On 10 April, the EU-funded partner projects 101060635 ReForest and 101059794 DigitAF, in cooperation with the Czech Association for Agroforestry, organised a seminar on current trends and innovations in agroforestry. The morning part of the seminar presented the results and new findings from the research carried out within these projects, including innovations implemented in living labs.
The ReForest Knowledge Hub was presented within the framework of the international project ReForest, coordinated by the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of CZU. This new online platform aims to unify fragmented information on agroforestry and create an active community. Users will find expert articles, links to international resources, online support tools for agroforestry, inspiring film documentaries and other relevant materials. For the first time, an online map of agroforestry entities has also been launched, which farmers from all over the country can now register for free, facilitating networking and sharing of experiences.
The DigitAF project introduced innovative tools to support the correct selection of trees for agroforestry systems, namely AgroforesTreeAdvice and Deciduous. In addition, carbon assessment and sequestration tools, CARAT and Farm Carbon Calculator, were presented to help farmers better understand the environmental impacts of their farming.
A guided walk at the Průhonice Dendrological Garden in the afternoon provided valuable insights directly from the field. Under the auspices of the Czech Society for Agroforestry, participants went on a walk where specific tree species with potential for agroforestry systems in our conditions were discussed live. Experts introduced a variety of tree and shrub species, detailing their growth characteristics, specific habitat requirements and, most importantly, their production and environmental benefits. A lively discussion developed around the practical aspects of integrating these tree species into the agricultural landscape and participants actively shared their questions and experiences to date.
The seminar offered concrete support tools and initiated the building of a strong agroforestry community in the country, thus strengthening the role of farmers in the adoption of innovative agricultural practices.
