Between walnuts and truffles: excursion into agroforestry

As part of Agroforestry Week, the Agroforestry Living Laboratory team organised an exciting and informative excursion to the walnut agroforestry of Pia Haartz from the Birgel farm. The event offered the opportunity to experience the sustainable agriculture of the future at first hand and to take an in-depth look at the principles and practice of the agroforestry system.

Insights into sustainable agriculture

Agroforestry combines woody plants, i.e. trees and shrubs, with arable crops and/or livestock farming on one area, thus promoting a harmonious interplay between agriculture and nature conservation. The excursion began with a welcome round over coffee, during which the group of interested parties introduced themselves. The wide range of prior knowledge on the topic of agroforestry was particularly noteworthy, which led to exciting discussions and new perspectives.

Practical introduction and creative work

Pia Haartz first led the participants through a practical introduction in which they drew their own visions of an agricultural landscape in the Lower Rhine region on flipcharts in small groups. An ‘aha moment’ was when each group drew trees in their landscape, which emphasised the central role of trees in agroforestry.

Tour of the agroforestry areas

After a theoretical introduction and a look at site plans, the group went out into the fields. The group visited the various plantations, including a newly planted area with hazelnut bushes whose roots have been seeded with truffle spores. This innovative method could produce not only hazelnuts but also Burgundy truffles in the future. Reports were also given on the selection of varieties, care measures and protection against browsing hazelnuts. The practical insights were complemented by visits to the processing stations on the farm, where nut crackers and oil presses were presented, among other things.

Research results and discussion round

At the end of the excursion, alumna Isabelle Decher presented her bachelor’s thesis entitled „Analysing marketing strategies for agroforestry-grown walnuts: Lessons for the Lower Rhine Region“. Her research results provided valuable insights into the marketing opportunities and strategies for walnuts from agroforestry systems.

The event ended with a cosy discussion over coffee and snacks, where participants had the opportunity to share their impressions and ask further questions.

New regulars’ table launched

Following the excursion, another event took place as part of Agroforestry Week in the seminar room at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve. Over 25 people from agricultural practice, primarily farmers, followed the invitation. The regulars’ table provided a platform for lively dialogue and discussion. Successful projects, innovative ideas and challenges were shared and discussed. Due to the great interest and positive response, the Agroforestry Living Laboratory team is planning to continue the regulars’ table every two months in future and combine it with farm visits and tours of (future) agroforestry areas in the region.

Farmers from the Lower Rhine region who would like to take part in future events can email us at agroforst@hochschule-rhein-waal.de to be added to the mailing list.