Latvijas - Zviedrijas agromežsaimniecības zināšanu apmaiņa

<< Background >>Agroforestry combines trees with crops and livestock to create productive and resilient farming systems that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and long-term economic stability. Tree roots improve soil fertility and water balance, while trees above ground protect crops and animals from wind and extreme weather. Agroforestry helps address major challenges of intensive farming and supports climate change adaptation and mitigation.Although recognized by the EU as a key sustainable farming practice, agroforestry is not yet included in Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support schemes in Latvia or Sweden. Despite its historical use, modern policies have reduced tree planting on farmland, and only a few farms currently apply agroforestry practices.This project is a first step toward building expertise and creating a long-term network for practical knowledge exchange between Latvia and Sweden. By training consultants and developing demonstration farms, it aims to promote the broader adoption of agroforestry in both countries.<< Objectives >>The aim of the project was to promote the development of agroforestry (AF) in Latvia and Sweden by laying the foundation for a long-term network of knowledge and collaboration. The main task was to train new consultants and experts capable of providing professional support to farmers in implementing AF, as well as to develop a network of demonstration farms to serve as practical examples and knowledge hubs in the regions.The project focused on strengthening knowledge transfer between researchers and farmers, providing a practical approach to improving soil health, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing economic resilience. It aimed to establish sustainable cooperation between Latvian and Swedish institutions and farmers by leveraging the advantages of similar climatic conditions and combining experiences.The overall goal was to increase understanding and practical skills related to AF as a sustainable farming approach that delivers both economic and environmental benefits, and to create the conditions for broader adoption of this practice in both countries.<< Implementation >>The implementation of the “UNHIDE AGROFORESTRY” project followed the planned schedule, and several activities exceeded the initial objectives. At the beginning of the project, a two-part survey was developed and used during and after farm visits to collect data on agroforestry practices, potential, and challenges. Two international exchange visits were organized — one in Sweden and one in Latvia. In total, 12 farms were visited, and interviews and field observations were conducted.Parallel to this, training sessions and expert discussions were held on agroforestry models and their applicability in different climatic and farming conditions. Altogether, 10 specialists from both countries participated in the visits and fieldwork — 7 of them continue to work as consultants or demonstration farm managers after the project. In Sweden, two participants established a new consultancy company during the project.To increase public awareness of agroforestry benefits, several educational events were organized — one seminar in Latvia, two webinars, and presentations at two permaculture festivals, as well as three events in Sweden.<< Results >>As a result of the project, 12 farm descriptions were prepared and published in an informational booklet showcasing agroforestry examples from Latvia and Sweden. Among them, 8 farms agreed to become demonstration farms — detailed questionnaires were completed for each, and visually analytical materials with practice descriptions and SWOT analyses were developed. These farms now form the foundation of a new demonstration network.In total, 9 short video stories about farms and one professional 15-minute documentary film were produced, illustrating agroforestry implementation in practice. The results were widely disseminated — more than 250 participants attended seminars, webinars, and festivals. Project materials were published on permakultura.lv and agroforestry.se websites, as well as through social media and YouTube.The cooperation between partner organizations continues, and the project has resulted in a stable network of experts and demonstration farms, ensuring the further development of agroforestry practices across the Baltic and Nordic regions.