Beauce department of France, February 2026
Since the project launch, two winter planting campaigns in 2022 and 2023 have established 3,883 trees that have since survived and grown well. The shared objective is now to ensure the long-term survival of 3,500 trees by the project end. By meeting this target the farm will become a reference for other farmers, demonstrating that a more balanced agricultural model is possible; that trees have a rightful place within arable farming systems.
As the season progresses, so too is maintenance. The last week of January, the agroforestry site in La Beauce region (north-central France) hosted a highly productive training camp, with three full days spent in the field as part of a management course on agroforestry infrastructure. The project technician, Benoît Caumont, together with students from the French Agroforestry Association (AFAF) school, alternated between technical input, discussions, and hands-on practice. As he summed it up: “A beautiful location for exchanging ideas and, above all, for really getting stuck into practical work!”
Poplar pruning: an essential intervention
All the poplars on the site underwent formative pruning and full thinning. A large number of forks had been observed, mainly due to raptor perches having been installed on the trees. This work had to be done during the winter to be in time for future timber harvesting. It represents a key step in ensuring the quality and long-term sustainability of the plantation.
Replanting and protecting young trees
At the same time, a full morning was devoted to replanting along the third rows of poplars:
- 200 trees replanted in total
- Careful mulching
- Installation of individual tree guards
These actions help secure the young tree establishment and ensure an even planting density across the whole plot.
Human commitment at the heart of the project
The farmer and project beneficiary Yves was fully involved in this event from start to finish. He welcomed the students on the first day and presented his organisation, farm, and agroforestry project. He also provided lunch for the teams every day and made his equipment available, including two large buckets of miscanthus for mulching, as well as his quad bike and trailer for transporting materials.
Yves warmly thanked everyone for their commitment and care for his trees. Thanks to your support, these agroforestry projects continue to grow and take shape, becoming lasting parts of agricultural landscapes. Thank you for your commitment at our side.
The maintenance and monitoring of the work carried out will continue over several years.
