Crann Mór, from Gaelic, means “Big Tree” and Kevin Maher, founder of CrannMor Advisors is thinking big about trees. Partnering with permaculture designer and author Mark Shepard to create CrannMor Advisors, Kevin helps farmers be more successful financially while also improving the ecosystem with an emphasis on agroforestry. In this conversation with Designers of Paradise host Erik van Lennep, Kevin explains how they are looking for early adopters willing to a longer term perspective on “return” that will enable investment in tree crops.
He talks about how CrannMor Advisors takes a regional focus and seeks out a variety of tree products. For example, chestnuts (using hybrids to avoid blight) and hazelnuts, but also currants, elderberries, paw paws, persimmons, and oaks. They use a continual improvement approach that creates a “pattern designed to be managed”. The designs include building out niches for biodiversity – pocket ponds and structures of plants that support amphibians, birds, and insects. The image is forests, not orchards and they expect to integrate animals – cows and chickens, but also deer. The goal is to support carbon drawdown with the agroforestry.
Kevin points out that early colonists didn’t understand why the forests they found were so productive, that the original peoples had actively managed them. Kevin and Erik revisit some of the literature as westerners rediscovered the possibilities, touching on J. Russell Smith’s 1929 book Tree Crops, the work of horticulturist Robert Hart and landscape designer Dave Jacke author of Edible Forest Gardens. As a bonus, there is an entertaining detour into pawpaws.
They discuss the challenges of launching this new model for traditional farmers. Problems include finance – farmers can get a loan and learn how to invest at this site, but agroforestry is still a harder sell. They are looking for experienced and innovative farmers.
But the vision is worth the trials. Kevin imagines an evolution from agriculture to culture with a region having identity based on its food forest with festivals and local cuisine. He explains, “we know how to do this” we need to move beyond just talking and “get roots in the ground.”
About Kevin Maher:
Books:
- Mark Shepard, Restoration Agriculture
- J. Russell Smith Tree Crops: A PERMANENT AGRICULTURE
- Dave Jacke, Edible Forest Gardens
Other References:
- Erik’s interview with Russell Wallack – Trees Call For Rain
- Alley Cropping
- Silvopasture
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