The Impact of Trees and Woodlands on Farm Productivity

Description

Trees and woodlands may impact farm businesses in a number of ways, as shown through farmer-led initiatives such as the Integrating Trees Network. Benefits may include: - revenue streams from timber, carbon and other commercial opportunities; - improvements to productivity (e.g. better conditions for livestock, protection of soils); - protection against catastrophic events (storms, drought); and, - impacts on capital values. However, supporting evidence can tend to be relatively patchy and sometimes anecdotal. A more consistent and systematic evidence base would underpin awareness and confidence (both for policy and operational purposes) in the role of trees and woodlands in supporting farm businesses. This study aims to build the evidence base on the impacts of trees and woodlands on farm businesses. Lot 1: The focus of the research is on the impacts of trees and woodlands on the financial returns to and productivity of farm businesses. Non-market values (for example, amenity, landscape and biodiversity) are relevant where their financial and/or productivity impact can be determined but the study will focus on how costs and revenues to farm businesses are affected by trees and woodlands. Scottish Forestry, as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, is procuring this study on behalf of the UK under a cross-border agreement on the provision of research and economic advice on forestry. The content and outputs of the study should reflect this UK-wide perspective, although it is recognised that trees and woodlands may affect farm businesses differently in different regions of the UK. More information can be found in the Invitation to Tender.