From Inspiration to Implementation
Through our research into regenerative agriculture, we have discovered something remarkable: Agroforestry at Grand Farm – a model for sustainable agriculture.
Why Agroforestry? A Question of Future Viability
Every year, an average of 5.6 tons of fertile soil per hectare is lost from arable land due to water and wind erosion. The topsoil, which makes our land so valuable, is carried away by heavy rain and wind. This is a real problem because without this layer, the natural fertility of the soil drops dramatically. Experts warn: many arable lands could become unproductive within just a few decades, unable to produce enough food.
The Solution: Bringing Trees and Shrubs Back to the Fields
Grand Farm relies on a tried-and-tested yet innovative solution: agroforestry systems. Hedges, trees, and shrubs are purposefully planted in and around fields. This principle comes from our ancestors, who surrounded their fields with hedges to protect the soil from erosion and to promote biodiversity.
How is Agroforestry Practically Implemented at Grand Farm?
Hedge Planting as Natural Windbreaks: Hedges made of native woody plants are established as windbreak strips. They significantly slow down the wind, reducing soil erosion.
Promotion of Biodiversity: The hedges provide shelter and food for numerous animals, contributing to a natural balance between pests and beneficial organisms.
Water Management: The windbreaks reduce evaporation on adjacent fields. Additionally, dew formation increases around the hedges, bringing more water to the area.
Economic Benefits: The hedges mainly consist of native woody plants, which can later be used economically, for example through targeted wood harvesting.
Research and Monitoring: Grand Farm collaborates with various partners to study the long-term effects of agroforestry systems on soil moisture, biodiversity, and microclimate.
Why Is the Transition to Agroforestry So Important?
Conventional agriculture has reached its limits. The consequences: soil erosion, declining soil fertility, water scarcity, and a decline in biodiversity. Agroforestry systems offer a multitude of advantages:
Soil and Erosion Protection: The roots of trees and shrubs stabilize the soil.
Increase in Soil Fertility: Through leaf fall and root exudates, the plants enrich the soil with nutrients.
Water Retention and Quality: Trees retain water in the soil and improve water quality.
Climate Protection: Agroforestry systems sequester large amounts of CO₂ in wood and soil.
Biodiversity: The variety of plants and animals increases significantly.
Economic Benefits: In addition to traditional yields, agroforestry systems offer additional sources of income.
Adaptation to Climate Change: These systems are more resilient to extreme weather events.
Fresopolis Is Inspired—and Already Successfully Implementing Agroforestry
50% of our land was already dead and unusable for agriculture.
We at Fresopolis are enthusiastic about Grand Farm’s approach and commitment and draw inspiration from it. Since 2024, we have been implementing agroforestry systems on our land: last year, we planted a total of 2,500 trees, taking an important step towards sustainable agriculture. The formerly unusable areas thus become an important part of the ecosystem again.
Our Motivation:
We are delighted that life is returning to previously unused land. The trees sequester vast amounts of CO₂, actively contributing to climate protection. At the same time, we promote biodiversity and create new habitats for insects, birds, and small mammals.
Outlook:
Starting next year, we will launch our first animal feed cultivation trial on these fields. This will allow us to test how agroforestry systems can be combined with the production of high-quality animal feed—another way to farm sustainably and economically at the same time.
Conclusion: Agroforestry Is the Agriculture of the Future
Grand Farm’s approach demonstrates how agriculture can be made fit for the future. We at Fresopolis are also convinced: agroforestry is not a luxury, but a necessity – for a livable future on fertile soils.
Author: Francesco del Orbe
