Laws, regulations, and subsidies
Legislation relevant to agroforestry and food forests
“Between dream and deed, laws stand in the way and practical objections” (Willem Elsschot).
But let us hope that we can remove the legal barriers to agroforestry and food forests step by step. That starts with insight and overview. When you start with agroforestry, it is important to know what regulations apply and what their consequences are in practice. In this section you will find a number of factsheets that will help you get started.
- Wetgeving van belang voor de toepassing van agroforestry
Support measures
The main support measure in Flanders, is the forestry subsidy (BLS) for planting. In addition, since 2023 there is also a parallel subsidy for maintenance (BLO). Applying for the forest agriculture subsidy (BLS) in Flanders is done through the ''e-loket'' of the Agentschap Landbouw en Zeevisserij.
For more explanation on these support measures: see sheet below. Click here for referral to the ''e-loket''.
Towards a stimulating environment for agroforestry in Flanders
With the operation of the Consortium Agroforestry Flanders, we strive to make agroforestry at least as viable an option for farmers as other forms of agriculture. To do so, we also look at the opportunities and challenges currently facing agroforestry in Flanders and what actions we can take to exploit opportunities and overcome bottlenecks. We will compile these insights in a roadmap, based on 5 development paths.
- Towards an enabling environment for agroforestry in Flanders: Roadmap 2.0
How to become a farmer in Flanders?
For those who want to get started with agroforestry, still new to farming, not only the necessary professional knowledge and an available acreage are important, but there is also a lot of administrative work involved. What about registration, regulations and possible financial support? Registration as a farmer is done through the Agentschap Landbouw en Zeevisserij. Information on how to identify yourself as a farmer, apply for an exploitation number and how to report a farm takeover can be found here. You can also contact the Agentschap Landbouw en Zeevisserij for more info on the formalities to be completed.