|
|
Resources |
|
|
||||||
|
AFTA Publications
|
June, 2005 AGROFORESTRY NEWSLINE >>> June, 2005 IN THIS EDITION :
Agroforestry Policy White Paper Open for Comment AFTA recently released a new white paper on public policy related to temperate agroforestry for public comment. It focuses on ecosystem services provided by agroforestry practices, reviews some current policy incentives and disincentives, and recommends actions to promote the wider use of agroforestry systems. Nadine Lehrer and Dean Current at University of Minnesota wrote the report, with input from others involved in agroforestry education, research and policy. The white paper suggests how AFTA can be an effective advocate for agroforestry in future policy deliberations. Two Groups Collaborate for Conservation of Medicinal Plants The Medicinal Plant Working Group (MPWG) aims to balance the biological and commercial needs of medicinal plants native to the United States, so as to promote both sustainable utilization and long-term conservation. MPWG is part of the Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA), a consortium of US federal agencies and private cooperators working collectively on issues associated with native plant extinction and native habitat restoration. The MPWG site has profiles of individual medicinal plants and links to publications and other groups involved in medicinal plant conservation. You can also join an email discussion group on native medicinal plants. MPWG collaborates on an international level with the Medicinal Plant Specialist Group (MPSG), part of the IUCN Species Survival Commission . MPSG seeks to support local conservation strategies in countries where medicinal plant species are diverse, traditionally used and commercially collected. It has identified the "Top 50" (and more) species under severe threat of extinction from over-use or unsustainable collection. Clean Water Farm Projects in Kansas In January 2005, the Kansas Rural Center (KRC) began the tenth year of the Clean Water Farms Project, an effort to promote adoption of clean water farming practices (including riparian forest buffers) in high priority watersheds in Kansas. With funding from U.S. EPA, the Clean Water Farms Project has successfully established models of clean water farming practices easily adopted by other producers, putting over 80 demonstration projects on the ground, and reaching hundreds of other producers with workshops, farm tours, and presentations. KRC staff work with landowners to create their own River Friendly Farm Plans. An approved plan allows the farmer to apply for up to $5,000 in cost-share assistance for implementation. Quebec Tree Society / Société de l'arbre du Québec (SODAQ) SODAQ (Quebec Tree Society) is a non-profit organization that aims at promoting tree planting for environmental purposes. Its website displays information (in French) on tree planting and care. SODAQ has been involved in the production of many publications regarding the role of trees in urban and rural areas. Some publications, including the proceedings of a conference held in 2004, are available in PDF format ( http://www.sodaq.qc.ca/publications.html ). Value-Added Products from Agroforests The Ag Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) is an electronic, national resource for producers interested in value-added agriculture hosted by Iowa State University. It provides useful information for those contemplating how best to market products grown using agroforestry, e.g. specialty crops (mushrooms, ornamentals), forestry (Christmas trees, maple sugar), and nuts (black walnut, pecans). There is also general information about business development strategies and market trends for food and fiber industries. NTFP Course for Minnesota Woodland Advisors University of Minnesota offers a curriculum of practical courses to train volunteer Woodland Advisors who help advise other landowners on how to manage forests and woodlands. one of the core classes currently offered is growing and marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFP), such as balsam boughs, birch bark, wild fruits and burls. Check the online class schedule to learn when and where the course will next be offered. Man of the Trees, Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982) Richard St. Barbe Baker was a widely respected forester, conservationist and author whose work inspired many people concerned about global deforestation and desertification. An extensive collection of photos, excerpts from his writings, and highlights of his life story are presented on a new website created by Paul Mantle of Grass Valley, CA. "Valuing Agroforestry Systems" on Sale A limited number of copies of the new book, Valuing Agroforestry Systems: Methods and Applications , edited by Janaki Alavalapati and Evan Mercer, are now on sale through the Agroforester's Bookshop. AFTA members can save $50 off the publisher's list price; non-members can save $25. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS YOU CAN HELP SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE Association for Temperate Agroforestry (AFTA) |
|||||
|
Contact Us | Subscribe | Member Log In | Privacy Policy | Search | Site Index
| ||||||
