The first Regional Agroforestry Innovation Network (RAIN) workshop in Ireland took place at the Teagasc Centre, Tullamore, Co. Offaly on Wednesday, July 26.
The RAIN consisted of farmers (livestock, crop and forest enterprises), extension services, service providers, a farm forestry representative, policy-makers and agroforestry researchers. There was a lively discussion amongst the participants, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing Irish agroforestry as it begins to emerge as a viable land use system.
From the Irish RAIN, the three most relevant technical innovations were “planting the right tree in the right place when planning Agroforestry Systems”; “Enhancing biodiversity by agroforestry systems”; and “Agroforestry systems climate change adaptation- carbon capture”, all them reflective of the early stage of agroforestry as a farm enterprise in Ireland.
From an economic innovation perspective, the actors prioritized farming systems economic value Decision Support Tool, the establishment of business case studies, getting a fair price through short food supply chains and whole cost comparisons with conventional agricultural products.
A survey was conducted during the meeting and respondents felt that a sustainable agroforestry component could help to protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of their farming enterprises. Farmers were very aware of the potential to develop new business opportunities and create jobs by adding value to the original baseline product.
