Webinar Summary: Apple production in agroforestry systems

The webinar on apple production in agroforestry systems was organised within the Farm Force cooperation project funded by the Swedish Institute. The project connects Swedish and Ukrainian civil society organisations, research institutions and practitioners to strengthen knowledge exchange on sustainable agricultural systems. This session focused on apple production and value chains, with particular emphasis on agroforestry, small-scale farming and market development.

The webinar brought together farm-level experience, cooperative development approaches and research perspectives to demonstrate how sustainable apple production can be strengthened through integrated systems and collaboration across the value chain. Rather than viewing apple production as a standalone activity, the presentations highlighted how it can be embedded in diversified farming systems and linked to local markets and processing opportunities.

Agroforestry was presented as a key approach at farm level, where apple production is integrated with other crops, livestock and ecological functions. This includes systems combining fruit trees with berries, herbs and grazing animals, designed to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health and reduce reliance on external inputs. The emphasis was on creating resilient production systems that utilise natural processes such as biological pest control and nutrient cycling.

The evidence and practical experiences presented highlighted several strategic benefits:

• Soil health and ecosystem services: Integration of trees, animals and ground vegetation improves soil structure, enhances organic matter and supports natural pest regulation.
• Biodiversity: Mixed production systems create habitats for beneficial organisms, reducing the need for chemical inputs.
• Economic diversification and value addition: Processing (e.g. juice, cider, marmalade), direct sales and agri-tourism increase farm profitability and reduce dependence on bulk markets.
• Market development and collaboration: Producer cooperation, short value chains and strong local branding enable small-scale producers to access markets and compete with imported products.

A key insight from the Swedish context is that despite favourable conditions for apple production, a large share of apples consumed nationally is imported. This highlights significant untapped potential for domestic production, particularly in regions outside traditional production areas. Experiences from producer organisations show that collaboration, knowledge exchange and coordinated market strategies are essential to rebuilding regional value chains.

Practical examples demonstrated how small-scale orchards and processing businesses can become economically viable through diversification, local market integration and storytelling-based marketing. Direct links to restaurants, public sector buyers and consumers were identified as critical success factors, alongside the ability to process lower-grade fruit into value-added products.

Research perspectives further emphasised the importance of genetic diversity, high-quality planting material and long-term collaboration between Swedish and Ukrainian institutions to strengthen resilience and preserve traditional apple varieties.

For decision makers, advisors and farmer organisations, the key message is clear: sustainable apple value chains can be developed through integrated agroforestry systems, diversification and strengthened collaboration between actors. With supportive policy frameworks and market structures, these approaches can contribute to rural development, increased self-sufficiency and more resilient agricultural systems in both Sweden and Ukraine.