The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has been involved in agroforestry research since 1989, initially as part of UK and EU networks investigating the effects of tree density on sheep production, pasture production and ecosystem services delivery. AFBI research has shown that trees can be successfully integrated and grown in pasture. Trees grown in pasture can extend the grazing season, so improving grass utilisation. They also help grazing resilience during extreme rainfall, increase biodiversity and carbon sequestration and provide renewable fuel.

Other environmental benefits demonstrated in AFBI research include reduced wind and temperature stress on animals, root differentiation, improved soil structure and less leaching of nutrients. Economic predictions are positive. These come from farmer surveys, recommendation in the Sustainable Agricultural Land Management Strategy and inclusion in the current Environmental Farming Scheme. Uptake on commercial farms across UK has shown that agroforestry is a realistic land-use option that delivers key objectives in managed landscapes.