Insight and inspiration in turbulent times.
The Sahara has not spoken its last word. It is only waiting to come back to life. It is up to us to rekindle memory, spark the flame, and believe once again in the desert’s fertility.
Community owned farms may not be able to answer every question posed by a dysfunctional agri-food system, but they can offer insights and realistic alternatives to many of them.
Phosphorus is a critical resource underlying global agricultural production. This nutrient, a common component of commercial fertilizers, is essential for photosynthesis and the storage and transportation of energy in crops. This element is a critical component of global food security.
Being alive to the real world around us, seeing the love and the connection and the magic, is all we need in life, it is all we want. It is the meaning of life.
Chickens are smart, emotional animals. They can decimate local insect populations, but they are resilient and courageous. They deserve our respect.
We’re back with Martino Newcombe in the West of Ireland, where he reflects on a winter’s day of planting a shelter belt of native tree species. Not on his farm, but on that of his neighbour, a retired farmer, with the help of another neighbour – echoing the traditional Irish practice of helping each other out that is known as “meitheal”.
Criminalizing the protection of water, not its degradation, is a sign of things to come—but Water Protectors are here to stay.
Let’s not take these self-proclaimed heroes and warriors too seriously. People who don’t know the first thing about how to take care of themselves materially and are dependent on others to provide for their needs aren’t heroes. They’re helpless children.
In summer 2024 the original plan for our agroecological farm was fully realised. We have two agroforestry systems producing every year shiitake mushrooms, aromatic herbs, annual vegetables and fruits without the use of any fertilisers or pesticides. The farm food lab is running where we transform most of our fresh products into artisanal jars and bottles. We have an online shop and last summer we opened the farm shop.
Spring is making its way here in Mni Sota Makoce (the Land of Cloudy Waters), and Waziya (Old Man Winter) is finally heading north. It is during this transitional time we can gather the sweet sap that the maples so willingly give up.
While José and Pedro’s story serves as an inspiring example of the potential for action, transition, and innovation in agriculture, it also makes a strong case for understanding the specific needs of diversified farming practices that promote plant diversity and soil health.
So Stroud Land Commons are partnering with the Open Food Network (OFN) to try to create more markets for local food producers. OFN provide an online shopfront for small, local food producers all over the UK (and the world).
