Irish Agroforestry Forum

05/05/2026

Our Services Biodiversity Walk, Caherhurley Nursery €0.00 Sunday 17th May 2026, 11:30amThe Irish Agroforestry Forum is excited to invite you to this year's Biodiversity Walk at Ireland’s only certified organic nursery featuring ornamental perennial garden plants— including 40 varieties of poll...

02/05/2026

New Agroforestry Management of Trees for Quality Timber Booklet. Free Resource. Supported by Forestry Promotion Funding provided by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Agroforestry fundamentally integrates trees into farming systems, providing a wealth of benefits, from enhanced biodiversity and carbon sequestration to improved soil health, water quality and livestock welfare. While these environmental services are often the primary driver for planting, trees also represent a significant economic asset through the potential to produce high-quality timber. It is important to recognise that active tree management is a necessity for successful agroforestry, irrespective of timber objectives. To maintain the delicate balance between canopy and pasture/crop growth, practices such as pruning, pollarding, and thinning are essential to prevent excessive light reduction and ensure robust grass/crop growth. These also obviously benefit timber production.
As these maintenance tasks are required to keep the agricultural system productive, timber—ranging from firewood and fencing to high-value sawlogs—will inevitably be produced. This manual aims to provide practical guidance on how to manage the trees effectively, ensuring that every stem is treated as a resource to be utilised and valued, rather than a byproduct to be overlooked, and, where possible, prepare and plan to produce high-quality final crop timber.
We hope you find this guide helpful. Further information on agroforestry is available on our website www.irishagroforestry.ie

Get your copy here https://shorturl.at/zdOE4

23/04/2026

Leaving Cert Future Farmers & Climate Leaders! 🌱

Today, we welcomed 5th and 6th-year students from Coláiste Pobal Naomh Mhuire, Buttevant, Co. Cork to Michael Gleeson’s organic farm in Killarney.

The students got a first-hand look at how this farm is evolving to meet environmental challenges. We had some brilliant discussions on:

✅ How trees can be integrated into productive farms. ✅ Direct-selling organic beef and potentially fruit. ✅ Farming’s role in a changing climate and how farms can become more resilient. ✅ How trees can help protect soil and water quality.

Great to see such engagement from the students.

Thanks to Teachers Mr Curtin and Ms Brassil for bringing the students and engaging in discussion. Thanks to Michael Gleeson and his family for hosting.

This Leaving Cert Open Day Visit was supported by forestry promotion funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Coláiste Mhuire Buttevant

20/04/2026

Join us for a series of agroforestry and biodiversity farm walks this May as part of National Biodiversity Week, where we explore the vital role of agroforestry and nature-friendly farming. From the organic perennial gardens of Caherhurley Nursery in Clare to the innovative silvopasture, these walks offer a firsthand look at how integrating trees can enhance soil health, support pollinators, and build farm resilience. These walks are supported by the Irish Environmental Network and Brightwind Analysis. Book tickets now https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/farm-walks

Our Services Biodiversity Walk, Caherhurley Nursery €0.00 Sunday 17th May 2026, 11:30amThe Irish Agroforestry Forum is excited to invite you to this year's Biodiversity Walk at Ireland’s only certified organic nursery featuring ornamental perennial garden plants— including 40 varieties of poll...

19/04/2026

11/04/2026

You are invited to register for a Zoom webinar!

When: Apr 30, 2026 07:00 PM Dublin
Topic: Chestnuts & Climate Resilience — Shaping the Future and Food.

Guest Speaker. Dr. Amy Miller, Route 9 Cooperative, Eastern Ohio, USA. How does a family chestnut business scale into a successful regional cooperative? Join us for an insightful webinar with Dr. Amy Miller of the Route 9 Cooperative. Dr. Miller will provide a broad overview of her family’s history in the chestnut industry and the operations of their cooperative.
Should we consider Sweet Chestnut for Agroforestry? We’re discussing how "the grain that grows on trees" can provide gluten-free food and rot-resistant timber in our changing climate. Learn about co-op operations, supply chain innovation, and the research we need to grow this crop on the island of Ireland.

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YAQ9NAFMSKaVswEHHt2Wgw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

This webinar is supported by forestry promotion funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Maureen Kilgore

09/04/2026

Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course for Agricultural Advisors, Farmers and Foresters, including anyone intending to work in agroforestry.

Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course 🌿🌳 🐄🐑

📅 Tuesday April 28th, 2026

📍 Devon Inn Hotel, Templeglentan East, Templeglantine, Co. Limerick, V94 H489

🕙 10 AM start (Tea/Coffee from 9:30 AM)

✅ CPD Points Available for members of the Society of Irish Foresters and the Irish Landscape Institute.

The Irish Agroforestry Forum, in collaboration with DAFM and Teagasc is delivering Applied Agroforestry Skills Training.

💡 What to Expect:

✔️ Agroforestry supports & application process

✔️ Farm support payment interactions & whole farm planning

✔️ Agroforestry info incl. farm enterprise, system design, tree protection & scheme updates

✔️ Expert speakers, including Prof. Jim McAdam, John Casey (Teagasc), Daragh Fadden (DAFM)

✔️ Field visit after lunch to a site with group planting

🎤 Plenty of time for Q+A on the day. Scheme booklet, factsheets & online academy access included.

🍽️ Lunch provided.

🔗 Register https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/agroforestry-training-2026

Training supported by Forestry Skills Training Funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course for Advisors, Farmers and Foresters including anyone intending to work in agroforestry. Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course 🌿🌳 🐄🐑📅 Monday, March 30th, 2026📍 South Eastern Technological University Arena. SETU West Camp...

