Organic farming Books

Book SynopsisBook & CD. Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on ecosystem management and attempts to reduce or eliminate external agricultural inputs, especially synthetic ones. It is a holistic production management system that promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. In preference to the use of off-farm inputs, organic farming emphasises management practices, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. Utilising both traditional and scientific knowledge, organic agricultural systems rely on agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods (these may require external inputs of non-renewable resources, like tractor fuel), as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific function within the system. Organic farming is also associated with support for principles beyond cultural practices, such as fair trade and environmental stewardship. This book dives into cutting edge research within relation to this field. This includes frequently asked questions, price premiums, economic labelling, market expansions, Government-facilitated programs, growth patterns and publications from the United States Department of Agriculture.

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Book SynopsisCivilization is facing global threats like never before. Climate instability. Food insecurity. The endangered family farm. Water pollution and scarcity. Mass extinction. Converting agricultural land into more secure, climate-stabilizing, water-filtering, wildlife-harboring farms would be positively transformative. Luckily, there is a way, currently under development, to do just this in many temperate climates: hybrid hazelnuts. Growing Hybrid Hazelnuts is the first comprehensive guide for farmers interested in how to get started growing hybrid hazelnuts, a crop designed from the very outset to address a host of problems with conventional modern agriculture. Once hybrid hazelnuts are established, no plowing, or even cultivation, is necessary. Dramatically improved infiltration rates prevent water from running off of fields, regardless of soil type. The crop’s extensive, permanent root systems—at work 365 days a year—mean that tilling should not be necessary in moderately wet soils, and that no fertilizer can escape into groundwater. No soil is lost to wind or rain; in fact, this crop builds soil, and wildlife finds cover and food in hazelnuts all year. Economically speaking, hazelnuts have a large, existing, and unsatisfied world market, not to mention their processing potential is even greater than soybeans. They are, without a doubt, the ecological crop of the future. This book covers everything you need to know about NeoHybrid hazels, the new biological entity developed by the authors, including: • The source of the species and the making of an artificial, directed hybrid swarm; • The historical use of hazels as a staple food in Europe and Asia; • The nutrient composition of the crop; • The benefits of woody agriculture and the superior productivity of these hazels; • Site requirements: slope, soils, soil tests; • Planting and the establishment period; • Managing the productive plantation, including maintaining biodiversity; • When to harvest, and harvesting options (hand or machine); • Processing, from harvest to market: drying, husking, cleaning, sizing, cleaning, roasting; • Value-added options (oil, meal, nut butters); • Co-products and their values (wood, shells, husks, sub food-grade nuts, biodiesel); • The state of the world hazel market, and more The first and only guide of its kind, Growing Hybrid Hazelnuts will appeal to small-scale and commercial farmers, both those already familiar with concepts of perennial agriculture and those interested in converting from conventional practices. Growing Hybrid Hazelnuts is a landmark book for the farming movement, offering a practical road to a hopeful future where crops build soil and the earth is regenerated, at the same time reaping profits for the farmer.Trade ReviewBooklist- "In Western industrial nations, hazelnuts offer a familiar flavoring to confections such as pralines and popular aromatic coffees. If the authors of this distinctive horticultural guide have their way, however, hazelnuts will also be bred to resist the ravages of climate change and outstrip soybeans as a high demand, optimally sustainable crop worldwide. Developed and grown at the Badgersett Research Farm in Minnesota, where Rutter is the CEO, the hybrid plants recommended here are compact, densely yielding shrubs that require little cultivation, efficiently soak up water, and actually reverse soil erosion. Amazingly versatile, the hazelnut and its coproducts, including husks and shells, can be used not only for food but also for fuel and construction. Along with abundant photographs and useful charts, Rutter and his coauthors provide a wealth of information on growing-site requirements and management of a productive plantation, along with invaluable marketing tips. Their guide is a godsend for agricultural entrepreneurs and farmers desperate for newer, financially lucrative crops to replace those that have been, or may soon be, compromised by climate change.”"Anyone ready to innovate outside the box will be blown away by the vision and practical insights demonstrated in Growing Hybrid Hazelnuts. The eclectic blend of science and practical how-to information packed into this fascinating, readable book is enough to inspire a whole new generation of farmers. Turning soybean fields into hazelnut plantations is truly a vision for the stout-hearted pioneer futuristic farmer. Sign me up."--Joel Salatin, farmer and author"A more resilient future requires diverse and hardy food-bearing crops. Growing Hybrid Hazelnuts is an encyclopedia of the 'how-to' and 'why-for' of breeding, growing, harvesting and marketing this unique and important crop. We just planted 300 hazelnuts last year!”--Nathan John Hagens, Editor, TheOilDrum; President, Bottleneck Foundation"If you are dissatisfied with the current state of the annual based agriculture system currently dominated by corn and soy, then here is an alternative. This book is an action plan building off of Phil Rutter’s thirty years of experience, where you can become part of the actual on-the-ground change towards building a perennial woody system that conserves resources while providing for human needs."--Diego Footer, Founder of Permaculture Voices"This book is not only a testament to 40 years of dedicated hazel breeding work, but also a call for more tree crops for a sustainable agriculture in general; a fantastic manual about all aspects of cultivating hardy hazel trees and processing their nuts."--Martin Crawford, author of Creating a Forest Garden"The authors of Growing Hybrid Hazelnuts have been advocating woody-plant staple crops for carbon sequestration since I was in high school. This manual provides theory, context, budgets, and practical details like pest management and fertility for this important new crop. Worth the price for the information on their innovative hybrid swarm breeding system alone.”--Eric Toensmeier, author of Paradise Lot and coauthor of Edible Forest Gardens“Growing Hybrid Hazelnuts is a compelling work combining natural history, genetics, and ecology to form a rich strategy for breeding hardy, disease-resistant, and productive hazelnuts. The need for perennial staple crops is great, and the authors show that it takes time, integrity, and patience to develop a crop that will feed the world. This book not only completely covers hybrid hazelnut cultivation, it also offers a roadmap for breeding other crops if we are to get serious about regenerative perennial food production."--Steve Gabriel, coauthor of Farming the Woods

