Agroforestry Definitions in the New CAP

Policy Briefing #22 (v1) collates the definitions of agroforestry included by all Member States in their CAP Strategic Plans.  Some are detailed and include minimum and maximum numbers of trees per hectare, but usually without a definition of “tree”.   Few of the definitions can lead to remotely-sensed identification of those parcels which are “agroforestry” and those which have too few trees to be considered as agroforestry.  Nevertheless, Member States are progressively adding more detail to their identification of "landscape features and non productive areas" (GAEC-8) in their CAP Land Parcel Identification Systems. This detail is also needed to measure compliance with the 10% target in the Biodiversity Strategy and draft Nature Restoration Law (see Briefings #18 and  #21).  It is therefore possible for  Member States to propose a % threshold tree-crown cover (actual or potential) which can be used to distinguish agroforestry parcels in the CAP, The same classification can be used  for GHG accounting to the UNFCCC.  Several Member States have taken advantage of the flexibility offered in the Strategic Plan Regulation to define “permanent grassland” to include areas which are predominantly covered by shrubs which can be grazed or cut for fodder (See Briefing #29).  These include areas which can also be considered as agroforestry.