Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals
About ATFNRP
Do you advise land managers, and have an interest in learning more about forest farming, silvopasture, or alley cropping? The increasing interest in agroforestry among land managers has produced a growing need for technical assistance. Join us to learn more about these practices to provide agroforestry technical assistance to your clients.
Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals (ATFNP) programming is an inter-regional collaboration that has been led by Appalachian Sustainable Development since its inception in 2021. ATFNRP offers consistent, regionally appropriate educational opportunities to natural resource professionals who advise or assist land managers with the adoption or expansion of agroforestry practices. ATFNRP programming offers a series of in-person training, online courses, mastermind cohorts, mentorship and peer networking that has developed from years of existing and newly created content by a multitude of agroforestry experts. The online courses are all designed to be a la carte, so you can attend whichever sessions you choose. In-person trainings are offered across the United States through various partners at both the 100 & 200 educational levels. To learn more about current educational opportunities within our region, the online courses and our current ATFNRP partners, please click the associated tab below.
If you are interested in learning more about Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals programming opportunities, please contact Tabitha Bugg at tbugg@asdevelop.org. If you’d like to stay up to date on ATFNRP opportunities within our region, please consider signing up for our quarterly ATFNRP Newsletter.
Testimonials
Upcoming Trainings
This training program is an interregional collaboration between Appalachian Sustainable Development and:
As a part of Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals, online courses are now available on-demand. While it isn’t required, we do recommend that you take the relevant online courses before attending an in-person workshop, as it will provide important foundational knowledge. Online courses are self-paced and include videos, audio presentations, and supplemental resources so you can dig deeper into each subject.
Course topics include:
• Introduction to Agroforestry for Natural Resource Professionals
• Fundamentals of Alley Cropping
• Fundamentals of Forest Farming
• Fundamentals of Silvopasture
• Fundamentals of Social Competency: Growing Agroforestry
• Understanding NRCS Support for Agroforestry
Registration is now live at www.learnagroforestry.com/professionals.
Title: 200-Level Forest Farming Design Intensive
Date & Time: May 20 at 9:30 am – May 21 at 3:00 pm
Location: Berea College Forestry Outreach Center, 2047 Big Hill Rd, Berea, KY 40403
Registration (FREE): Click here to register.
Are you ready to deepen your roots in the world of forest farming and empower landowners across Kentucky? Join us for this 2-day immersive training tailored for those who guide and support land managers. This program is designed to equip you with the tools, insights, and confidence to advise on the stewardship and profitability of forest-based agricultural systems. This workshop features classroom instruction with experts, presentations by forest farmers, hands-on activities, technical field exercises, and interactive design activities.
Pre-Requisite Requirements:
Include completion of the forest farming online course, attendance of a 100-level Forest Farming Fundamentals workshop, OR equivalent experience. The online course is free, and a coupon code will be provided after registration in a confirmation email.
Partners:
This collaborative training is brought to you by Grow Appalachia, Berea College, Kentucky State University, and Appalachian Sustainable Development with funding from the Edwards Mother Earth Foundation and USDA-NIFA.
Questions?
For more information visit asdevelop.org/ATFNRP or contact Tabitha Bugg at tbugg@asdevelop.org.
Our North Carolina Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals are completed for 2025. Check back for new events to be added and sign up for the ATFNRP newsletter to be the first to know!
Title: 200-Level Forest Farming Training for Natural Resource Professionals, (North Carolina Forest Farming 201)
Date & Time: May 14–15, 2026
Location: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, NC State Forest Farming Demonstration Site, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759
Checkout the Event Page below to learn more, and email Katie Learn at: katie_learn@ncsu.edu
“A password is required for access and is specific to your ticket type.”
