Rooted in many Indigenous cultures worldwide - agroforestry is the practice (or art) of growing vegetables, trees and shrubs together in the same place, essentially mimicking a forest ecosystem. It brings the word co-dependence and interconnectedness to being - as all species within the ecosystem serve a purpose and contribute to the flourishing, growth, and production of the entire agro-forest. These systems are rich in biodiversity and are sequesters of carbon.

Rather than monocultures; a common practice used in big agriculture where one crop is grown individually, agro-forestry mimics the natural world's climate smart technology of having an array of multiple species growing together. Such diversity of species supports a thriving eco-system with benefits such as healthier soil, reduced potential of  disease between crops,  increased biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. 

While staying at Common Ground Kauai, I’d walk through the rows of the forest seeing shade tolerant veggies growing close to the soil while fruit tree canopies stretched high above soaking up the sun and other species of shrub fitting in-between the two - receiving both shade and sunlight.

Cows & chickens are part of it all too, making their rotations around the land and fertilizing the soil as they go.

Through farm tours and community events, Common Ground immerses people into the agroforest to taste, feel, see, smell, and hear the workings of the system. They engage with farmers, community members, and chefs to promote local food production, farm-to-table eats, and regenerative models of growing food. 

The forest at Common Ground was a visual representation of species weaved together - all receiving their individual needs while also providing a purpose to the collective. 

Can we too practice the ways of the agro-forest? Embracing what each of us can give, seeking health for the whole, letting go of individualism and working in cooperation to co-create a more resilient, thriving, bountiful and just world.