (at) gmail.com Panthea Read pread55 (at) gmail.com Raisa Ramdeen raisaramdeen (at) hotmail.com Undergraduate in Land and Food Systems (Ecology and Agriculture) Biodiversity Intern-Slow Food Robin Clark, RPF robin@rbc.bc.ca Owner & President 604 737 1221 Sam Bradd sambradd.designs (at) gmail.com Graphic recorder Drawing change. 604 616 8680.

Scott Henderson mushrooms.vancouver@gmail.com "The Mushroom Man" (604) 910-1792 www.shroomstore.ca Shannon Berch

Shannon.berch (at) gov.bc.ca

Research Scientist, BC Ministry of Environment Sharon Proske seproske (at) gmail.com Taylor White rbcoffice (at) gmail.com Intern at Robin B. Clark Inc. Thea Rogers thea.rogers (at) live.com Thom O'Dell, Ph.D. Nature Tech Nursery, Langley, BC thom.odell (at) gmail.com

Funding for the British Columbia Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI) has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In British Columbia, this program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.The Province of British Columbia provides in-kind support to the AIDI. The AIDI is administered by the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations with the guidance of the Agroforestry Management Committee. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is committed to working with industry partners.

Opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and not necessarily those of AAFC.

Funding provided by: In-kind support provided by: