Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals
Do you advise land managers, and have an interest in learning more about forest farming, silvopasture, or alley cropping? The increasing interest in agroforestry among land managers has produced a growing need for technical assistance. Join us to learn more about these practices to provide agroforestry technical assistance to your clients.
This program offers a series of in-person trainings combined with online courses, all designed to be a la carte, so you can attend whichever sessions you choose. For in-person trainings, register soon to secure your spot(s) and please register for each one separately. When registering, please select the ticket type that most closely matches your organizational affiliation. Find out more about each offering below.
Forest Farming Fundamentals
Forest Farming is the practice of cultivating medicinal, edible, decorative, and handicraft crops under a forest canopy, which provides shade levels and habitats that favor growth and enhance production. Join us and learn about the principles, design considerations, benefits, and potential challenges associated with forest farming. This course has been approved for the following: 4 NRCS Planner Certification Contact Hours, 4 DCR Certified Conservation Planner Contact Hours and 5 SAF Continuing Forestry Education Credits.
July 20, 2023 • 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
VT Kentland Farm • 5250 Whitethorne Rd, Blacksburg, VA
FREE • Rain or Shine • Lunch Included
TRAINERS




Silvopasture Fundamentals
Silvopasture is the intentional integration of forages, trees, and livestock, and can help increase the productivity and health in farm and forest systems. Join us and learn about the principles, design considerations, benefits, and potential challenges associated with silvopasture. This course has been approved for the following: 4 NRCS Planner Certification Contact Hours and 4 DCR Certified Conservation Planner Contact Hours.
August 15, 2023 • 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Southern Piedmont AREC • 2375 Darvills Rd, Blackstone, VA
FREE • Rain or Shine • Lunch Included
TRAINERS












Alley Cropping Fundamentals
Alley cropping is a lesser known agroforestry practice with potential for diversifying land use, expanding income potential, and building soil health. Alley cropping is the planting of rows of trees and/or shrubs to create alleys within which agricultural or horticultural crops are produced. Join us and learn about the principles, design considerations, benefits, and potential challenges associated with alley cropping. This course has been approved for the following: 4 NRCS Planner Certification Contact Hours and 4 DCR Certified Conservation Planner Contact Hours.
September 21, 2023 • 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
VT Catawba Sustainability Center • 4965 Catawba Creek Rd, Catawba, VA
FREE • Rain or Shine • Lunch Included
TRAINERS







Online Courses
The Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals online courses are self-paced and include videos, audio presentations, and supplemental resources so you can dig deeper into each subject. Course topics include:
- Introduction to Agroforestry for Natural Resource Professionals
- Fundamentals of Alley Cropping
- Fundamentals of Forest Farming
- Fundamentals of Silvopasture
- Fundamentals of Social Competency: Growing Agroforestry
- Understanding NRCS Support for Agroforestry
partners and collaborators
This training program is an interregional collaboration between Appalachian Sustainable Development and










These Virginia workshops are hosted by Appalachian Sustainable Development and the Virginia Tech Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation in collaboration with:
- Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS)
- Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF)
- Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
- Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition