Field Notes – 1st Issue (September 2026)

Welcome

Who We Are

We are a pioneer of Dynamic Agroforestry — a form of farming that is regenerative and mimics the flow and structure of natural forest systems.

Founded in 2003, ECOTOP was established on the foundation of previous research by Joachim Milz and the inspiration of concepts developed by Swiss agroforestry expert Ernst Götsch.

Soon, the organisation took shape through initiatives across continents, helping smallholders transition to Dynamic Agroforestry systems while advising businesses on how to increase productivity throughout their supply chains

Today, we have grown our network of partners, researchers and practitioners, with over 5,600 hectares of farmland converted, 10,000 farmers impacted, and projects spanning 14 countries.

Where We Operate

What We Offer

Project Development and Implementation & Capacity Building and Training

Dynamic Agroforestry solutions tailored to your needs with accompanying knowledge of Dynamic Agroforestry techniques.

Climate Impact and Carbon Removal & EUDR Verification

Data assessment of carbon insetting following certifier methodologies and third-party audits along with assessment of project areas for risk checks, due diligence and conformity to regulatory standards

Monitoring Solutions

Products and tools that help you observe the course of ongoing implementations.

Research

Ongoing research trials around the world with leading partner institutions on the capabilities of Dynamic Agroforestry.

In mid-June, our field technicians travelled to Preah Vihear, Cambodia to help local farmers establish Dynamic Agroforestry plots with cashew as the primary crop. The mission was conducted in collaboration with SIA, APOPO HeroTrees and CIRD.

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At the end of July, our founder shared his expertise on how to revive struggling star anise plantations in Lang Son, Vietnam. The assessment was carried out for Jägermeister and their supplier, Vinasamex.

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Through June and July, our field technicians worked with Beninese farmers from the Allada region to establish Dynamic Agroforestry plots with pineapple as the primary crop. The mission was conducted in collaboration with the RePAB cooperative.

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Pruning residues as a source of nitrogen and carbon for growing trees

A new paper sets out how pruning material feeds nutrient cycling in cacao monocultures and agroforestry systems.

Dynamic Agroforestry in the Sahel: greening efforts from the ground up

How our farming interventions in the Sahel reward local farmers with higher cashew yields.

Why Dynamic Agroforestry outperforms monocultures in a changing climate

ECOTOP is a pioneer in the global adoption of Dynamic Agroforestry. Here is why we push for this regenerative approach.

Crop of the Month

Coffee

Coffea arabica

The apple to a caffeine lover's eye — this is what the beloved beverage looks like before roasting. Coffee thrives in tropical climates at high elevations with consistent rainfall, and prefers partial shade to bloom. With two decades of experience behind us, ECOTOP converts full-sun coffee monocultures into productive shaded systems with high yields. We are also awaiting the results of a PhD student who is researching whether the type of system used to cultivate coffee has an impact on taste... more on that soon!