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What is Syntropic Agriculture?

We are guided by the ecological principles of Syntropic Agriculture. An ultra low input agricultural system that relies on the cycling of biomass produced from densely planted tree rows.

Origins. Syntropic farming originated in Brazil in the 1980’s. The Swiss farmer & researcher Ernst Gotsch developed a set of processes that harness the understanding of natural succession. The result is the creation of fertile and productive food growing systems that don’t require external inputs. Syntropy also reasserts the role of humans within ecosystems, as one of sensitive but proactive management in the service of life processes. Allowing us to create extremely productive, resilient and biodiverse systems.

The principles of Syntropic agriculture are:

Ecological succession - Considering the role of each species and selecting plants for their dynamic effects over time.

Multi-layered design - Arranging plants in vertical & horizontal layers according to their light requirements

Active Management - Stimulating the macro system through pruning, weeding and mulching the soil.

At Fieldfare we are just beginning to develop our Syntropic tree lines having initially planted our trees in a ‘Permaculture Orchard’ style. Through winter 2024 we’ll be planting many more trees and support species into the existing rows. In spring 2025 we will propagate and fill the understory or “placenta” layers. Follow our progress on Instagram @fieldfaredorchard.