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Book SynopsisOne farm’s decades-long journey into regenerative agriculture—and how these methods enhance biodiversity, pollinators, and soil health Northern Vermont’s Nancy and John Hayden have spent the last 25 years transforming their draft horse–powered, organic vegetable and livestock operation into an agroecological, regenerative, biodiverse, organic fruit farm, fruit nursery, and pollinator sanctuary. In Farming on the Wild Side they explain the philosophical and scientific principles that influenced them as they phased out sheep and potatoes and embraced apples, pears, stone fruits, and a wide variety of uncommon berry crops; turned much of their property into a semi-wild state; and adapted their marketing and sales strategies to the new century. As the Haydens pursued their goals of enhancing biodiversity and regenerating their land, they incorporated agroforestry and permaculture principles into perennial fruit polycultures, a pollinator sanctuary, repurposed greenhouses for growing fruit, hügelkultur, and ecological “pest” management. Beyond the practical techniques and tips, this book also inspires readers to develop greater ecological literacy and respect for the mysteries of the global ecosystem. Farming on the Wild Side tells a story about new ways to manage small farms and homesteads, about nurturing land, about ecology, about economics, and about things that we can all do to heal both the land and ourselves.Trade ReviewPublishers Weekly— "Married couple Nancy and John Hayden bring together her degrees in biology, ecology, and creative writing and his in entomology in this remarkable biography of The Farm Between, their 18 acres in the foothills of Northern Vermont’s Green Mountains . . . [They] will delight anyone interested in modern-day organic agriculture with this detailed history of one farm's progress."“I love this book, which is an incredible and inspiring ray of hope. Farming on the Wild Side shows both experienced and aspiring farmers how to build a highly productive, biodiverse, and profitable family farm and have a fulfilling lifestyle. This is the future of farming.”—André Leu, international director, Regeneration International; author of Poisoning Our Children“As a fellow farmer and longtime member of the organic community, the journey Nancy and John Hayden take us on with their new book resonates in my mind and carries me back through similar transitions with my own farm. While the book touches gently on many topics, I appreciate the realistic view of farming and rural life and their very real commitment to the concepts of soil health.”—Jeff Moyer, executive director, Rodale Institute“With Farming on the Wild Side, Nancy and John Hayden have delivered an inspiring story of shepherding an old, tired Vermont dairy into a new, diversified organic farm that serves the needs of the twenty-first century. It covers their journey step-by-step with new crops, new markets, and new farming methods, modeling an ecological balance that farms must achieve in the future. But the book is more than their personal experience with innovation over three decades; it’s also a philosophical and practical guide to restoring land to health, which benefits the farmer, one’s community, and all living things. Given the pace of climate change and the importance of regenerative agriculture as a key solution, this book is very timely!”—Will Raap, founder and chairman, Gardener’s Supply“This amazing book details how Nancy and John are living the new farming paradigm, one that maximizes ecosystem functionality and values soil, biodiversity, human well-being, and long-term resiliency. Their farming journey and philosophical evolution provide practical and science-based solutions for how the backyard gardener, hobby farmer, or large-scale grower can be part of the pollinator, food, and climate solution.”—Heather Holm, pollinator educator; author of Bees and Pollinators of Native Plants“Good farmers learn how to listen to the land. Nancy and John Hayden work with Nature to produce wholesome food for their family and community. Life doesn’t get better than this. Farming on the Wild Side provides plenty of practical advice and green inspiration to up your growing game.”—Michael Phillips, author of The Holistic Orchard and Mycorrhizal Planet“An inspiration—Farming on the Wild Side lays down an ecologically justified path for others to follow for a biodiverse farm.”—Jo Ann Baumgartner, executive director, Wild Farm Alliance“This intelligent book is written by two people who have a pure love and appreciation for the land and its inhabitants. Farming on the Wild Side serves as an authentic account of the farmers’ personal transformation, a practical guide to agroecological transition, and an inspiration to live in greater harmony with nature. The farm that was created and described in detail here truly embodies the concept of a multifunctional landscape, supporting productive, ecological, and cultural functions.”—Dr. Sarah Lovell, H.E. Garrett Endowed Chair Professor and director of the Center for Agroforestry, University of Missouri“Nancy and John use a forensic but accessible approach to explore their personal journey from scientists to farmers. New crops and enterprises are approached with careful planning, and their successes, or otherwise, are carefully observed to inform future decisions. Even non-farmers will enjoy reading about how they gradually adapted their farm to create a diverse farming system suited to their character and their geography. Farming on the Wild Side is a masterclass in working with nature to create abundance.”—Ben Raskin, Head of Horticulture, Soil Association“In telling the history of a farm and its farmers, Farming on the Wild Side addresses issues of great relevance to the future of agriculture. John and Nancy Hayden remind us that an ecologically based and socially just agriculture needs to involve deep and diverse relationships between people and landscapes. The Haydens present a true example of co-evolution between the Farm Between and its stewards, documenting their use of agroecological principles to transform a conventional dairy into a diversified farm, which takes full advantage of its ecological processes. Each one of the stages of transformation—from dairy to organic vegetables to a regenerative fruit farm and nursery—offer valuable lessons to reflect on. I have been working on research and education with the Haydens for a decade, and they have generously taught me and my students how to fully integrate the science and practice dimensions of agroecology.”—V. Ernesto Méndez, PhD, professor of agroecology and environmental studies, University of Vermont“We need many, many more farmers like Nancy and John Hayden, and this book will go a long way toward inspiring them. In these pages the Haydens share twenty years of wisdom, weaving together equal measures of story, philosophy, and practice about resilient and sustainable farming.”—Taylor Ricketts, director, Gund Institute for Environment, University of Vermont“It’s no secret that the way in which we feed ourselves and inhabit the land must change, but few of us truly know how to make that happen. The beauty of this book is that John and Nancy Hayden do know; even better, they’ve graciously shared their knowledge in these pages.”—Ben Hewitt, author of The Nourishing Homestead“I love this book. It takes me back to a time and a place my grandparents used to talk about—a good time and place—when farmers and growers worked with nature instead of against it. Farming on the Wild Side inspires, informs, and fills me with hope that we can heal our relationship with the wild. Just reading this book is healing, and I can’t wait to put some of Nancy and John Hayden’s ways into practice on our own little plot of land.”—Brigit Strawbridge Howard, author of Dancing with Bees“This lavishly illustrated book follows the Hayden family as they bring nature back to their farm, and in the process, it tells a story of learning, testing, observing, and creating an agroecological model of how to farm with nature, not against her. They combine the science of biodiversity management, the practices of good farming, and the transformative change humans need in order to return to the kinds of food systems that will feed the land as well as feed us.”—Steve Gliessman, professor emeritus of agroecology, UC Santa Cruz“In easy, conversational prose, Nancy and John Hayden offer the aspiring regenerative farmer a compendium of wisdom on the practicalities of establishing, developing, surviving, enjoying, and profiting from the small farm without losing sight of bigger ecological and political issues. Their warts-and-all history of their own farming practice rings true and is full of inspiration for those seeking a better future while dealing with present realities—which is hopefully all of us. We need more books like this.”—Chris Smaje, writer, Small Farm Future; farmer, Somerset, UK

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Book Synopsis“For anyone interested in hemp cultivation or simply learning more about the newest ‘gold rush’ crop, [American Hemp Farmer] is well worth picking up.” ―Publishers Weekly The inside story of the world’s most fascinating and lucrative crop, from gonzo journalist–turned–hemp farmer Doug Fine. Hemp, the non-psychoactive variant of cannabis (or marijuana), has quietly become the fastest industry ever to generate a billion dollars of annual revenue in America. From hemp seed, to hemp fiber, to the currently ubiquitous cannabinoid oil CBD, this resilient, versatile crop is leading the way toward a new, regenerative global economy that contributes to soil and climate restoration. In American Hemp Farmer, maverick journalist and solar-powered goat herder Doug Fine gets his hands dirty growing his own hemp crop and creating his own hemp products. He shares his adventures and misadventures as an independent, regenerative farmer and entrepreneur, whilst laying out a vision for how hemp can help right the wrongs of twentieth-century agriculture - and how you can be a part of it.Trade ReviewLibrary Journal— “An essential book for the aspiring hemp farmer, there is much to consider here for anyone interested in organic farming, drug policy, and community organizing.”Publishers Weekly— “For anyone interested in hemp cultivation or simply learning more about the newest ‘gold rush’ crop, [American Hemp Farmer] is well worth picking up.” Booklist— “A conversational guide for the horticulture geek interested in cultivating hemp. . . . [Fine’s] text is discursive but also helpfully specific and will soothe and encourage any would-be grower.” “A fantastic piece of Americana that shows the way to a sustainable future.”—David Bronner, CEO, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps“With American Hemp Farmer, Doug Fine shows he is not just our preeminent hemp author, he is one of the most important authors of our time. As I’ve watched him leap between tending goats on his Funky Butte Ranch and hemp fields in Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont, and who knows where else, it sometimes occurs to me that he might be the most interesting man alive. The resulting book is an absolute must-read.”—Eric Steenstra, executive director, Vote Hemp“After 83 years of prohibition, cannabis’s emergence from the underground has sparked a gold rush that has every farmer, wannabe farmer, and agricultural entrepreneur rushing to stake their claim. With American Hemp Farmer, Doug Fine makes an incredibly well-written case for a regenerative agriculture–based, small- to mid-scale approach to the industry that prioritizes quality of over quantity, and where soil carbon sequestration is a bottom-line goal. Humorous, timely, and important.”—Jeff Carpenter, coauthor of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer“American Hemp Farmer would have been in George Washington’s library. President Washington grew hemp and was a passionate, regenerative agriculturist. Washington sought advice from those that practiced their trade. Doug Fine’s American Hemp Farmer is a scholarly, practical, and impeccably enjoyable work and a must-read for those who cultivate hemp or are interested in leaping in.”—Dean Norton, director of horticulture, Mount Vernon Estate“In his latest, author Doug Fine—a modern day Johnny Hempseed—has painstakingly penned a love letter to the cannabis plant and all those who tend it. Doug details the beneficial and no longer forbidden relationship between cannabis and humanity and how together there is a path to rejuvenate the entire planet. As a state hemp program administrator, I hope every hemp farmer and policymaker reads this book carefully. It details a roadmap for success, for farmers and the planet. And that’s probably because Doug doesn’t just write about hemp, he lives it.”—Cary Giguere, hemp program coordinator, Vermont Agency of Agriculture“As a hempcrete homeowner, I’m proud to keep American Hemp Farmer on my shelf as the must-read book on hemp. Someday we may even see NBA arenas built from hemp. But for now, Doug should be prepared to lose more money at the poker table that sits on the hemp floor of my hemp-paneled card room.”—Don Nelson, two-time NBA Hall of Fame inductee

