Beauce region of France, August 2022
Thanks to your donations, Yves’ project has kicked off! Having throught long and hard about his approach to farming for several years, and firmly focused on agroecology, Yves has decided to take the plunge and convert his entire farm to agroforestry (trees associated with crops or livestock). By changing the way he farms and by planting trees he has different aims in mind: protecting his crops from the winds that sweep across the open landscapes of the Beauce plains, causing erosion and drying out the vegetation, as well as creating ecological corridors.
Economic diversification also lies at the heart of the project, since Yves has decided to use the trees to produce timber and fruit. So 322 trees have been planted for timber (including 192 poplars) – to be first harvested within the next 20 years. The other trees, with slower growth and a longer cycle, like wild cherry or walnut, will be used in about 50 years.
Still on the topic of diversity, no less than 444 fruit trees were planted this winter. On the menu: nuts (walnuts and hazelnuts), stone and seed fruits (apples, pears, quinces, apricots, cherries, peaches, plums), and berries.
The project is strongly future focused. The species were chosen in anticipation of future climatic pressures. So, the fruit trees all come from old varieties sourced from the Conservatoire Végétal Régional d’Aquitaine. Almond and pistachio trees were added to the mix – real bets on the future !
Diversity and biodiversity go hand in hand because introducing numerous tree species, associated with flowering and melliferous vegetation cover, will feed and shelter wildlife. (Bio)diversity is at the heart of a complex system that aims to be resilient.
Yves’ 2021/2022 planting programme – a few facts and figures:
- 2,257 trees, shrubs, and small fruit trees planted across nearly 4km!
- 28 rural and forest species
- 13 fruit species, for a total of 34 different varieties
A project this size depends on motivated volunteers who believe in the approach and objectives. Planting took place over five days in February and March 2022, with farmers, neighbours, and people from all walks of life belonging to local networks. As well as planting, the work also includes protecting the trees from game, as well as mulching ensure the survival and development of the trees, which are under heavy pressure this extremely hot year. Follow-up visits are scheduled in the autumn to continue the work and checkthe trees already planted are all doing well.
This ambitious project will runover several years in order to build up a productive and resilient landscape across the 130 ha of the farm, and to meet the farming challenges of tomorrow.
