Agroforestry, a practice that intertwines agriculture with trees and shrubs, is poised for a significant boost in the United States. Despite occupying a mere 1% of the nation’s agricultural land, this figure is set to change with the announcement of a groundbreaking partnership between the Rodale Institute and Propagate. This collaboration aims to expand agroforestry and tree cropping systems across North America, signaling a potential shift in agricultural practices that could bring about substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits.
The Rodale Institute is no stranger to pioneering work in organic and regenerative agriculture. Its commitment to research and education has made it a beacon in the agricultural community. Now, by joining forces with Propagate, a startup that offers design software and financial assistance to the agroforestry sector, Rodale is returning to its roots—quite literally. The institute’s founders, J.I. Rodale and his son Robert, were early advocates for integrating trees and perennials into farming systems. Leigh Archer, a perennial systems scientist at Rodale, acknowledges the presence of an old alley-cropping experiment at their founders farm in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, as a testament to the long-standing interest in agroforestry within the organization.
However, despite the historical interest, agroforestry research has been sparse over the past few decades. This is about to change, as Archer notes, with renewed enthusiasm and new techniques sparking a resurgence in agroforestry research. The partnership with Propagate is a strategic move to establish Rodale’s agroforestry research program as a leader in the field.
Propagate’s role in this partnership is multifaceted. Mark Phillips, an enterprise account executive with the startup, points out that Rodale’s expertise in organic transition complements Propagate’s focus on conservation outcomes and potential revenue generation through agroforestry. Propagate’s Overyield software will be instrumental in providing design and planning functions for farmers looking to adopt agroforestry practices. CEO and cofounder Ethan Steinberg’s vision of educating farmers on the profitability of agroforestry aligns seamlessly with Rodale’s mission of supporting farmers transitioning to organic production.
Despite the clear benefits, agroforestry has been slow to catch on in the US. Phillips attributes this to the high costs and long-term commitment required. Tree crops can take years to mature and become profitable, necessitating a long-term, often intergenerational view of farming. Additionally, there’s a significant knowledge gap that needs to be bridged. Kyle DeWeerdt, Propagate’s senior marketing manager, emphasizes the need for a compelling case and financial means to shift perspectives toward agroforestry in the US, where the practice is not as culturally ingrained as it is in other parts of the world.
The research conducted through this partnership will take place on a demonstration farm owned by Rodale in Pennsylvania, focusing on alley cropping—one of several agroforestry methods. Alley cropping involves planting crops between rows of trees or shrubs, allowing farmers to harvest annual crops while waiting for the more lucrative tree crops to mature. The research aims to not only validate the benefits of agroforestry but also to provide farmers with the necessary education to implement these practices effectively.
The implications of this partnership are profound. If successful, it could catalyze an increase in agroforestry acreage in the US, offering farmers new opportunities for diversification and resilience while contributing to conservation efforts. Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting team is well-positioned to support farmers in this transition, with Propagate’s tools adding to their arsenal. As the partnership progresses, with planting scheduled for fall 2024, the agricultural landscape of North America could witness a significant shift toward more sustainable and integrated farming practices.