September 6, 2024
Scaling Agroforestry with Propagate: A Conversation with Jeremy Kaufman
In the rolling hills of Kentucky, the past and future grow side by side. This week on the Branching Out: Growing Together podcast, we’re sharing a story of sustainable innovation, chestnut farming, and building a regenerative economy rooted in trees.
Our featured guest is Jeremy Kaufman, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Propagate, a trailblazing company helping farmers integrate trees into agriculture profitably. Hosted by Melanie Jones of United Chestnuts, this episode highlights how agroforestry is becoming a viable and scalable climate solution—one chestnut at a time.
Connecting Through Climate-Forward Collaboration
Special thanks to Mark Phillips of Propagate for sparking this episode. His mission—“Helping scale agroforestry as a natural climate solution”—grabbed our attention. A LinkedIn connection led to this rich conversation, proving once again that community and connection are key to scaling chestnut farming and the broader agroforestry movement.
What Is Agroforestry? Jeremy Kaufman Breaks It Down
Agroforestry is more than a buzzword—it’s a blueprint for land regeneration and profitability. Jeremy explains that it involves integrating trees with crops or livestock on the same land. That might look like:
- Planting chestnut or timber trees between hayfields (alley cropping)
- Rotating livestock through silvopasture systems
- Growing mushrooms under tree canopies
- Or combining all three for diverse, resilient yields
Agroforestry, as Jeremy stresses, is not just for experts. Propagate works to make it accessible to everyday farmers, from those running multi-acre farms to passive landowners looking to restore the land.
Starting with the Bottom Line: Why Trees Make Sense
Let’s be real—adopting a new system has to make economic sense. Jeremy emphasizes that when introducing agroforestry to a farmer, it starts with the numbers.
Whether you’re growing corn, hay, or soy, adding tree crops like chestnuts can improve long-term profitability and reduce input costs. Propagate helps farmers model these systems to show how chestnut trees, timber, or silvopasture could strengthen their bottom line—without sacrificing yield or sustainability.
Building Farmer Confidence, One Skill at a Time
Propagate doesn’t drop a plan and walk away. They help farmers build the skills they need to succeed:
- Marking and planting tree rows
- Ground prep and protection techniques
- Ongoing tree care and grazing integration
Whether through in-house teams or trusted partners, Propagate meets farmers where they are and helps them grow their confidence along the way.
The Hidden Value of Ecosystem Services
While profitability is key, Jeremy reminds us that agroforestry delivers hidden benefits too:
- 🌱 Carbon sequestration
- 🐝 Biodiversity support
- 💧 Reduced nitrogen and phosphorus runoff
These “ecosystem services” are gaining attention from buyers looking to support climate-smart agriculture. Chestnut systems are especially promising for carbon and biodiversity credits—though the market still has room to mature.
A Shared Passion for Progress
At the heart of Propagate’s mission is a love for the work—and for the people doing it. Jeremy reflects on how meaningful it is to collaborate with growers like Greg Miller, who have spent decades advancing the chestnut industry.
“The most rewarding part is visiting farms and seeing the evolution—watching people take something that was just a concept and bring it to life.”
That spirit of resilience and transformation is what drives the chestnut movement forward.
The Future is Rooted in Trees
Whether you’re in Kentucky or anywhere in the U.S., agroforestry is no longer just an idea—it’s an opportunity. With leaders like Jeremy Kaufman and organizations like Propagate supporting growers, chestnut farming is becoming viable, visible, and collaborative—nationwide.
Ready to Learn More?
🌰 Curious about chestnuts or agroforestry?
Visit unitedchestnuts.com to explore the movement.
🔗 Stay connected:
🌱 Interested in chestnut trees, fresh nuts, or growing resources?
Check out our partners and educational tools at unitedchestnuts.com.
