Innovative Agroforestry Practices Are Gaining Ground in Slovakia: Thanks to the “For Barley” Project, Trees Are Being Planted in Agricultural Landscapes

Brewers, barley growers, and experts from the Ekopolis Foundation have expanded the unique “For Barley” project to another region in Slovakia. This project applies the principles of agroforestry, helping to prevent the degradation of fertile soil, improve its productivity, and address water-related challenges, including scarcity and flood risks. As part of the initiative, the Rozkvet Agricultural Cooperative in the village of Odorín, in eastern Slovakia, planted 75 saplings of alders, poplars, willows, and elms.

Floods, erosion, and extreme drought are challenges Slovakia faces with increasing frequency due to weather extremes. These issues also affect growers of malting barley, a highly sensitive crop whose production is decreasing annually due to challenging conditions. To address this, the Plzeňský Prazdroj Slovakia Fund – For the Future! was established in 2021 under the Ekopolis Foundation. The fund aims to support and implement public-benefit activities and projects that contribute to climate change adaptation.

“For two years, we’ve been running the For Barley project through the fund to support sustainable barley farming in Slovakia. It helps local farmers and the surrounding environment by applying agroforestry principles. The project strategically supports tree planting in areas where it will have the greatest impact on improving soil water retention, preventing soil erosion, and preserving the most fertile soil particles and humus. At the same time, it contributes to increasing biodiversity,” explains Martin Gálik, Program Manager at the Ekopolis Foundation.

Last year, the project initiated a discussion on the future of sustainable malting barley farming in Slovakia with experts from the National Forestry Centre. “Large fields consolidated during collectivization are no longer viable under current climatic conditions. They reduce soil water retention capacity and increase vulnerability to erosion and the loss of the most fertile soil layer. Targeted tree planting in specific locations can prevent soil erosion, support biodiversity, and mitigate microclimatic extremes,” says Ivan Tučník, Project Leader at Plzeňský Prazdroj Slovakia.

Following the pilot phase at the Radošinka Agricultural Cooperative, other growers have shown interest in innovative agroforestry methods. The success of the pilot led to tree planting at the Rozkvet Agricultural Cooperative in Odorín, preceded by a detailed expert study defining specific agroforestry practices and suitable measures. These practices will help the cooperative better manage surface water runoff and soil moisture.

“Growing malting barley is extremely challenging due to extreme climate changes and the strict quality parameters it must meet. The For Barley project will help improve conditions and contribute to enhancing the environment and restoring local flora and fauna,” says Mária Novysedláková, Chairwoman of the Rozkvet Agricultural Cooperative.

In early May, experts planted 75 saplings of alders, poplars, willows, and elms in waterlogged areas of the cooperative’s land. These trees are intended to reduce environmental extremes, as they can retain rainfall and infiltrate it into the ground. “Trees play a vital role in creating a more resilient landscape, helping farmers adapt to climate change. When planted correctly, they combat wind erosion, address water deficits, and help farmers meet the strict quality criteria required for malting barley,” explains Martin Gálik.

Plzeňský Prazdroj prioritizes the quality of its raw materials and strives to source them locally. In 2022, 100% of its malting barley was sourced from local Slovak suppliers, amounting to over 24,000 tons. By 2030, the company aims to purchase all agricultural raw materials from farmers using sustainable production methods.

“The decline in malting barley production in Slovakia is significant, and sourcing quality raw materials is becoming increasingly difficult. That’s why one of our priorities is to engage actively in discussions about agricultural sustainability and strengthen relationships with growers. The inclusion of another cooperative confirms that this is a long-term initiative by Prazdroj and demonstrates that this unique project, linking agroforestry with the private sector, has a genuinely positive and meaningful impact,” concludes Ivan Tučník, adding that the project will expand to other agricultural cooperatives across Slovakia by the end of the year.

Contact: Martin Gálik, Program Manager at the Ekopolis Foundation, galik@ekopolis.sk, +421 908 761 214.