The Uncertainty of the Moment: Agroforestry and the Long Road Ahead
The landscape for farmers is constantly shifting. We adapt to unpredictable weather, fluctuating markets, and the constant ebb and flow of policy changes that shape our livelihoods. But today, the stakes are incredibly high for those building resilient agroforestry systems.
The recent executive orders by the new administration have placed a hold on funding for the Expanding Agroforestry Project under the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). While this is still a review period rather than an outright cancellation, it introduces uncertainty, making planning incredibly difficult. For myself, looking to establish diversified agroforestry systems, access to these programs could be the difference between getting up and running in two years versus five or longer. For others, this could be devastating, and I'm aware of the privileges in my career and economic position, which I am thankful for every day.
I know this firsthand. My agroforestry plan, a design of chestnuts, hazelnuts, elderberries, and diversified livestock, was built without assuming any public assistance. I structured it this way because I’ve learned to operate on the assumption that policies change, funding disappears, and forces can upend the best-laid plans beyond my control. And yet, I can’t deny the appeal of these programs: a boost in early capital investment, reduced financial risk, and the ability to scale at a pace that doesn’t stretch every ounce of personal resources to the brink.
For many farmers, especially those just starting, the USDA program(s) represented not just money but time—time to get trees in the ground sooner, time to build the infrastructure for silvopasture systems, and time to transition from conventional operations to regenerative, long-term agroforestry models. With payments paused and the future uncertain, many are left in limbo, wondering whether to proceed with their plans or put them on hold until there’s clarity.
A Long-Term Commitment
But here’s the thing about farming, particularly agroforestry: it’s a long game. Policies will shift, funding will come and go, and the challenges will continue. What remains constant is the land, the soil, and the need to cultivate something that outlasts political cycles. By its very nature, agroforestry is an exercise in patience, resilience, and long-term thinking. Trees don’t care about election cycles. They take years, even decades, to reach maturity. And those of us committed to this work are in it for the long haul, with or without government assistance.
That’s not to say these programs don’t matter. They absolutely do. They make agroforestry more accessible to a broader range of farmers. They recognize the environmental and economic benefits of integrated tree-based systems. They help create models that others can follow. But for those who have chosen this path regardless of public incentives, these moments of policy uncertainty serve as a stark reminder: We build for resilience, not reliance.
So, if the program moves forward? Fantastic. More farmers get a running start. If it stalls indefinitely? The work still happens, just at a slower, more grueling pace. But it happens nonetheless. Whether we get there in two years or five, we’ll get there.
Excerpt From Nature Conservancy
We want to provide you with an update on the Expanding Agroforestry Project in light of the recent Executive Orders by the new administration. Given the uncertainty around the new administration’s position around Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC), we have sought additional direction from USDA about whether or not this project will move forward.
Our project has not yet received an order to stop work, but we did get confirmation that USDA is currently pausing all payments while they evaluate all projects under guidance from the new administration. This is a very fluid situation, and we currently do not have clarity on when we will receive further direction from USDA as to when payments will resume.
During this USDA review period, TNC will continue to accept applications for the second round of its Incentive Payment Program until March 14th 2025. If a stop work order is received before then, we will directly and promptly notify all applicants accordingly and communication on this will also be made available via our program’s webpage. We will also notify you if we receive news that the project has completed review and is moving forward as originally planned.
We regret that we don’t have more certainty to offer at this time. We will continue to update you when we have more information. TNC remains committed to advancing our mission and supporting farmers and ranchers in adopting agroforestry practices across the 30 states that the Expanding Agroforestry Project touches.