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Book SynopsisGet the Inside Dirt, New York!Grow Great Vegetables in New York is the ultimate guide to growing food in the Empire State! This must-have guide to growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs provides you with insider advice on climate zones, average frost dates, and growing season details. Information includes details on sun, soil, fertilizer, mulch, water, and the best varieties for your region. A garden planning section helps with design and crop rotation, and monthly lists explain what to do from January through December. In-depth profiles of fifty best edibles help ensure a can’t-miss harvest.

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Book SynopsisGet the Inside Dirt, Massachusetts!Grow Great Vegetables in Massachusetts is the ultimate guide to growing food in the Bay State! This must-have guide to growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs provides you with insider advice on climate zones, average frost dates, and growing season details. Information includes details on sun, soil, fertilizer, mulch, water, and the best varieties for your region. A garden planning section helps with design and crop rotation, and monthly lists explain what to do from January through December. In-depth profiles of fifty best edibles help ensure a can’t-miss harvest.

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Book SynopsisGet the Inside Dirt, Pennsylvania!Grow Great Vegetables in Pennsylvania is the ultimate guide to growing food in the Keystone State! This must-have guide to growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs provides you with insider advice on climate zones, average frost dates, and growing season details. Information includes details on sun, soil, fertilizer, mulch, water, and the best varieties for your region. A garden planning section helps with design and crop rotation, and monthly lists explain what to do from January through December. In-depth profiles of fifty best edibles help ensure a can’t-miss harvest.

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Book SynopsisRodale was founded on the belief that organic gardening is the key to better health both for us and for the planet, and never has this message been more urgent. Now Maria Rodale, chairman of Rodale, sheds new light on the state of 21st century farming. She examines the unholy alliances that have formed between the chemical companies that produce fertilizer and genetically altered seeds, the agricultural educational system that is virtually subsidized by those same companies, and the government agencies in thrall to powerful lobbyists, all of which perpetuate dangerous farming practices and deliberate misconceptions about organic farming and foods. Interviews with government officials, doctors, scientists, and farmers from coast to coast bolster her position that chemical-free farming may be the single most effective tool we have to protect our environment and, even more important, our health.Trade Review“Granddaughter to Rodale's founder, and its current CEO, the author offers a passionate, evenhanded, nonacademic argument for the overall wisdom (economical and ecological) for farming organic. Deeply aware of the public confusion and suspicion surrounding organic farming as a "hippie" cause, Rodale first persuades readers that years of chemical and pesticide use have poisoned our environment” —Publisher's Weekly, May 2010

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Book SynopsisOrganic farming is a form of agriculture relying on such processes like crop rotation, green manure and biological pest control. Organic farming is gaining world-wide acceptance and has been expanding at an annual rate of 20% in the last decade, accounting for over 24 million hectares world-wide. This book discusses the agricultural practices in organic farming which cause changes in soil organic matter and microbial biomass content. This book also explains the concept of scientific paradigms and draws parallels with paradigms in agriculture, and in particular focuses upon organic farming and genetic engineering. An overview of the evolution of global market demand for organic meat and factors affecting it are also described. Future prospects for development of organic meat consumption and possible problems concerning trade are analysed as well.

