• The Applied Research Group works towards goal 2 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture’. We promote nature-inclusive agriculture, assist (small) farmers, foster equal rights for women and men, combat rural poverty, contribute to healthy lifestyles, and address climate change.
• How do we achieve this? We conduct practice-oriented research into innovative agricultural production systems, such as agroforestry. This involves examining the reuse of natural resources like soil and water, the proper management of these resources, and profitable business models. In this way, we help farmers transition to sustainable agriculture and food production, both in the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond.
• This also contributes to the restoration and preservation of ecosystems in natural areas adjacent to agricultural lands.
• The Applied Research Group aims to maximise the added value for agroforestry and sustainable agriculture while minimising social, economic, and ecological risks. Therefore, we collaborate with entrepreneurs, governments, knowledge institutions, and networks of farmers. We are co-founders of Agroforestry Netwerk Nederland and lead the task force on legislation and regulations.
• Of course, we also work closely with students and lecturers from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences: from the programmes in Forest and Nature Management, Animal Management (specialisation Wildlife Management), Business Administration and Agribusiness, International Agribusiness, Land and Water Management, and International Development Management.

The mission of the Applied Research Group Management of Forested Landscapes? To develop innovative green solutions to restore and preserve ecosystems while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Supporting farmers

BIn our country and abroad, we strive for the right balance between the needs of people and nature.are greened and managed to be climate-resilient.

Balancing people and nature

In our country and abroad, we strive for the right balance between the needs of people and nature.

For our research, we work with three research lines:

• Agroforestry: For farmers who want to start with agroforestry, we develop practical tools. These tools focus on the business, technical, and legal issues involved in agroforestry.
• Regenerative Agriculture: We are the (co-)developers of climate-adaptive strategies, helping farmers make their agricultural lands climate-resilient.
• Restoration of Ecosystems Adjacent to Rural Areas: To preserve and restore ecosystems, we devise practical solutions that consider both nature and agriculture.

The goal of all our projects: contributing to a climate-resilient and economically robust agro-landscape, with a focus on agroforestry and nature-inclusive agriculture, and promoting these practices. We work closely with the government, industry, and other knowledge institutions.

Current projects

Farm Life: Through this project, knowledge institutions, governments, and entrepreneurs contribute to a climate-resilient Europe. We join forces with farmers to build sustainable agriculture together. As an applied research group, we explore the opportunities of agroforestry, incorporating trees, shrubs, crops, and animals. Funding comes from the LIFE programme of the European Union. Check out this video.

Sugar & Steam: How can coconut producers in Kulon Progo (Indonesia) increase their productivity with sustainable agroforestry models? This innovative research project targets over 200 farmers and helps reduce poverty, thereby increasing economic and social well-being. It is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Right Tree in the Right Place: For farmers who want to start with agroforestry, a valuable series of factsheets and a handy Excel tool have been created. These tools help select the right tree species based on soil type and groundwater level. The applied research group developed these resources, commissioned by Agroforestry Netwerk Nederland, in collaboration with other parties.

CLIMSMART: For farmers in the southernmost province of Indonesia, training sessions have been set up to help them move towards climate-resilient and circular horticulture. The training focuses on higher productivity, sustainable production techniques, better earning models, more opportunities for vulnerable groups, and stronger collaboration between farmers, NGOs, government, and industry.

Action Perspectives for Agroforestry: Together with three other universities of applied sciences and industry partners, we are developing action perspectives for farmers who want to implement agroforestry. This requires smart choices and extensive planning. Which type of tree or shrub do you choose, and which agricultural machinery fits? But also, how do you integrate this into your business operations and generate the right earning potential? And which collaboration partners do you need for this?

To help farmers and other stakeholders transition to sustainable agriculture, the Applied Research Group Management of Forested Landscapes creates practical tools and knowledge resources. We publish these in various places, including the knowledge bank of Agroforestry Netwerk Nederland (ANN).

Highlighted Publications

Agroforestry Knowledge Bank: In this knowledge hub of ANN, we present documents, research, PDFs, videos, and step-by-step plans that provide farmers with insights into various aspects of agroforestry. The knowledge bank is a product of the Farm Life project.

Factsheet Agroforestry and Replanting Obligation: This is a practical guide for agricultural entrepreneurs who want to start with agroforestry. It provides valuable information about the replanting obligation, which requires new trees to be planted for every tree that is cut down.

Online library

All publications from the Applied Research Group can be found on Greeni, the online library for green higher education.

The Applied Research Group exchanges knowledge and expertise with various knowledge institutions both within and outside the region, as well as with programmes at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (VHL). The professionals from the university come from diverse fields such as agribusiness, arable farming, forest and nature management, crop production, land and water management, horticulture, animal husbandry, and wildlife management.

Knowledge Partners

• Louis Bolk instituut
• Wageningen University & Research
• HAS green academy
• Aeres Hogeschool
• Hogeschool InHolland
• State Agricultural Polytechnic Kupang

Programmes

Students from multiple programmes work with the Applied Research Group during their internships, research projects, or graduation assignments. The themes include agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration:

• Bos- en Natuurbeheer
• Diermanagement (specialisatie Wildlife Management)
• Bedrijfskunde en Agribusiness
• International Agribusiness & Trade
• Land- en Watermanagement
• International Development Management
• Agricultural Production Chain Management

Want to know more about the Applied Research Group Management of Forested Landscapes? Curious about collaboration opportunities? Or interested in an internship or graduation project? Call or email:

Eurídice Leyequién
Lector Management of Forested Landscapes

Email: euridice.leyequienabarca@hvhl.nl
Phone: +31 6 36 56 22 13