Virginia Tech, The Nature Conservancy Launch $39M Agroforestry Initiative
What happened
Virginia Tech is partnering with The Nature Conservancy on the Expanding Agroforestry Project, which provides funding for landowners nationwide interested in agroforestry. Agroforestry involves combining crops and livestock with trees or shrubs on the same land. The project will make $39 million available over the next three years for interested landowners across the country.
From wvtf.org
Why it matters
The initiative offers cash incentives and expert guidance from Virginia Tech and Appalachian Sustainable Development for those looking to enter the practice. Niche crops like elderberries and red-osier dogwood are mentioned as products sought by tea and tincture companies and florists. The practice also helps improve soil and water quality and absorb carbon.
From wvtf.org
Who's involved
- Virginia TechPartnering on the agroforestry project and providing expert guidance.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Virginia TechSpeculative
Farmers might utilize the funding and expert advice to diversify their agricultural products.
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The entities involved
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Virginia Tech
public university with the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia