UNHIDE Agroforestry - A Knowledge Exchange Latvia- Sweden 2023-25 - Report - Page 51
lead author of a report intended to serve as a stepping-stone for introducing agroforestry in Latvia.
Our aim is for Silava to promote agroforestry
systems characterized by diversity in tree and
shrub age, species composition, and structure,
with native trees functioning as nurse trees. In such
systems, fertilizers are unnecessary and could even
impair the trees’ natural nutrient absorption. We
also encourage advocacy for systems that can operate independently of industrial inputs, ensuring
resilience against economic and political challenges.
“Interesting take on Agroforestry
from the academic perspective of
•
Instead of using small-diameter, low-value
thinnings for bioenergy or pulp, there is also
potential to cultivate shiitake, chaga, reishi,
and oyster mushrooms on logs—practices with
decades of expertise in Latvia.
Inese Upe & Anna Bole-Williamsson.
the forestry sector. Very large-scale
industrial perspective on both cultivation principles and products”
- Anders Lindén
Side income possibilities for forest owners suggested in
the demonstration plot are honey production, coppice for
basket weaving and sap.
