Agroforestry, in its simplest terms, can be defined as “agriculture with trees.” Its practices range from using trees as windbreaks to modeling entire production systems after the natural forest ecosystem. Indigenous cultures and smallholder farmers have been interacting with nature in a restorative, reciprocal manner for thousands of years, from Europe to the Amazon, in both temperate and tropical climates. We have the opportunity to blend indigenous wisdom with science and technology to rapidly transform the way we practice agriculture around the globe, creating an abundant future instead of one of scarcity.

As populations continue to rise, we must greatly increase food production over the next two decades to achieve food security globally. This will require an agriculture system that can “multi-functionally” increase food production, while at the same time enhance social and environmental outcomes. Trees simultaneously protect against soil erosion, filter the air, feed above- and below-ground organisms, provide shade and building material, produce food and medicine, and provide a plethora of other environmental, economic and societal benefits.