Advancing Agroforestry Riparian Buffer Implementation for Soil Health in Virginia

This award is for ASD to demonstrate that agroforestry riparian buffers that produce Non-Timber Forest Products or native fruit and nut trees and shrubs, like pawpaws, elderberries and hazelnuts, could provide an economic incentive for increased adoption and retention of riparian buffers. ASD will partner with Virginia Tech's Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, the National Agroforestry Center and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to demonstrate, evaluate and document the benefits of agroforestry riparian buffers. ASD will establish 10-15 acres of agroforestry riparian buffers and conduct an economic analysis. Enhance the NAC’s online “Buffer$” tool to include information on the economics of NTFPs grown in agroforestry riparian buffers. This tool will allow users to estimate expected costs, benefits and potential profit margins under alternative financial and production scenarios that they create.