What does it take to make agroforestry work in practice?
Trees4Adapt’s first stakeholder workshop for the German Case Study brought together farmers, advisors and researchers to explore this question and exchange experiences on agroforestry systems. The workshop took place in Hemmingen, Lower Saxony, in February 2026.
Agroforestry combines trees with agricultural production and is one of the tree-based solutions being explored within Trees4Adapt. Many of the participating farmers had already established agroforestry systems and were motivated by concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss. For several participants, the severe droughts experienced in recent years were a key driver for introducing trees on their farms.
Throughout the day, participants discussed practical challenges and opportunities linked to agroforestry management. Topics ranged from tree maintenance and biodiversity-friendly farming practices to the use of agroforestry wood for energy production.
One recurring theme was the importance of reliable support structures. Participants highlighted the need for access to skilled workers, advisory services and financial support to help establish and maintain agroforestry systems. Many also stressed the importance of clearly communicating the benefits that biodiversity-friendly measures can bring to farm operations, such as natural pest control and improved ecosystem health.
The workshop also explored innovative ways of creating value from agroforestry products. An expert discussion on pyrolysis, converting wood into energy and biochar, sparked significant interest among farmers and led to conversations about how these approaches could be integrated into farming systems in the future.
The ideas and experiences shared during the workshop will feed directly into Trees4Adapt’s research on the barriers and enablers of tree-based solutions, helping ensure that future recommendations are grounded in real-world farming conditions.