Agroforestry Initiative in New England Secures $10 Million USDA Grant

UNH Receives $10 Million USDA Grant for Climate-Smart Agroforestry Project in New England
DURHAM, N.H. — The University of New Hampshire (UNH) has been awarded a $10 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to advance climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in New England. The five-year project, known as ADAPT, aims to develop sustainable agroforestry systems that integrate crop and animal farming in forested areas, thereby balancing agricultural expansion with the preservation of forests, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.
Key Objectives:

• Expand local food production by 15%.
• Increase annual carbon sequestration by five million tons.
• Foster new agroforestry market opportunities.
• Enhance New England’s capacity to balance food production with ecosystem benefits.
  Agroforestry Types Focused on:
  1. Silvopastures: Combining trees, pastures, and livestock to provide multiple goods and services.
  2. Polycultures: Integrating trees and shrubs with diverse plant species to enhance productivity and resilience.
  3. Forest Farming Systems: Cultivating shade-tolerant crops beneath a forest canopy for both timber and non-timber products.
     Collaborations and Goals:
• Collaborate with Dartmouth College and Yale University.
• Establish a center for agroforestry research, education, and extension.
• Provide training and technical support for agroforestry practices.
• Educate on agroforestry as a strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience.
  Principal Researchers:
• Heidi Asbjornsen (UNH): Principal Investigator
• Steve Roberge, Alexandra Contosta, Kate Guerdat (UNH): Co-Principal Investigators
• Theresa Ong (Dartmouth College): Co-Principal Investigator
• Mark Ashton (Yale University): Co-Principal Investigator
  The initiative underscores the importance of innovative agroforestry practices to address the dual challenges of agricultural expansion and climate change, while also promoting economic opportunities and healthy communities in New England.