Big crowds are expected this month at the UK’s only national event dedicated to integrating trees into farming systems.
The Agroforestry Show reflects growing interest in trees as part of mainstream farm business planning. Organised by the Woodland Trust and the Soil Association, it takes place on 10-11 September at Woodoaks Farm, Hertfordshire.
Policy shift
Government support is moving in agroforestry’s favour. The Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme includes options for tree integration, while biodiversity net gain and carbon markets are developing rapidly.
For farmers, this raises practical questions. Policy alignment means land managers can be rewarded not only for environmental outcomes but also for risk reduction and long-term resilience. The show will combine policy updates with case studies from working farms. Experts will explain where agroforestry fits within existing enterprises, how funding stacks up against opportunity costs, and what management changes are required.
Finance and Markets
Agroforestry is increasingly discussed in terms of financial returns, not just environmental value. New markets for carbon credits and biodiversity net gain units create income streams alongside timber, fruit or nut crops. Investors and lenders are beginning to recognise agroforestry as a tool for managing risk and improving natural capital assets.
The event will focus on the mechanics of finance: contract structures, verification requirements and how to integrate external funding into farm budgets. For businesses exploring diversification this offers practical guidance.
On-farm returns
Alongside policy and finance, the event will highlight commercial data from early adopters. Livestock-focused sessions led by veterinary consultant Claire Whittle will examine how trees influence productivity and animal health. For arable growers, discussions will centre on soil protection, shelter belts, and long-term returns from timber. For mixed farms, attention will be on balancing short-term food production with longer-term income from trees.
Knowledge Exchange
The two-day programme includes workshops, farm walks, and sessions where farmers share experience directly with peers. Chris Cooper of Natural Asset Partners will demonstrate habitat banking and biodiversity net gain in practice.
The event is structured to encourage networking between farmers, advisers, supply-chain buyers and financiers, recognising that agroforestry adoption depends on joined-up decision making.
Strategic Relevance
For farm businesses, the case for agroforestry is shifting. What was once seen primarily as an environmental initiative is now entering the language of cost control, market opportunity, and risk management.
The Agroforestry Show 2025 provides a forum to test the economics, understand policy incentives, and explore how growers and livestock producers can adopt trees as a productive part of UK farm business models.