The visit showcased how integrating trees into productive farmland can deliver multiple benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, greater resilience to climate change, animal welfare benefits and long-term farm sustainability. The project, designed to combine agricultural production with woodland creation, demonstrates how agroforestry can help farmers diversify their land management while continuing to produce food and support rural livelihoods.
During the visit, Minister Andrew Muir met with farmer Jeremy Hamilton and representatives from the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland to discuss the opportunities that agroforestry presents for Northern Ireland's farming sector.
Minister Andrew Muir said: “Jeremy's project is an excellent example of how farming and nature can work hand in hand. Agroforestry and the integration of trees on farmland offer significant opportunities to improve biodiversity, enhance soil and water quality, support climate resilience and create more sustainable farming businesses.
"It is encouraging to see farmers leading the way in demonstrating what can be achieved through innovative land management practices. This is line with the Tree Planting Action Plan which I launched in July and which has 10 strategic actions to increase tree planting.
"Through the Farming with Nature Package and forestry grants schemes, we are already supporting farmers to plant trees on their land. I am keen to see more farmers take up these opportunities and realise the benefits that trees can bring to both their business and the wider environment."
The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland has been working with farmers to explore opportunities for integrating trees into farmed landscapes, helping deliver both environmental and economic benefits.
John Martin, Director, Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, said: "Agroforestry is one of the most exciting opportunities available to agriculture today. By integrating trees into productive farmland, farmers can improve the resilience of their businesses while delivering benefits for wildlife, climate, water quality and animal welfare.
"Jeremy's project shows that trees and farming are not competing land uses; when planned well, they can work together to create more sustainable and productive landscapes. We are delighted that the Minister has taken the time to visit and see this inspiring example firsthand."
Jeremy Hamilton's agroforestry system will continue to develop over the coming years, providing a valuable demonstration site for farmers interested in exploring how trees can be successfully integrated into agricultural land.
Jeremy Hamilton said: “Agroforestry for us is using trees to improve our farm. Trees provide improvements in soil structure and drainage and provide shelter for livestock to lengthen our grazing season.
"Trees will help us deal with the weather patterns Northern Ireland now experiences. It was a pleasure to host Minister Muir to see firsthand how we are trying to incorporate trees to aid the commercial enterprise we operate here on our farm.”
The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland believes that wider adoption of agroforestry could play an important role in helping Northern Ireland meet its environmental, climate and nature recovery ambitions while supporting a thriving farming sector. However, at present there is no government support for establishment. We are calling for an agro-forestry support scheme to be established within the Farming with Nature package.