• Regenerative agricultural systems – Development of farming methods that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.
• Landscape approach – Linking agricultural operations to regional and ecological systems, with distinct biophysical and socio-economic landscape characteristics guiding sustainable development.
• International and regional professional field – Focus on the eastern Netherlands as well as projects in Indonesia and India.
• Knowledge integration from two Applied Research Groups – Area-based transitions and landscape management within agro-ecological systems are combined for a broader approach.
• Collaboration with the business sector – Innovative agricultural practices supported by landscape-oriented measures.

The Applied Research Group Vital Agro-landscapes works on achieving a sustainable balance between agriculture, nature and socio-economic development. Through a landscape-oriented approach, we contribute to future-proof agricultural systems that support climate adaptation, biodiversity and economies, with attention to both regional and international challenges.

• Nature-inclusive design and management of vital agricultural landscapes
  This research line focuses on the restoration and preservation of vital agricultural landscapes through nature-inclusive design and management. It includes improving soil and water quality, strengthening biodiversity and ecosystem services, and enhancing climate resilience. The approach is grounded in principles of landscape ecology and systems thinking.
• Agroforestry
  Agroforestry plays a key role in the transition towards nature-inclusive agriculture. By integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems, we improve soil and water management, increase biodiversity, and contribute to climate mitigation. In addition, agroforestry offers promising opportunities to help achieve national policy goals for soil and water management.
• Transition pathways for vital agricultural landscapes
  The Applied Research Group explores how agriculture can contribute to sustainable landscape quality and business models. This includes new value chains and agro-food systems, and area-based business models. We also consider social sustainability by developing spatial design models that contribute to a liveable environment, employment opportunities and the earning capacity of the agricultural sector.

The Applied Research Group is involved in various projects that combine practical knowledge with scientific insights. Central to these efforts is the interaction between farms and the landscape, aimed at promoting sustainable business practices and market development.

Current projects

• Farm Life: Through this project, knowledge institutions, governments and entrepreneurs contribute to a climate-resilient Europe. We join forces with farmers to collectively work towards sustainable agriculture. As an Applied Research Group, we explore the potential of agroforestry, creating space for trees, shrubs, crops and animals. The project is funded by the European Union’s LIFE programme. See this video.
• Sugar & Steam: How can coconut producers in Kulon Progo (Indonesia) increase their productivity through sustainable agroforestry models? In the project sugar and Steam we focus on more than 2000 farmers and aims to aims to improve rural livelihoods while enhancing economic and social well-being. The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The Right Tree in the Right Place: For farmers who wish to start with agroforestry, a valuable series of factsheets and a practical Excel tool has been developed. These resources help them select suitable tree species based on soil type and groundwater level. In collaboration with other partners, the Applied Research Group created these tools on behalf of the Agroforestry Network Netherlands.
• CLIMSMART: Training programmes have been set up for farmers in the southernmost province of Indonesia to support their transition towards climate-resilient and circular horticulture. These trainings focus on increasing productivity, promoting sustainable production techniques, improving earning models, creating more opportunities for vulnerable groups, and strengthening cooperation between farmers, NGOs, government and industry.
• Action perspectives for agroforestry: Together with three other universities of applied sciences and professional field partners, we are developing action perspectives for Dutch farmers who want to adopt agroforestry. This requires smart decision-making and thorough planning. Which type of tree or shrub should you choose, and which agricultural machinery is compatible? But also: how do you integrate it into your farm operations, and how do you ensure a viable earning model? And finally: which collaboration partners do you need to make it work?
• Area-based opportunities for nature-inclusive agriculture (PVG-SIA):
  This project focuses on linking agriculture and nature. Its aim is to provide practical tools for organisations and to translate success and failure factors into opportunities and challenges. Outcomes include action plans for farms and regions, as well as practical applications in both professional practice and education.
• Earning capacity for circular agriculture (PVG-SIA):
  Development of tools to translate success and failure factors into opportunities and challenges, creation of a multi-annual action plan, and delivery of knowledge and practical outputs for both professional practice and education. (2022–2024)

All publications by the Applied Research Group can be found on Greeni, the online library of the green universities of applied sciences.

Featured publications

• Product for Professional Practice
  Agroforestry Knowledge Base
  2025
  https://kennisbank.agroforestrynetwerk.nl/
• Product for Professional Practice
  16 factsheets on tree selection: tree and shrub species for light clay soil, pasture soil, sandy soil, loam and silt soil, heavy clay soil, plus an interactive tool.
  2024
  https://kennisbank.agroforestrynetwerk.nl/de-juiste-boom-op-de-juiste-plek/
• FARM LIFE. Farming the Future – Building Rural Networks for Climate-Adaptive Agriculture
  Peer-reviewed
  2024
  https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=2b9e2e30-1c05-46a3-bc4e-21daa43b958b

The Applied Research Group works closely with businesses, governments and educational institutions to develop and implement knowledge.

Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences

• Albertien Kijne
• Jerke de Vries
• Sebastiaan Masselink
• Rankenberg, Ben
• Marco Verschuur
• Annelies Heijmans
• Daniel Magwegwe
• Freek Rurup
• Gelein Biewenga

TERRA

Regenerative (stewardship) leadership (in development), practor Ine Sturkenboom.

Other knowledge partners

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

Students from various degree programmes contribute to the work of the Applied Research Group through internships, research projects or graduation assignments. Key themes include agroforestry, sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration.

• Forest and Nature Management
• Animal Management
• Business Administration and Agribusiness
• International Agribusiness & Trade
• Land and Water Management
• International Development Management

Want to know more about the Applied Research Group? Curious about collaboration opportunities? Or interested in an internship or graduation project? Feel free to call or email:

Eurídice Leyequién
Lector Management of Forested Landscapes
Email: euridice.leyequienabarca@hvhl.nl
Telephone: +31 6 36 56 22 13

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