Assessment of MARFOREST Agroforestry Project in Mediterranean Orchards

The MARFOREST project evaluated integrating vegetable farming into orchards at Torreilles and Théza using 6m spacing, drip irrigation, and organic practices. Over multiple years, it assessed economic, agronomic, and biodiversity outcomes. Results showed maintained or improved tree vigor, effective weed control via intercropping, manageable shade effects, and yields comparable to conventional systems. Beneficial insect populations increased, and pest incidence decreased. The agroforestry system delivered enhanced productivity, positive gross margins from early maraîchage, improved phytosanitary conditions, and greater biodiversity. Challenges included reduced usable area, regulatory hurdles, higher labor needs, equipment limitations, herbicide risks, and slug infestations. Supported by SICA Centrex and CIVAM BIO 66, the system supports crops like almonds, apricots, courgettes, fennel, and pumpkins, with 417 trees per hectare and an IFT index of 417. A 23% yield difference was observed between Marforest and conventional orchards, illustrated in comparative graphs.