Agroforestry General Resources

The term "agroforestry" refers to many practices, all with different requirements, challenges, and implications for the practitioner and their land. Explore the links on this page for background information about these practices, and links to other organizations where you can apply for funding and connect to technical support.

Agroforestry Overview

The National Agroforestry Center	The National Agroforestry Center (NAC) was established in the 1990 farm bill. This link takes you to their page on the USDA Forest Service website, where you can find recorded webinars, fact sheets, and information about state NRCS practice standards.
The Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri	The Center for Agroforestry at Mizzou offers an in-person and online master's degree program and a summer intensive certification course. Their website also hosts a growing library of technical guides and academic publications on many agroforestry topics.
The Savanna Institute	The Savanna Institute is a midwestern nonprofit that promotes agroforestry at scale through technical assistance and research. Their website includes a resource library with information for beginners and more experienced practitioners.
Forestry Terms for Ohio Forest Landowners	Are you interested in seeking state resources for forest management, but confused by all the jargon? Want to know the difference between a procurement forester, a professional forester, and a technical service provider? This factsheet from OSU Extension is a guide to dozens of terms and acronyms relevant to forest stewardship.
Fundamentals of General Tree Work	J.F. Beranek's guide to tree climbing and maintenance has been called the "Bible" of tree work and safe forest management. Available online and in print.
Farming With Trees: Reforming U.S. Farm Policy to Expand Agroforestry and Mitigate Climate Change	Chenyang et al., 2021. This academic article provides an overview of common agroforestry practices and their implications for carbon sequestration and other environmental benefits, as well as a discussion of how policy could encourage agroforestry adoption.

Funding & Technical Support

Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program	The CAGP grant program is a privately funded, cyclical grant that provides funding to begin or expand an agroforestry project. Applications may be submitted any time for the 2026 funding cycle.
Whole Farm Mentorship Program	Based in southeast Ohio, Rural Action organizes workshops and trainings on a variety of agriculture and small-business related topics, including forest farming and silvopasture. The whole farm mentorship program is not limited to agroforestry practitioners but matches beginning farmers/food producers with more experienced peers and connects them to others getting started in the region.
NRCS Conservation Practice Standards for Agroforestry	An overview of how the Natural Resource Conservation Service classifies agroforestry practices at the national level, and guidelines on how to learn more about NRCS standards for agroforestry in your state.
Holden Forest and Gardens Working Woods Program	Holden Forest and Gardens, located in northeast Ohio, offers consultations to private landowners on healthy small woodland management, including assessments for agroforestry implementation. They also host a library of forestry resources on their website.