Considering the problems in Romanian agriculture generated by climate change, such as droughts, land desertification or unproductive crops, nature herself can offer us the best and most sustainable solutions. Thus, agroforestry systems contribute to the development of a more efficient agriculture through the benefits brought by trees and forests: soil fertilization, increased humidity, crop protection.
Agroforestry is the interaction of agriculture and trees, including the agricultural use of trees. Interactions between trees and other components of agriculture may be important in several ways: in fields (where trees and crops are grown together), on farms (where trees may provide fodder for livestock, fuel, food, shelter, or income from products, including timber) and landscapes (where agricultural and forest land uses combine in determining the provision of ecosystem services).
Agroforestry is agricultural and forestry systems that try to balance various needs:
- To produce trees for timber and other commercial purposes;
- To produce a diverse, adequate supply of nutritious foods, both to meet market demands, and to satisfy the needs of the producers themselves;
- To ensure the protection of the natural environment so that it continues to provide resources and environmental services to meet the needs of the present generations and those to come.
Tomorrow's Forest Foundation aims to support any initiative in this regard to achieve the following objectives:
- Streamlining the way agriculture is practiced in Romania and ensuring a sustainable use of agricultural land;
- Expansion of forested areas in the lowland areas of Romania: at present, less than 7% of the forests are found in these areas.
