Agroforestry in Flanders and the Netherlands

Agroforestry integrates trees into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience. In Flanders and the Netherlands, subsidy programmes have supported 1,500 hectares of grassland agroforestry since 2011, driven by regulations like the Vlaamse Codex Dierniewelzijn. Grassland systems face fewer yield losses than crop-based systems, but challenges include high upfront costs, long payback periods (8–15 years for nut production), and regulatory uncertainty around tree removal. Carbon credit financing offers potential, with estimated returns of €270/ha/year over 20 years, though yields vary by tree density. Policy support and clearer rules are critical for long-term adoption.