A recent International Study Visit in Portugal (April 22-24, 2025) offered valuable insights into the advancement of agroforestry systems within the framework of the FOREST4EU project’s ITHub 5. Project partners and stakeholders convened to gain firsthand knowledge of practical experiences and successful outcomes from various initiatives implemented across Portuguese agroforestry landscapes, particularly within Montado ecosystems dominated by cork oak (Quercus suber) and holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia).
The visit showcased several Operational Groups addressing key challenges in agroforestry:
🌿 EcoMontadoXXI (agroecology for cork oak);
🍃 Silvpast (silvo-pastoral systems);
🌱 OGNewton (Tuscan agroforestry network);
🌳 OakRegeneration (support to the natural regeneration of vital cork and holm oak ecosystems);
🌱 Nutrisuber (cork oak nutrition);
🍃 GEOSUBER (cork oak vitality monitoring);
🌿 RootsAndRobots (Innovative methods for establishing trees in agroforestry systems);
🌲 Platisor (Integrated strategies to manage cork oak forests);
Other projects involved:
Klimapraxis gemeinnützige UG | ECHO Horizon Europe Project
The study visit explored a range of innovative projects addressing key aspects of agroforestry management. These included approaches to optimize grazing practices for ecological benefits, cutting-edge technologies for monitoring tree health and vitality, and research-driven strategies for enhancing nutrient management in forest stands. Furthermore, significant attention was given to initiatives tackling the critical issue of natural regeneration in oak woodlands and the development of sustainable methods for managing prevalent forest pests.
These diverse efforts highlighted the proactive and inventive spirit driving the advancement of agroforestry practices in Portugal. The knowledge gained during this visit will contribute to FOREST4EU’s broader mission of facilitating the exchange and adoption of valuable innovations across Europe. By sharing these practical solutions and the lessons learned, the project aims to strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and economic viability of forest and agroforestry systems throughout the continent.