Diversification opportunities for producers of young forest seedlings

Agroforestry systems and their benefits

This talk, presented at SIVAL 2025, explored the opportunities offered by agroforestry systems for producers of young forest seedlings. The aim of agroforestry systems is to integrate trees into agricultural or livestock operations and maximize the mutual benefits between crops and the environment. These systems are based on a number of strategies, in particular the establishment of multi-stage fruit or forest hedges, widely supported by recent financial schemes such as the hedgerow pact.

Beyond the environmental and water management benefits, farmers see these systems as levers for diversifying production. Some farms use wood from hedgerows for heating or as a substitute for straw in livestock farming, thereby increasing their energy self-sufficiency. These initiatives also reflect a desire to improve local self-sufficiency and optimize the use of available natural resources.

Economic development of agroforestry production

Plant growers can also take advantage of emerging Sectors such as nut production. Species such as chestnut, walnut, almond and pecan are attracting growing interest in the face of climate change. A number of studies have demonstrated the viability of these crops in France, encouraging more and more farmers to invest in them.

A striking example is that of a farmer whose main activity has gradually shifted to chestnut production, thereby supplanting his poultry farm in terms of sales. In Pays de la Loire, groups are working to develop these crops in collaboration with local industrial players, facilitating the establishment of dedicated, long-term Sectors .

Innovations and prospects for plant growers

Recent innovations include the cultivation of mushroom orchards, where fungi such as milk caps or truffles are combined with living trees. This agroforestry model offers interesting prospects for plant producers, although it requires substantial initial investment and technical support.

The talk also highlighted practices such as garden forests, which rely on denser plantations to maximize photosynthesis and soil productivity. These systems, which are still difficult to quantify economically, are nevertheless of interest to plant producers and farmers looking for profitable, sustainable alternatives. Ultimately, the opportunities offered by agroforestry systems and the new Sectors show that plant producers have a key role to play in the development of more resilient and diversified agricultural practices.

Speakers

ALEXANDRE PARIZEL - Agroforestry engineer - ERA - Entreprise de Recherche et Développement en Agroforesterie (Agroforestry Research and Development Company)