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Book SynopsisThe organic sector has expanded rapidly over the last decade, as retail sales of organic food increased to $15.7 billion in 2006. As sales have grown, so have the number and types of outlets selling organic products. USDA''s Economic Research Service surveyed certified organic intermediaries in the United States to collect information on basic characteristics of the sector in 2004, as well as its marketing and procurement practices. This book uses the survey findings to present a baseline view of the organic handling sector. A large share of organic handlers are mixed operations that handle both organic and conventional products, and most began as conventional firms that converted to handling organic products. Most organic products are also sold domestically, with nearly three-quarters sold nationally or regionally. The National Organic Program (NOP) was created within the USDA to establish standards for producers and processors of organic foods, and permit such operations to label their products with a "USDA Organic" seal after being officially certified by USDA-accredited agents. The purpose of the program, as discussed in this book, is to give consumers confidence in the legitimacy of the products.

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Book SynopsisOrganic farming is the oldest way of farming, i.e., without the use of chemicals to enhance the production of meat, vegetables, milk and derivatives, and without the use of antibiotics and pesticides to decrease economical losses due to animal sickness and plant disease. Control of plant-parasitic nematodes is difficult, especially in organic farming systems, because in contrast to foliar diseases and insect pests, effective control methods and monitoring systems are not always available. Organic farmers struggle with nematode problems using cultural, physical and biological control methods. This book discusses effective management of plant-parasitic nematodes, which can be achieved by combining several control methods after identifying the nematodes in the field and understanding their biology. Moreover, in this book, the authors illustrate how participatory plant breeding (PPB) may answer the needs of organic agriculture, and how organic farmers and their organisations have met with researchers to build common experiments of plant breeding on farms. In addition, the early history and significance of the peanut crop is discussed. Annual world production of peanuts at 30 million tons makes this crop one of the most important agricultural commodities. The physiological and biochemical response of peanut microsimbionts under different types of stress are examined as well, and compared with rhizobia. This book also explores the concept of scientific paradigms and draws parallels with paradigms in agriculture, and in particular focuses upon organic farming and genetic engineering.

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Book SynopsisHarness the power of beneficial insects to deter pests and reduce crop damage. This comprehensive guide to farming with insects will have you building beetle banks and native plant field borders as you reap a bountiful and pesticide-free harvest. With strategies for identifying the insects you’re trying to attract paired with step-by-step instructions for a variety of habitat-building projects, you’ll soon learn how to employ your own biocontrol conservation tactics. Lay out the brush piles and plant the hedgerows because the insects are going to love it here!

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Book SynopsisAlready in his early forties and not entirely content with his lot, Keith Stewart traded life in New York's corporate grind for an upstate farm. Starting as a one-man operation, short on experience and with modest expectations, Stewart soon found that the agrarian life, despite its numerous challenges, suited him well. His new business flourished. Today, he has a crew of six to eight seasonal workers and grows about one hundred varieties of vegetables and herbs. What began as a yearning - 'to live on a piece of land, closer to nature; to work outside with my body as well as my brain; to leave behind the world of briefcases, computers, corporate clients, and non-opening windows' - has become a life 'more full, more varied,' often 'more demanding and exhausting,' but 'always more real.' Stewart sells everything he grows directly to consumers and restaurateurs, and in doing so has developed loyal and growing ranks devoted to his Rocambole garlic, varied herbs, heirloom tomatoes, and other organic produce. Now, in "It's a Long Road to a Tomato", Stewart presents interlocking, complementary essays, addressing his mid-life development as a farmer; some of the nuts and bolts and how-tos of organic vegetable growing and selling in an urban market; humourous and philosophical stories about domestic and wild farm animals; and insights into the political, social, and environmental issues surrounding agriculture today and why they matter to all of us.

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Book SynopsisOrganic crop acres in the United States more than doubled between 2002 and 2011 as acreage increased from 1.3 to over 3 million acres. While acreage for some major field crops increased substantially during this period, growth was more modest or had stalled for others. This book examines the profitability of corn, wheat, and soybean production using national survey data and finds that significant economic returns are possible from organic production of these crops. The main reason for higher per-bushel returns to organic production is the price premiums paid for organic crops. Despite potentially higher returns, the adoption of organic field crop production has been slow and is challenging due to such factors as achieving effective weed control and the processes involved with organic certification.

