[ODF_Private_Forests] USDA backs Agroforestry practices

[WEEKS Kevin]

United States Department of Agriculture News Release



USDA releases plan to promote AgroForestry



Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan on Monday unveiled a plan that will help farmers, ranchers and woodland owners enhance productivity, profitability and environmental stewardship by using the practice of AgroForestry.



AgroForestry intentionally combines agriculture and forestry to create integrated and sustainable land-use systems that take advantage of the interactive benefits from combining trees and shrubs with crops or livestock.



Merrigan unveiled the USDA Agroforestry Strategic Framework<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yxwgfwcab&et=1105870134196&s=258&e=001xHAwnHssAveDO0DxAJuRfow_3DjzFuIClcbcw8p18_r_zvJBsovYZwM_51P_YcXcKdXpYo6vOw6-FrMrBgp-n_FxIbqHAiwkc8lwciUJcY_3DR6MyMhKcokQ37aNXhN_PlxC2Kv53Wb20b3AKpK4mY0ZbfIpd3J4ohINqaWoE_aRJfWM-lWdVA==> during the North American AgroForestry Conference, in Athens, Ga. The framework is the USDA guide to advance AgroForestry knowledge, practices and assistance that lay the roadmap to influence the long-term health and sustainability of all lands for future generations.



"AgroForestry does not sacrifice farmland for forests or forests for farmland," Merrigan said. "Rather, AgroForestry is the marriage of disciplines that, in the end, will protect our natural resources, benefit our communities and allow for the development of other sources of income for farmers, ranchers and woodland owners. AgroForestry can enhance values for any landowner."



U.S. Department of Agriculture news release

http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDAOC-8570e



USDA AgroForestry Strategic Framework
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=FOREST_FORESTRY

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Kevin Weeks

Public Information Officer

Oregon Department of Forestry

Agency Affairs Office

(503) 945-7427

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