FRANCE – Aude: truffle oak grove-ancient wheat variety-market gardening agroforestry system

Background and challenges

Already aware and oriented towards agro-ecological practices, Vincent took the plunge by planting his first trees in 2018. However, given challenges posed by the the climate crisis, he realised the density of trees along the borders and within his plots would have to be increased to better protect crops during periods of drought, which are projected to become more frequent in the future.

Since the tree coverage is insufficient,  Vincent is keen to plant 570 additional trees on the plots of land he cultivates (3,3 hectares) combining organic market gardening methods and ancient grains that have been grown and processed in the region for over 200 years.

In this context, the tree serves as  a tool for adapting the agricultural system to the convergence between modernity and tradition. This is the project that will enable the realisation of real ecological corridors that will bring the landscape together, reduce erosion, preserve water resources, and improve life  for local biodiversity and farmers in the shade of these trees.

The species carefully selected by the ‘truffle oaks’ manager at Aude Chamber of Agriculture are varieties adapted to future climate change in the region, whose impacts are becoming increasingly obvious.

Bouyed up by these convictions, since the summer of 2019 Vincent has been actively involved in an initiative launched by farmers and artisans from his region.The Comptoir Des Producteurs Biz’Arts in Bize-Minervois allows farmers in the Aude to sidestep third parties and directly supply local people with local, healthy, and a diversified range of products.

Planting 570 trees thus has several objectives:

• The trees help boost existing biodiversity on the plot with the development and protection of a wide range of local fauna and flora. They allow the proliferation of fungi and micro-organisms vital to the biological balance of the plot.
• Forest trees contribute to structing soil throughout their life cycles and will eventually be used for their timber as part of an  agro-ecological dynamic. Consequently, the quality of the soil and water, as well as carbon sequestration at plot level, are all improved.
• The flowers from these trees stimulate Vincent’s beekeeping activity and support both the increase in populations of bees under threat and honey production on the farm.

Overall, planting trees generates additional income for Vincent and ensures the sustainability of his farming system.

Work schedule

– Spring 2019: soil preparation along planting lines.

– From December to February 2019: planting, installing  protection and mulching.

– 2020-2022: maintenance work on plantation, replenishment when necessary and first round of pruning.

– 2021 and beyond: formation pruning work, trimming, harvests gradually start (mushrooms)