Together we are investigating the values of food forests
National Monitoring program for Food Forests
Food forests combines food production with nature development. A lot of scientific theory has shown that food forests have a positive effect on soil quality, have great water buffers, capture lots of CO2 and increase biodiversity, quality and social cohesion of the landscape. On top of that, very little maintenance is necessary while harvests, especially on the long run, are great. The goal of the National Monitoring Program Food Forests to investigate these theories using standardized scientific methods on a national scale.
The program contains
Research
Hectares
Students
Food Forests
Indicators
About us
Our mission &
vision
The above-stated claims are based on:
- Theory and knowledge of natural ecosystems
- Comparable high-divers food systems in tropical environments
- A growing set of evidence of examples in more moderate climates, such as the Netherlands
This is why the National Monitoring Program Food Forests has been established: to develop and standardize methods of analyzing the productivity of food forests and further research the above-stated claims.
Our mission is to conduct robust, scientific research and come up with grounded conclusions of the functioning of (specific parts of) food forests. Part may include soil type, previous land use, age, and design.
Connection, the key word
How was this program founded
The National Monitoring Program Food Forests was founded in the Green Deal Food Forests and investigates which food forests are applicable to the Green Deal. To further professionalize the National Monitoring Program Food Forests, an independent organizations was necessary. The National Monitoring Program Food Forests now falls under the umbrella of the Food Forestry Foundation.
Diensten Nationaal Monitoringsprogramma Voedselbossen
Methods
The Program investigates the different subgoals of a food forests by using standardized research methods
Research
On a system-level, ecosystem values are essential to investigate. These values define the quality of food forests
Network
The National Monitoring Program Food Forests provides a network in which connection and knowledge-exchange are key.
Research indicators
Monitoring food forests
The National Monitoring Program Food Forests is a program in which standardized research methods are applied to investigate the ecological, economical and social impact of Dutch food forests. Research is conducting in cooperation with students who are interested in the topic. Our goal in this research that spans multiple years.
Besides this, a network (including a platform and physical meetings) has been founded to connect, support and exchange knowledge between different initiatives. The network functions as a base for presenting different results and is based on active participation of all members
Food production
CO2 Sequestration
Soil health
Biodiversity
Vegetation and soil quality
Social cohesion
Profitability
Support us in
Research that lasts for decades
To properly determine what food forests may provide in the long run, thoroughly research that lasts several years is necessary. Using this research, we can standardize guidelines for farmers and maximize the impact in our food transition. Currently, the National Monitoring Program Food Forests is investigating 33 food forests across the Netherlands. This research provides us with data which we can use to further develop our knowledge and standards. We will need an additional 7 years of research to properly determine what food forests may provide our agriculture, environment and nature.
Carbon research
A standardized, systematic research has investigated the above-ground carbon in food forests. In addition, a research that also takes the below-ground carbon is under way.
Biodiversity research
The biodiversity above and below ground level has been researched. Different kinds of plants and insects were being investigated.
Sociaal research
Currently, there are more than 30 contributing food forests. Together with a team of students and food forest-owners, we are researching the harvest and sales, carbon storage, and biodiversity. Together with AKVO we analyze and visualize the data.
What has the national monitoring program food forests
Researched in the past?
Currently, there are more than 30 contributing food forests. Together with a team of students and food forest-owners, we are researching the harvest and sales, carbon storage, and biodiversity. Together with AKVO we analyze and visualize the data.