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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Beth ClarkORCiD, Dr Francisco ArealORCiD, Dr Kyriaki Remoundou, Shan Jin, Professor Yit Arn TehORCiD, RAO Fu, Professor Lynn FrewerORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Agroforestry is increasingly recognised for its multifunctional benefits, including ecosystem service delivery, biodiversity enhancement, and landscape improvement. As interest in this type of agriculture grows within new agri-environment policies, understanding farmer preferences and barriers to agroforestry adoption becomes critical. This study explored farmer views on agroforestry practices and scheme characteristics through four focus groups with 24 participants in England. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: terminology, perceived benefits, barriers, and facilitators of adoption. Farmers associated agroforestry with a range of farm-level and environmental benefits, such as shade for livestock, additional income streams, habitat creation, and cultural ecosystem services. However, adoption was constrained by concerns over financial viability, scheme inflexibility, and the mismatch between the long-term nature of tree planting and short-term policy cycles. Farmers also expressed uncertainty about how agroforestry fits within their role as food producers, and highlighted knowledge gaps around scheme requirements and tree management. Short-term tenancy agreements further limited participation. Findings suggest that farmers are more likely to adopt agroforestry when support schemes are flexible, context-sensitive, and supported by trusted advisors. Trust in scheme providers, particularly those perceived as impartial and embedded within the farming community, was found to be a critical factor influencing engagement, especially given widespread scepticism toward government-led initiatives. Future policies should prioritise long-term support, facilitate peer-to-peer learning, and ensure that agroforestry practices complement farm operations and food production goals. By fostering trust, simplifying scheme processes, and aligning agroforestry with farmer identity, policy can more effectively support the transition to sustainable land management.
Author(s): Clark B, Areal FJ, Remoundou K, Jin S, Teh YA, Fu R, Lukac M, Frewer LJ
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Agroforestry Systems
Year: 2026
Volume: 100
Print publication date: 06/02/2026
Online publication date: 06/02/2026
Acceptance date: 19/01/2026
Date deposited: 19/01/2026
ISSN (print): 0167-4366
ISSN (electronic): 1572-9680
Publisher: Springer Dordrecht
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-026-01441-7
DOI: 10.1007/s10457-026-01441-7
Data Access Statement: The focus group data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, but restrictions apply to the availability of these data in order to product participant anonymity and confidentiality. An edited form of the data will be available on request, which will have sections redacted to maintain participant anonymity.
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