The Padana Plain in Italy is characterised by intensive agriculture. Cereals are the most common crop, and hybrid poplar (Populus x euroamericana) is the most common cultivated tree species for timber production. Intercropping poplar trees with arable crops is now recognized as a modern form of Smart Agriculture, due to the efficient use of site resources (light, nutrients and water) by canopies and root distribution.

The Common Agricultural Policy-Rural Development Plans 2014-2020 currently support the establishment of agroforestry systems in Europe, with direct grants encouraging tree inter-planting with arable crops. In Italy, the current CAP (2014-2020), measure 8.2, promotes these systems in Veneto, Umbria, Basilicata, Marche and Puglia regions.

With the objective of increasing the economic value of the farm through product diversification, linear tree systems, combining different woody species are encouraged by public administrations to enhance productivity and environmental benefits (carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, soil erosion control, soil and water quality). Farmers, as well as local people and tourists, appreciate their environmental and aesthetic value.