Plant An Agroforestry Fruit Tree With The New AF2 Grant

The UK government has announced a new grant under the Countryside Stewardship scheme to promote sustainable agricultural practices through agroforestry. The AF2 grant, titled “Plant an Agroforestry Fruit Tree,” offers financial support for planting fruit trees as part of an in-field agroforestry system.

Funding Details

The AF2 grant provides £17.83 per tree, incentivising farmers and landowners to integrate fruit trees into their agricultural systems. This initiative not only supports the diversification of farm income but also promotes environmental stewardship, enhancing biodiversity and soil health.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AF2 grant, applicants must ensure their planting sites are on low-sensitivity land. The grant supports planting densities between 30 and 130 trees per hectare. Higher-density plantings exceeding 131 trees per hectare are not eligible for funding. Land sensitivity should be verified using the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Agroforestry data layer. Additionally, local guidance and potential environmental impact assessments must be considered, particularly for uncultivated land or areas with historical or archaeological significance.

Environmental Benefits

Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into farming landscapes, offers numerous environmental benefits:

Soil Erosion Reduction: Trees stabilise the soil, reducing erosion from wind and water.

Livestock Shelter and Shade: Trees provide necessary shade and shelter for livestock, improving animal welfare.

Climate Change Mitigation: Trees sequester carbon, helping to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Improved Water and Air Quality: Enhanced water infiltration and reduced runoff lead to better water quality, while trees filter air pollutants, contributing to cleaner air.

Flood Risk Mitigation: Tree roots improve soil structure, enhancing its ability to absorb water and reduce flooding risk.

Planting Requirements

Applicants must adhere to several specific requirements to ensure successful tree establishment:

Site Preparation: Remove grass and weeds in a 1-meter diameter around each tree before planting.

Weed Management: Keep young trees weed-free for the first three years to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Species Selection: Choose tree species and rootstocks suitable for the site’s soil and climatic conditions.

Protection: Protect trees from livestock and grazing animals with appropriate fencing or tree guards. Regularly check and maintain tree guards, stakes, and ties.

Restrictions

Several restrictions apply to ensure the sustainability and appropriateness of the planting:

Proximity Limitations: Trees must not be planted within 5 meters of parcel boundaries, hedges, or existing tree canopies.

Sensitive Areas: Planting on existing priority habitats or peatlands deeper than 30 cm requires proper permissions and should be avoided unless authorised.

Record Keeping

Applicants must maintain comprehensive records, including invoices, receipts, and photographs of the planting work. These records are essential for compliance and future funding eligibility and must follow the guidelines outlined in the Agreement holder’s guide for Capital Grants and higher-tier capital grants.

Additional Considerations

The AF2 grant encourages additional planting to provide greater ecological benefits and protection for agroforestry systems. The grant can also be combined with other capital items and SFI actions for comprehensive and integrated agroforestry planning and implementation.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can find more details and apply for the AF2 grant by visiting the official GOV.UK page on AF2: Plant an Agroforestry Fruit Tree.

This new grant offers an excellent opportunity for farmers and landowners to contribute to sustainable farming practices while enhancing the environmental and economic value of their land. By integrating fruit trees into agricultural systems, the AF2 grant supports a balanced approach to farming that benefits both the environment and the agricultural community.

Frank P Matthews: Your Source for Agroforestry Trees

We offer a wide range of suitable trees for agroforestry projects. Our extensive selection includes various fruit and ornamental trees known for their robust growth and adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, we can provide both native and obscure tree varieties that can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and support livestock welfare. By choosing trees from Frank P Matthews, landowners can ensure they are planting high-quality specimens that will thrive in an agroforestry system, contributing to both environmental and agricultural success.