In the past weeks, we have written and send multiple proposals for agroforestry model farms, next to education and research, one of reNature’s focus points.

And there is a good reason for developing agroforestry model farms, because model farms serve three goals:

1. Developing an example farm for specific crops
2. Operating as an educational center.
3. Helping farmers with the transition to sustainable agriculture

Developing an example farm for specific crops

Every region is different and so is every crop. Like the citrus agronomy in Yucatán, Mexico, is incomparable with cocoa production in Ecuador or the white pepper agroforestry in Indonesia. We develop farms focussing on specific yields but always with a multi crop agroforestry approach. This way, an Agroforestry model farm serves as an example farm for local farmers, to see the benefits, to help them understand how it works and what they can take home to their own farm. reNature is not afraid of people applying some of the principles of agroforestry without paying for it. On the contrary, we WANT farmers to use them.

Operating as an educational center

A model farm is an ideal place for research and education. So where ever we are asked to send a proposal we offer some extra services to train local farmers and students the basics of agroforestry. This way our team of volunteers gets their agroforestry training and learn from scratch what agroforestry is about. It is important that as many people as possible learn about the impact of sustainable agriculture has. Agroforestry ticks 11 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Helping farmers

Last but not least, we help farmers. Many farmers are stuck in their annual routine of seeding and harvesting. They need to keep the farm running in order to provide income for their families. Stepping into the insecurity of a new business model is sometimes a big decision to make. It takes serious guts to do so. When developing a model farm reNature visits the land, talks to the farmer and the community and checks the feasibility of setting up an agroforestry model farm. This way before even starting we know whether it is a good idea or not.

Global interest in agroforestry model farms

Model farms are needed everywhere. We have sent out six proposals in one week stretching from China to Ecuador, from Mexico to South-Africa. If you are keen to help as a volunteer Sign up as a Volunteer. If you want to support one of our projects financially Send us an email. We will be looking for funding soon and you don’t want to miss out.

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