16/03/2026

Second Agroforestry, Tree Management and Quality Timber Workshop.

May 12th.

There has been a lot of discussion over the last 12 months on the management of trees in agroforestry systems to ensure there is no negative impact on grass production/crop growth. Active tree management is necessary to maintain the delicate balance between canopy and pasture. Practices such as pruning, pollarding, and thinning are essential to prevent excessive light reduction and keep the agricultural system productive. The below workshop will provide you with the knowledge you need to do this as well as give you information on how to get the best use and value for the timber that becomes available as you thin your plantation.
The next one of these workshops will be held at:

Balreask Inn, Balreask Cross, Trim Rd, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 TOCR

Tuesday, May 12th.

Start time 10.30 am, tea and coffee from 10 am, lunch will be provided.

Visit to Sherlogs Sawmill in the afternoon.

Register: https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/timber

These workshops are delivered in collaboration with the Irish Timber Growers Association, Trees on the Land and Teagasc Forestry and are supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Please share with your networks.

The Agroforestry Exchange: Resources and Training on Agroforestry and Quality TimberIn collaboration with Trees on the Land, ITGA and Teagasc Forestry.These initiatives support DAFM’s objectives under the Climate Action Plan and Bioeconomy Strategy by encouraging carbon-efficient building material...

25/02/2026

Upcoming Agroforestry and Tree Management Workshops

The Irish Agroforestry Forum, in collaboration with Trees on the Land and the Irish Timber Growers, is delivering two Agroforestry Tree Management workshops. There has been a lot of discussion over the last 12 months on the management of trees in agroforestry systems to ensure there is no negative impact on grass production/crop growth. Active tree management is necessary to maintain the delicate balance between canopy and pasture. Practices such as pruning, pollarding, and thinning are essential to prevent excessive light reduction and keep the agricultural system productive. The below workshop will provide you with information on agroforestry as well as give you information on how to get the best use and value for the timber that will become available as you thin your plantation.
The workshop will be held at Brookfield Farm. Guest speakers include Professor Jim McAdam (IAF and Queens University), Ian Short (Teagasc Forestry) and Donal Whelan (ITGA). Ailbhe Gerrard will lead a site visit to the established native woodland and their agroforestry site which is being planted this Spring.

Location: Brookfield Farm, Coolbawn, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

Date: Wednesday, March 11th.

Time: 10:30 AM (Includes lunch and a guided field visit).

Register Here:

Register to attend the workshop at Brookfield Farm, Coolbawn, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary on Wednesday, March 11th 2026

20/02/2026

The Agroforestry Exchange: Resources and Training on Agroforestry and Quality Timber.
This project supports DAFM’s objectives under the Climate Action Plan and Bioeconomy Strategy by encouraging carbon-efficient building materials and promoting Ireland’s sustainable timber resources.
While environmental services are often the primary driver for planting trees on farms, they also represent a significant economic asset through the production of high-quality timber. It is important to recognise that even if a farmer’s primary goal isn't commercial forestry, active management is still a necessity. To maintain the delicate balance between canopy and pasture, practices such as pruning, pollarding, and thinning are essential to prevent excessive light reduction and ensure continued grass growth. As these maintenance tasks are required to keep the agricultural system productive, timber—ranging from firewood and on farm fence posts to high-value sawlogs will inevitably be produced.
This project will also run 2 regional workshops on the management of trees in agroforestry systems for quality timber production. These workshops will be delivered in collaboration with Trees on the Land, Irish Timber Growers Association and Teagasc Forestry.
The first of these workshops will be held at Brookfield Farm, Coolbawn, Nenagh,
Co. Tipperary on Wednesday March 11th.
Start time 10.30am (Includes lunch and field visit).
Book now https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/timber
The project is supported by Forestry Promotion Funding provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Agroforestry Exchange: Resources and Training on Agroforestry and Quality TimberIn collaboration with Trees on the Land, ITGA and Teagasc Forestry.These initiatives support DAFM’s objectives under the Climate Action Plan and Bioeconomy Strategy by encouraging carbon-efficient building material...

10/02/2026

Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course for Agricultural Advisors, Farmers and Foresters, including anyone intending to work in agroforestry.
Please share with your contacts
Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course 🌿🌳 🐄🐑

📅 Monday, March 30th, 2026

📍 South Eastern Technological University Arena. SETU West Campus, Woodstown, Carriganore, Co. Waterford, X91 XD96

🕙 10 AM start (Tea/Coffee from 9:30 AM)

✅ CPD Points Available

The Irish Agroforestry Forum, in collaboration with DAFM and Teagasc is delivering Applied Agroforestry Skills Training.

💡 What to Expect:

✔️ Agroforestry supports & application process

✔️ Farm support payment interactions & whole farm planning

✔️ Agroforestry info incl. farm enterprise, system design, tree protection & scheme updates

✔️ Expert speakers, including Prof. Jim McAdam

✔️ Field visit onsite

🎤 Submit questions in advance so we can tailor the content! Plenty of time for Q+A on the day. Scheme booklets, factsheets & online academy access included.

🍽️ Lunch provided.

🔗 Register at the link below

Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course for Advisors, Farmers and Foresters including anyone intending to work in agroforestry. Free Applied Agroforestry Skills Training Course 🌿🌳 🐄🐑📅 Monday, March 30th, 2026📍 South Eastern Technological University Arena. SETU West Camp...