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Book Synopsis'Seasoned and novice growers alike will find a mother lode of information and wisdom packed into this gem of a book!' Nancy Phillips, author of The Herbalist’s Way *Updated with new information about herb dryers and construction, soil fertility, growing cannabis, and more In the first edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer, authors Jeff and Melanie Carpenter presented a comprehensive seed-to-bottle guide for aspiring and experienced growers alike, from basic business considerations to planting and propagation to creating value-added products. Now they’re back with a revised and updated edition, sharing the lessons they’ve learned throughout their twenty-five years of operating a medicinal herb farm that prizes quality over quantity. The Carpenters offer their insights and tips on every aspect of herb farming, including: Size and scale considerations Data management for profit maximization The herbal marketplace and choosing which herbs to grow Field and bed preparation and planting, including building soil fertility Plant-positive weed, pest, and disease control Harvest and post-harvest processing, including scalable dryer construction Value-added products and marketing A new chapter on growing cannabis And much more! The Carpenters make the case that growing organic medicinal herbs is not only viable and profitable, but also an important step for improving the ecological health of farmland, taking pressure off of wild medicinal plant populations, and increasing biodiversity. While local foodways are more often the focus of attention, local medicine ways are equally critical and in need of restoration. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is a one-of-a-kind resource, complete with detailed profiles of 50 medicinal herbs and over 200 colour photographs. Whether you’re looking to grow an herb farm from the ground up, incorporate medicinal plants on an existing farm, or add tools to your belt as a seasoned grower, you’ll find the information you need in this volume. '[A] beautiful and informative book . . . A dirt-smudged copy should be within easy reach of every home gardener or farmer who grows—or wants to grow—medicinal plants.' Michael McGuffin, President, American Herbal Products AssociationTrade Review“This new edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is a must-have for anyone interested in herb cultivation. The knowledge Jeff and Melanie share is incredibly important for the future of the botanical industry as production in the U.S. continues to grow. They detail each step along the way, from choosing the right botanicals to grow on your land to post-harvest processing. I really appreciate the applied intention and the thoughtfulness involved in growing herbs that Jeff and Melanie transmit. This is a resource that aspiring and experienced botanical farmers alike should keep on hand.”—Nate Brennan, purchasing and sales manager, Pacific Botanicals “Rooted in years of direct experience and a deep love and respect for the healing plants, this book is packed full of practical, on-the-ground herbal farming information. It is an essential guide for young and experienced farmers alike who are interested in growing or integrating medicinal herbs into their farm. We need more caring, respectful, and knowledgeable medicinal herb farmers like Jeff and Melanie.”—Deb Soule, herbalist and biodynamic gardener; founder of Avena Botanicals “The revised edition of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer goes beyond a traditional herb farming manual, serving as a guide for cultivating not only herbs but also a sense of community and self-sufficiency. Jeff’s emphasis on sustainable practices, ethical harvesting, and mindful consumption inspires readers to embrace a harmonious relationship with the environment and rediscover the profound healing potential of herbs. Whether you’re a novice herb enthusiast or an experienced farmer looking to deepen your knowledge, The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is an invaluable resource that will awaken your senses, nourish your soul, and guide you on an enriching journey toward organic herb farming success.”—Cee Stanley, CEO of Green Heffa Farms“I could almost smell the herbs and feel the soil when I picked up and opened this book. It is full of practical and helpful information, pictures, and guidance for any farmer who wants to know and grow medicinal herbs organically. All of the new information is great, especially the section on constructing and performing herb drying. Too often I have seen farmers grow a good crop but lessen its value with improper post-harvest handling techniques, especially drying incorrectly. Thanks Melanie and Jeff for taking the time to put down in black and white what farmers need to know to be successful. The first edition on my shelf is a bit worn and torn, so this revised edition gives me and readers even more reason to dig in deeper to learn what it takes to supply top-quality medicinal herbs in today’s market.”—Edward J Fletcher, Owner/Operator Native Botanicals, Inc. “The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is an invaluable resource for anyone growing medicinal plants on a small, medium, and large-scale. In addition to details about everything from writing a vision statement to developing a business plan and managing weeds, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter share the reasons behind the decisions they have made, the lessons learned from good and bad decisions, and their advice based on what they have learned. