OASIS

Organic agroforestry to enhance and advance sustainability 

Photo: Anne Mette Lykke

Background

Agroforestry is attracting growing attention for its potential to deliver ecosystem services and functions, while contributing to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and improved soil quality. Consequently, agroforestry is increasingly recognised as part of the solution to a range of environmental challenges. Despite this growing interest, agroforestry remains scarce in Denmark, and scientific evidence of its impacts is still limited. 

Project Purpose

OASIS aims to provide scientific evidence on the extent to which agroforestry can enhance biodiversity and soil health, and support climate change mitigation and adaptation in Denmark while ensuring high-quality products for consumers, economic viability, and farmer resilience. The project places particular focus on the establishment phase of agroforestry systems. 

OASIS is establishing agroforestry demonstration sites to inspire farmers and communicate scientific findings to consumers, farmers, and policymakers. The sites have been established at Gram Slot and Øm Klosterård. The project seeks to increase consumer interest in and willingness to pay extra for sustainable and organic products. In this way, OASIS supports Denmark’s strategy to expand organic farming as an important component of the green transition.

Project step by step

OASIS aims to: 

  • Assess the potential for producing high-quality products that ensure economic viability and resilience for farmers. 

  • Establish baselines and assess the potential for carbon sequestration and improved soil health in agroforestry systems. 

  • Establish baselines and assess biodiversity, functional biodiversity, and pest regulation in newly established agroforestry systems.

  • Establish and monitor agroforestry systems and carry out demonstration activities at two locations, Gram Slot and Øm Klostergård.

Project Period

2026-2029

Project leader

Anne Mette Lykke 
Senior Researcher, PhD.
Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University
Phone number: +45 30783171 
E-mail: aml@ecos.au.dk