We lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry
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Social Justice

Working toward a more equitable agriculture

Land access and labor policies are ongoing social justice issues in US agriculture. For many people, agroforestry is an opportunity to farm in a more socially responsible, community-centered way. Creating equitable agriculture through agroforestry requires us to recognize and address the injustices that have led to the current system. Let’s dig in and learn more about social justice.
Farmer waters crops with a sprayer.
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Social Justice in Agroforestry

Inspired by the oak savanna native to the region, we envision a multifunctional agriculture in the Midwest US based on agroforestry systems of integrated trees, crops, and livestock that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant communities.
Understanding Agroforestry Infosheets
Ecosystem Research

Multilingual Resources

We translate a core set of materials for Spanish and Hmong language speakers in the Midwest. Share the multilingual resources to make your educational materials more accessible.

Do you have a question?

Ask an Agroforester

Where can I buy plants?

Our partners at Canopy Farm Management, based in Illinois and Wisconsin, have perennial plant material available through its bare-root nursery. When you purchase through Canopy, a portion of the sales help to support Savanna Institute’s nonprofit mission. For more nurseries in your area, check out this National Nursery and Seed Directory.

What trees or shrubs should I plant?

The plants you choose will depend on the natural resources on your land and your farm goals. Timber trees require low investment and minimal ongoing maintenance over a longer period of time ranging 20 to 50 years depending on species. Fruit and nut trees require higher initial investment and establishment maintenance, but can provide annual returns once established (approximately 5 to 10 years depending on species). Additional shrubs and crops can be planted within the tree rows between tree species. Learn more about perennial crops.

Where are your demonstartion farms?

The Savanna Institute runs demonstration farms in Central Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. We also have partners in Michigan and Minnesota who share their farms for educational events. Our demonstration at Silverwood Park in Wisconsin is open to the public, and the rest are open during events and by appointment only. Learn more about our demonstration farms.

Staffer slides protective plastic tube around hazelnut sapling as part of agroforestry research at Savanna Institute's Valley Farm, Spring Green, Wisconsin.
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Online Courses

Our online agroforestry courses focus on key tree crops and practices, marketing, land access and finances, agroecology, and climate change.

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