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is also essential reading for anyone using herbal products to understand what it takes to cultivate and process high quality herbs so that the products made with these herbs are truly the ecological medicine—better for the plants, for people, and the planet—that they are promised to be. The Carpenters demonstrate how the vision of wholeness and healing that is at the heart of herbal medicine guides all the decisions, large and small, that they make on their farm. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.”—Ann Armbrecht, PhD; author, The Business of Botanicals; director, Sustainable Herbs Program “Jeff and Melanie Carpenter give me hope for the future of herb farming. In this book, they generously share very useful experience-based information and lessons learned, which will help young prospective herb farmers to avoid pitfalls and plan for an economically viable and appropriately scaled operation for sustainable production. Read this book before you start up!”—Josef Brinckmann, vice president of sustainability, Traditional Medicinals “Finally, a book to recommend to the increasing number of organic farmers who are looking to grow medicinal herb crops. This inspiring handbook provides the quality and depth of information that only comes from years of first-hand experience. Having begun our own herb-growing and herbal-product manufacture thirty-five years ago, I am completely impressed with the comprehensive breadth of topics and business wisdom that the Carpenters have so generously shared.”—Sara Katz, cofounder, Herb Pharm, and board president, United Plant Savers “Bullseye! Jeff and Melanie Carpenter nail it in addressing the needs of today’s medicinal herb grower. In a friendly, easy-to-read style, the information in The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer is straightforward and comprehensive, benefitting beginning and experienced farmers alike.”—Richard Wiswall, author, The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook “With this beautiful and informative book, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter share the knowledge they have gathered as they have realized their vision over the last fifteen years on their 10-acre farm in Vermont. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer serves as a training manual to support US domestic production of high-quality medicinal herbs. A dirt-smudged copy should be within easy reach of every home gardener or farmer who grows—or wants to grow—medicinal plants.”—Michael McGuffin, president, American Herbal Products Association “Many of the medicinal herbs used in the herbal industry are still imported, even though we have ideal conditions as landowners and farmers to fulfil the growing demand. United Plant Savers’ motto, ‘conservation through cultivation,’ is a way in which we can take demand off of wild-harvested native medicinals and also stimulate regional sources for a dynamic and growing market. This book could not be more timely. We need domestic herb farmers not only to supply a growing demand for herbal medicine but also as a critical component to ensuring an abundant supply of American medicinal plants for generations to come.”—Susan Leopold, executive director, United Plant Savers “The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer rocks with practical insights for growing healing herbs and making a viable living. Locally grown medicine will be embraced by local food movements as more community herbalists get the word out. The ‘Health Care Marketplace’ we actually need today consists of more hard-working farm couples like Jeff and Mel Carpenter.”—Michael Phillips, author, The Holistic Orchard “I highly recommend The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer to all new and experienced growers of Western medicinal herbs. If you are an aspiring herb farmer, this is your book!”—Peg Schafer, author, The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm “Drawing on their fifteen years of experience growing medicinal herbs commercially, Jeff and Melanie Carpenter have written the most comprehensive book available on growing, harvesting, drying, packaging, and selling medicinal herbs. Beginning farmers will find this book particularly useful with its detailed instructions on all aspects of herb farming, including field-site selection, cultural practices, tools, equipment, and business planning.”—Jeanine Davis, PhD, associate professor and extension specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University “Seasoned and novice growers alike will find a mother lode of information and wisdom packed into this gem of a book! Anyone interested in growing or using medicinal herbs will reap the benefits of Jeff and Mel’s meticulous research and hard-won expertise in the field and marketplace. These savvy business people are stellar models of earth stewards making a right livelihood on the land. Reading The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer will greatly help you along the same path!”—Nancy Phillips, author, The Herbalist’s Way

