A Strategic Approach to EU Agricultural Research and Innovation

Paul Burgess, from Cranfield University and the AGFORWARD project, made a presentation on “Agroforestry: Complexity underpinning multiple benefits from the farm to the landscape” at a European Commission conference on 28 January 2016.

The two day meeting brought participants from across Europe to discuss the draft paper on “A Strategic Approach to EU Agricultural Research and Innovation”. The draft paper identifies five priority areas: i) resource management, iii) healthier plants and animals, iii) integrated ecological approaches from farm to landscape level, iv) new openings for rural growth, and v) enhancing the human and social capital in rural areas. The meeting was opened by Phil Hogan, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and was closed by Carlos Moedas, the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation.

The presentation on agroforestry took place within a parallel session on “Adopting a systems approach across farms, value chains, and territories”, chaired by Tim Benton (UK Champion for Global Food Security). Throughout the conference, various speakers highlighted how agroforestry research and innovation can support improved resource management, animal welfare, and encourage farmers to work collectively to address landscape issues such as flood management and improved water quality.

Burgess, P.J. (2016). Agroforestry: Complexity underpinning multiple benefits from the farm to the landscape. Presentation at the “Designing the Path: a Strategic Approach to EU Agricultural Research and Innovation” conference. 28 January 2016. European Commission, Brussels.