Local context / Issue:

INAGRO targets the deployment of an agroforestry system within the Flemish context, focussing on vegetable production between trees for the fresh product market and the industry. An agroforestry platform gives to INAGRO the opportunity to investigate technologies that can support local farmers in their venture within the agroforestry domain.
This experimental Agroforestry estate fits into a wider setup of INAGRO’s future farm-platform (Nature based Agriculture, Optifarm and Agroforestry).

Showcase Outlook

Brussels may be the scenario of new farmer’s demonstrations again, sooner than we think. 2024 ended with the European agri-food sector taking the streets of the Belgian capital protesting against the consequences of a possible EU-Mercosur agreement. A deal that can threaten even more the delicate situation of the farmers all over the continent.
Although the situation in Flanders is not as severe as in other regions, its more than 20.000 farms must take an eye on their competitiveness in the uncertain times agri-food sector is living. Not only because the possible arrival of new South American food products, but also to preserve an industry with a contribution of around the 0.9% of the region’s gross value added.
In this context, the EU’s common agricultural policy for Flanders encourages local farmers to advance towards more sustainable models where “income security, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adaptation, improving water quantity and quality, and productive and resilient soils” are the main objectives.
Despite a limited number of Flemish farmers adopting agroforestry, numerous projects are exploring more environmentally friendly farming methods. Agroforestry is seen as one of the possible answers to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, with various initiatives supporting farmers in making bold decisions in the short and mid-term.
However, the adoption of digital tools presents some setbacks and complications. One of the main ones is, precisely, the lack of affinity between older farmers and digital tools. Participants in the local workshop expressed their frustration with available tools and Apps as these increase workloads rather than streamline them.
Beyond this will for changing and progressing, there is one concern that lies in Flanders as much as the other showcases: farm viability. Doubts about valuing supply chain for agroforestry products were raised among farmers as they requested to develop more simple and more collaborative platforms.
Because, at last, beyond possible future and more competitive market, Flanders is facing the same challenge than the other European regions: to respect traditional practices while fostering sustainable innovation.