The government has recently issued clarification of how Agroforestry fits within the Basic Payment Scheme rules. As previously discussed in this newsletter, Agroforestry offers farmers, landowners and the environment significant benefits in terms of not only financial returns, but environmentally from carbon storage and increased biodiversity.

DEFRA have clarified the situation regarding trees in field parcels. As long as the lines of trees are not more than two wide or in groups and that the land under the trees can be used for agricultural purposes including grazing then the whole parcel remains eligible for BPS and CSS payments.

This photo shows a young planting of apples in wide alleyways that allow ongoing crop production.

Agroforestry systems include silvopasture, the growing of grass and grazing of animals along with trees, and silvoarable where arable crops are grown between rows of trees. Agroforestry systems work well when the area under the trees is entered into one of the Stewardship options where payments rates can be in excess of £500 / ha.

If you are interested in Agroforestry please contact William at w.waterfield@fcgagric.com in the Andover office.