Forest farming allows the management of specialist crops, such as fungi, that would otherwise grow randomly and be difficult to find and harvest. Materials for artisan crafts come from this practice, and in a sustainable manner. Similarly, the season of demand for Christmas trees can be met and managed.
Agroforestry aims to grow trees and other agricultural products in a way that helps to preserve the environment while providing a sustainable model for the forest owner. It is now sjust trees but the interaction of different plant forms that makes agroforestry different from traditional forestry.