A password is required for ticket access and is specific to your ticket type
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/forest-farming-201-training-for-natural-resource-professionals-tickets-1982885845943?aff=oddtdtcreator)
As an advisor to land managers, you are invited to join this two-day Agroforestry Training for Natural Resource Professionals (ATFNRP) designed for foresters, Extension agents, conservation planners, and land managers interested in expanding their knowledge of forest farming systems. The program combines classroom learning, expert presentations, and hands-on field activities to explore the practical and technical aspects of forest farming. Participants will learn how forest farming fits into broader agroforestry systems while gaining practical tools for evaluating sites, establishing plantings, and supporting landowners interested in forest-based non-timber crops.
Continuing Education Available: NRCS Conservation Planner CEUs: 12 hours, SAF Cat 1 Continuing Forestry Education Credits: 8 hours, Continuing Education Contact Hours for Extension Agents via XLMS: 12 hours; NC Environmental Education Certification also available. Pre-Requisite Requirements:
Completion of AFTNRP Forest Farming 100-level training (Offered in NC 2024), or the completion of about 2 hours of online agroforestry training prior to event.
Required modules: Introduction to Agroforestry for NRPs and Fundamentals of Forest Farming, access provided after registration.
The online course is free, and a coupon code will be provided after registration in a confirmation email. To access the online course, visit the Learn Agroforestry website https://www.learnagroforestry.com/professionals
Partners
This training is hosted by the NC Alternative Crops and Organic Program, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University, and Appalachian Sustainable Development with funding from the Edwards Mother Earth Foundation and USDA-NIFA.
Questions?
For more information visit asdevelop.org/ATFNRP or contact Tabitha Bugg at tbugg@asdevelop.org.
For questions about registration, course access, accessibility, or inviting colleagues, please contact Katie at Learn@ncsu.edu.
Title: 100-Level Silvopasture Fundamentals
Date & Time: June 15–16, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Piedmont Virginia Community College, Eugene Giuseppe Center, 222 Main Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973
Registration (FREE): Registration coming soon!
Build a strong foundation in silvopasture with this two-day introductory training designed for natural resource professionals, producers, and educators. Participants will explore the principles of agroforestry and silvopasture through expert-led classroom sessions and hands-on field demonstrations, including site assessment, forage establishment, and integrating trees with livestock systems. This workshop blends technical instruction with real-world applications to equip attendees with practical tools for implementation.
Continuing Education Credits:
NRCS Planner Certification Contact Hours: X total
DCR Certified Conservation Planner Contact Hours: X total
SAF Continuing Forestry Education Category 1 Credits: X total
Partners:
This collaborative training in Virginia is brought to you by the Friends of the Rappahannock, Appalachian Sustainable Development, and the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Questions? For more information, visit asdevelop.org/ATFNRP or contact Tabitha Bugg at tbugg@asdevelop.org
Title: 200-Level Silvopasture Design Intensive
Date & Time: June 17, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: George Washington Carver Agricultural Research Center, 4-H Meeting Room, 9432 North James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA
Registration (FREE): Registration Coming Soon!
Take your silvopasture knowledge to the next level with this advanced, one-day design intensive. Participants will engage in expert-led field instruction at Val Verde Farm, exploring real-world systems including tree selection, layout, and rotational grazing integration. Through guided site evaluations and collaborative design activities, attendees will develop practical silvopasture plans grounded in conservation and management objectives. This immersive training combines field application with technical design instruction to strengthen implementation skills.
Continuing Education Credits:
NRCS Planner Certification Contact Hours: X total
DCR Certified Conservation Planner Contact Hours: X total
SAF Continuing Forestry Education Category 1 Credits: X total
Partners:
This collaborative training in Virginia is brought to you by the Friends of the Rappahannock, Appalachian Sustainable Development, and the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Questions?
For more information, visit asdevelop.org/ATFNRP or contact Tabitha Bugg at tbugg@asdevelop.org
Our Tennessee Agroforestry Trainings for Natural Resource Professionals are completed for 2025. Check back for new events to be added and sign up for the ATFNRP newsletter to be the first to know!
New to Agroforestry?
Visit ASD’s Agroforestry page to learn more.
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