Agroforestry integrates trees and other woody vegetation into crop and livestock production systems, creating ecological and economic interactions that can benefit farms and the wider environment. Its contribution to climate change mitigation, biodiversity and farm resilience is increasingly recognised, but its potential benefits for animal welfare remain less integrated into vocational education and agricultural policy. This limits farmers’ access to practical guidance connecting livestock management with tree-based farming systems and the One Health approach, which links animal, human and ecosystem health.
HALE addresses this gap by bringing together agroforestry organisations, farmers’ associations, vocational education and training (VET) providers and academic institutions. Farmers are its primary target group, with particular attention to young people and women. Agricultural advisers, educators, researchers, animal welfare and agroforestry advocates and policy makers will also contribute to the project and benefit from its resources.
The project will combine evidence from existing practices with flexible vocational learning. European case studies and stakeholder consultations will inform a training programme covering silvopastoral systems, animal welfare and the economic aspects of sustainable farming. The materials will be available through an online learning platform and supported by a micro-credential framework to recognise acquired competences. HALE will also translate the evidence gathered into policy recommendations, encouraging dialogue between the agricultural, forestry, education, animal welfare and health sectors.