UK agroforestry is undeniably on the rise, cutting across traditional farming and forestry divides. However, while the practice of integrating trees with crops and livestock has ancient roots, applying it effectively within modern, mechanized farming systems demands a fresh body of knowledge. We cannot simply rely on historical precedent or translate findings from abroad. Without UK-specific, contextualized data, we are often left guessing whether certain species, designs, or policies will truly work on our soil and in our climate.
This is precisely why the new research agenda published in Agronomy for Sustainable Development is so timely. Led by Dr. Amelia Hood and her colleagues, this project utilised an innovative multi-actor approach to generate develop a priority list of the most pressing questions facing farmers, foresters and other stakeholders about agroforestry. By bringing together 156 stakeholders—from farmers and advisors to policymakers—the study has identified 40 priority research areas that span multiple disciplines. It is a rare example of a process that successfully synthesizes diverse voices to pinpoint exactly where our knowledge gaps lie, from landscape-scale ecology to the nuances of policy incentives.
As co-author to this participatory research, I was pleased to contribute to the dialogue in order to share many of the frequently asked questions I hear through my work. The research agenda that has been produced provides a clear roadmap for future inquiry, ensuring that the next generation of research is grounded in the realities of UK agriculture.
The ‘Top 40’ questions are highlighted below, and the full journal article can be accessed for free at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13593-026-01089-8
