Propagate

🌳 "We’re creating something for future generations that improves over time." – Sam Nana-Sinkam, Third Place At Bloom Farm, Sam and his team saw agroforestry as a way to build resilience, diversify income, and leave their land better for the next generation. By integrating chestnut trees into their operation, they’re creating long-term value while improving soil health and biodiversity. Sam’s experience offers key takeaways for others considering agroforestry: 💡 Start with your goals: For Bloom Farm, it was critical to find a tree crop that aligned with their long-term vision for profitability and sustainability. 🔍 Plan with clarity: Having detailed financial models and tailored guidance allowed them to see how chestnut trees could complement their existing operation. 🤝 Partner for success: Sam emphasizes the value of ongoing support throughout the transition—from selecting the right trees to managing their growth. Read more about Sam’s journey and the lessons from Bloom Farm: https://hubs.ly/Q02_6Tn90

We’re excited to share a major milestone for agroforestry and sustainable agriculture: A coalition led by Propagate has secured a $24.6 million NRCS award under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. This multi-year effort will help expand agroforestry and reforestation across 3,500 acres of farmland in five key states along the Mississippi River Basin. Why does this matter? The Mississippi River Basin is a vital water source and agricultural hub, but nutrient runoff and sedimentation have caused significant water quality and biodiversity challenges. This project addresses these issues through climate-smart agroforestry practices—like alley cropping, silvopasture, and riparian buffers—that enhance conservation and economic productivity without compromise. Key outcomes include: 🌱 Improved water quality and retention. 🌳 Increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration. 💡 Economic opportunities for participating farmers through rental payments, carbon credits, and sustainable tree crops. This collaboration brings together industry-leading organizations, including Virginia Tech, Rodale Institute, Living Carbon, Agroforestry Partners, Williams Forestry & Associates, and Native Forest Nursery. Each partner plays a critical role in ensuring agroforestry is accessible and achievable for farmers. As we work together to scale agroforestry, this project will serve as a blueprint for balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. Read the full press release to learn more about this transformative effort. https://hubs.ly/Q02-hYc-0

SAVE THE DATE The Expanding Agroforestry Project, a partnership effort funded by the USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, is launching its second producer application cycle, inviting eligible producers to apply to the Expanding Agroforestry Incentive Payment Program beginning December 16th, 2024. The Expanding Agroforestry Project aims to help producers increase economic resiliency, sequester more carbon, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity through agroforestry. Eligible producers can apply to receive direct incentive payments to expand agroforestry plantings on their agricultural lands. Over five years, $36M will be paid out to producers to transform 30,000 acres spanning 30 states into agroforestry systems. The Expanding Agroforestry Project (EAP) invites you to a Town Hall Meeting on December 9th, 2024. Topics to be covered include an overview of the EAP Incentive Payment Program, latest updates, and answers to frequently asked questions. Registration link as well as link for participants to submit questions in advance in comments. A recording of the meeting will be posted to https://lnkd.in/dK2dRy-k for those who cannot attend the scheduled event. Date: Monday, Dec 9, 2024 Time: 4 - 5pm EST | 3 - 4pm CST | 1 - 2pm PST | 11am - 12pm HST Registration: https://lnkd.in/gMxdHQAV

Ethan S. diving into tree health metrics, focusing on a remarkable 98% survivability rate. Our team's proactive soil management efforts are crucial in addressing pest issues and enhancing organic matter. #TreeHealth #SurvivabilityRate #SoilManagement #PestControl #SustainableForestry #OrganicMatter #EnvironmentalScience #TreePlanting #EcosystemHealth #NatureConservation

Interested in scaling agroforestry in the Ohio Valley? Join us at our Maysville Community Stakeholder Meeting TONIGHT (Lil Jumbo’s Cafe in Maysville; 6-8pm). We’ll discuss Propagate’s approach to scaling chestnut and black locust agroforestry to date, opportunities for project expansion, strategies to improve farmer livelihoods through tree crops, and pathways for ongoing collaboration.

Last week's Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Minneapolis brought forward some critical themes that resonate deeply with the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of farming: 🌾 Resilience Is Essential: With the increasing impacts of climate variability, economic pressures, and shifting market demands, resilience has become non-negotiable. Farmers need systems that strengthen their operations against these challenges while maintaining productivity and profitability. 💡 Farmers Are Stewards of Their Land: Sustainability begins with recognizing farmers’ expertise and goals. Whether it’s improving yields, managing risk, or creating a legacy, solutions need to meet farmers where they are, aligning ecological and economic objectives for meaningful, lasting outcomes. 🤝 Trust and Collaboration Drive Change: As one farmer shared during the summit, “Change occurs at the speed of trust.” Building trust takes time, and it requires partnerships that respect farmers’ realities, offer practical support, and reduce risks during the transition to more sustainable practices. These themes reflect the broader need for actionable, farmer-centered solutions that can bridge the gap between vision and implementation. One example that illustrates this well is the work being done at Bloom Farm (link in comments), where integrating agroforestry practices will support soil health improvements, income diversification, and operational goals. The conversations at the summit were a powerful reminder of why these themes matter—not just for farmers, but for the resilience of the entire agricultural system!

“Scaling regenerative agriculture means addressing the complexity of real-world conditions.” Adopting regenerative practices like agroforestry offers immense promise, but as highlighted at the Regenerative Food Systems Investment Forum, real-world application brings unique challenges. Farmers like Aaron Cardona, Benita Montes, and Johnny Hunter shared their experiences navigating: - Diverse climates and farm environments. - Financial barriers and the need for long-term investment support. - Access to technical expertise for implementing new systems. These challenges remind us that regenerative agriculture isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every farm operates in a distinct context, requiring tailored approaches that address regional differences in soil, weather, and market dynamics. We're focused on delivering technical assistance tailored to specific farm contexts and I am betting that a proven process to address the hurdles and reduce technical risk is the solution.

Ethan S. describes mastering tree planting by walking through our Step-by-Step Process focusing on site design, soil health, and tree protection strategies.

Keavin Hill shares how farmers embrace sustainable practices creating community success.

Learn from CJ Buzzy about how we assist landowners and farmers in implementing agroforestry systems through holistic design and GPS technology and how our approach ensures efficient project management, from installation to ongoing support.