Reframing the future: how planting trees on farmland can boost food production and farm resilience

For more than 30 years, we have been working hand in hand with farmers and landowners to enrich their land through tree planting. This long-standing partnership has shown that integrating trees into agricultural practices can be mutually beneficial for landowners and the environment.

Integrating trees into agricultural land is an opportunity to improve overall profitability per hectare through diversified income streams. Trees enrich biodiversity, protect farmland from the impacts of climate change, and support long-term sustainability. By adopting agroforestry practices, farmers can create a more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural sector.

Agroforestry—the practice of integrating trees with crops or livestock—has long been part of traditional farming. Historically, hedgerows provided windbreaks, natural habitats, and boundaries. Today, farmers are rediscovering that trees can enhance food production, creating a harmonious balance between agriculture and nature.

We have been supporting farmers and landowners in integrating trees into their land to secure a more sustainable future. By implementing various tree-planting systems, we have demonstrated how trees protect crops by reducing wind damage and maintaining soil moisture, especially during periods of drought or heavy rainfall—conditions that are becoming more common due to climate change. Planting trees along field edges prevents soil erosion, ensuring that arable land remains fertile and productive. Strategically planted trees can also boost soil fertility and crop yields, enhancing the local environment and contributing to more abundant harvests.

Farmers in the Forest have reported increased resilience where trees are planted. The improvements in soil structure and the trees' ability to capture carbon have led to thriving crops such as wheat, barley, and fruit trees.

Farmers are on the front line of the climate crisis, and integrating trees into farmland offers a natural solution. Trees act as a buffer, absorbing excess water during heavy rains and reducing the risk of flooding on valuable agricultural land. This is particularly important in low-lying areas prone to floods. Additionally, planting trees reduces carbon emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation targets. As climate change reshapes traditional farming systems, trees provide a long-term solution that stabilizes the environment and secures future food production.

Food security is not just about producing enough food but also about ensuring stable incomes for farmers. Trees offer an additional source of income through the production of timber, fruits, nuts, and other tree products. Farmers growing apples, pears, or other fruit crops benefit from diversified income streams, enhancing the sustainability of their farms. Livestock farmers can adopt silvopasture systems, where trees provide shelter and livestock graze on the grass and forage growing beneath. This practice enhances animal welfare and farm efficiency. By diversifying income, trees provide an economic safety net for farmers, ensuring they can continue to produce food even in challenging years, supporting overall food security.

Biodiversity is under threat in many regions, but the National Forest is a shining example of the opposite, with many species increasing and overall biodiversity on the rise. Trees and hedgerows on farms play a crucial role in this success, supporting pollinators and natural pest controllers essential for food production. For example, bees, which are vital for crops such as rapeseed and fruit orchards, thrive in the habitats and food sources provided by trees and hedgerows. A diverse ecosystem supported by agroforestry makes farming more sustainable and productive, ensuring that farmland remains fertile and capable of producing food in the long term.

As farmers adapt to changing climates and economic pressures, agroforestry offers a way to ensure that farms remain productive, resilient, and profitable. By working with nature, farmers can safeguard their livelihoods and the nation’s food supply for generations to come.

If you’d like to explore the many benefits of planting trees on your farm, get in touch with our team today for a friendly, confidential chat about the grants available to support your vision.