Request for Proposal - Vermont Agroforestry Species Research Project
Farm to Plate seeks a contractor to create a “quick reference” list of commonly used species adaptable to the Vermont climate, and a working spreadsheet of geographically preferred agroforestry species. The contractor will gather information on species, varieties, and cultivars used for agroforestry related purposes specific to Vermont. Information will be gathered through reviewing existing resources (articles, websites, USDA data, past research studies, existing species lists, etc.), in-depth interviews with service providers and farmers, and also through data gathered by a broadly distributed survey (survey will be created and distributed both by contractor and in collaboration with members of the Farm to Plate Agroforestry Priority Strategy Team). The research will seek to list and describe the species’ potential for a wide variety of agroforestry uses and needs, considering factors such as emerging markets, function for conservation, lifespan, hardiness, management costs, feed and fodder, nutrition, and price.
Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems. Examples of practices used by farmers include alley cropping, silvopasture, forest farming and riparian buffers. In recent years, agroforestry has increasingly been seen as an important strategy for addressing climate change, expanding and diversifying farm production, and contributing to greater agricultural resiliency. Despite growing interest, there is a lack of resources available for both farmers hoping to incorporate agroforestry related practices and technical assistance providers (TA) alike. Of the resources that are available, many are regionally or even nationally focused and do not recognize both the benefits and limitations of Vermont’s specific climate zone.
Please find full RFP attached. Submissions are due by May 15th, 2023
Contact Kelly Dolan, Farm to Plate Network Manager, with any questions: kellydolan@vsjf.org