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Book SynopsisIn this heartfelt and unflinching memoir, two activists recount the nearly half century they’ve spent questioning authority while raising a family, building a self-reliant community, starting an organic farm, leading a farming organisation and experiencing the struggles and joys of living a purposeful life. Many Hands Make a Farm traces the journey of organic farming pioneers Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge from their early years of bright-eyed excitement, through the long slog for economic stability, to the formation of a thriving community and a growing natural farming movement. Along the way, they established relationships with farming leaders across the country during the creation of the National Organic Program. Julie and Jack met while working as community organisers in Boston. After falling in love and starting a family, they decided to use Jack’s irregular earnings as a board game designer to support a move to a rural area where they could grow healthy food and earn their living at home, so they could be present for their four children. What began as a family homestead soon grew into the small, diversified Many Hands Organic Farm. Julie and Jack have intentionally chosen to live their lives differently than the mainstream, prioritising minimising energy use, raising food organically, not relying on credit, favouring natural health care, participating in the arts, working creatively and instilling the values of hard work and responsibility in their children. In a time when society at large was ‘going along to get along,’ Julie and Jack stood out as leaders and iconoclasts. They believe that taking risks and making bold decisions can unlock one’s potential and lead to actions that enrich the spirit, the family, and the community. Many Hands Make a Farm will resonate with fans of original thinkers from Henry David Thoreau and Wendell Berry to Lynn Margulis and Adelle Davis. The book strongly conveys the message of finding roots in a community, respecting the Earth, and combining social justice work with the joys and challenges of raising a family. These themes shine through on every page, making this memoir a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on finding meaning in their life.Trade Review“Many Hands Make a Farm might be the most delightful book I’ve read in a long time. Rare in its raw, practical, from-the-heart stories, every challenging lesson is cloaked in respect and humor, and every page blossoms with wisdom and can-do spirit. I can’t imagine a better way to present a small-farm life lived exuberantly. Julie and Jack are pioneer icons of the ecological food and farming movement.”—Joel Salatin, cofounder, Polyface Farm; author of Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal“In Many Hands Make a Farm, Jack and Julie masterfully weave together the threads of sustainable agriculture, the trials and triumphs of raising a family, the profound connections we build with loved ones, and the enduring strength of community bonds. Regeneration is fundamentally about regenerating relationships, at all levels. Jack and Julie give us a shining example of how to live regeneration.”—John Kempf, founder, Advancing Eco Agriculture; author of Quality Agriculture“Many Hands Make a Farm is a quintessential American story of pioneering, innovating, and bucking conventional wisdom. It is also a testimony to the simple, good life, with practical tips on everything from how to build a farm to how to raise a family. As a young man, I had the good fortune to get to know Julie and Jack as one of their first apprentices; now this extraordinary couple’s story is accessible to everyone in this heartfelt memoir.”—Lucian Kim, journalist“In this uplifting memoir, Jack Kittredge and Julie Rawson describe how they carved out a life of their dreams solidly based on the clarity of their values. Jack and Julie have touched the lives of thousands of people through their passion for building community and producing local and organic food. Their ability to incorporate new understandings, such as the importance of not tilling their soil, placed them at the cutting edge of innovation. They are visionary early leaders in the movement toward a more regenerative agriculture.”—Tim LaSalle, cofounder, Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems“Filled with practical advice, wise counsel, and entertaining stories, Many Hands Make a Farm is the story of love in action—love for the land, community, family, and each other. Jack and Julie’s latest collaboration chronicles the rewards and challenges of organic farming and living a life true to their convictions. It’s an inspiring story that I enjoyed very much and shows why Many Hands Organic Farm is representative of the best organic farms, anywhere.”—Mark Kastel, executive director, OrganicEye; cofounder, The Cornucopia Institute“Many Hands Make a Farm is an inspirational and engaging read by two of organic agriculture’s most respected leaders. Jack and Julie are steadfast champions of freedom and love. Their open-minded questioning has led them to a life full of nature’s insights, as well as the fortitude to say what needs to be said. Farming, raising children, community organizing, music, and health—they offer their wisdom and pointers on the practical application of ‘the good life.’ And when they say ‘many hands,’ they aren’t kidding. This family gets a whole lot done!”—Bryan O’Hara, author of No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture“Hey, so you Gen Z folks wanna get back to the land? If you’re ready to work hard, find your own community, dance often, and pull rocks, then this book is for you. Julie and Jack have a remarkable story to tell. Read theirs and then go out and make one of your own!”—Bob Scowcroft, cofounder, Organic Farming Research Foundation; board member, Nell Newman Foundation“To read this book is to be touched by the beauty and wholeness of Many Hands Organic Farm. And so we are grateful to Jack and Julie for the way their lives—grounded in service, resilience, and reciprocity—have exemplified the inseparability of food, land, and community in creating a roadmap for those who have the courage to follow.”—Samuel and Elizabeth Smith, founders, Caretaker Farm“Jack Kittredge and Julie Rawson are builders—they built an organic farm, an influential organization (the Northeast Organic Farming Association, NOFA), sheds and barns, and even their own house—while creating a vibrant community dedicated to nontoxic farming and lasting values. Many Hands Make a Farm tells their story with humor and grace. Read and enjoy!”—Sally Fallon Morell, president, Weston A. Price Foundation“Many Hands Make a Farm is a great read, a page-turner that explores how Jack and Julie came to build their own organic farm and helped build an organic farming movement in the Northeast. It is thrilling to see how their deep love for each other and their children, as well as their love for community organizing and for organic farmers, fueled their passion through the years and resulted in magical happenings. They were committed to listening and to allowing others to speak and work out their truth for themselves, which could be uncomfortable for all concerned, but which bore fruit over time. Julie and Jack have lived what they taught, centered on their love of farming and the people that make it all possible."—Don Elmer, former senior organizer, Center for Community Change“Many Hands Make a Farm is a wonderfully honest and engaging book by two former community organizers who turned themselves into farmers—leaders in the organic farming movement—and also created a musically fulfilling family life.”—Joan Gussow, professor emerita of nutrition and education, Teachers College, Columbia University; author of This Organic Life“Over the decades, Jack and Julie have welcomed many people to the everyday pleasures of homegrown food and farming at Many Hands Organic Farm. In their wide-ranging memoir, they extend that welcome to a larger reading audience with the same mix of strong opinions, humor, and passion that have always infused their farm tours, CSA pickup days, state and federal advocacy for organic farmers, and their community music involvement.”—Margaret Christie, special projects director, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture"Told in complementary, alternating narratives between husband and wife, this informative and heartfelt memoir is uplifting from start to finish."—Booklist

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Book SynopsisAlison Niven grew up in a farming family in Fife, moving to Gloagburn when she married and began her family. She has overseen the growth of Gloagburn Farm Shop from an egg shack by the side of the A9 to the thriving cafe, deli, butchery and lifestyle business it is today.

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Book SynopsisFrom Peter Wohlleben, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Hidden Life of Trees, and his wife, Miriam, comes an inspired, practical memoir of creating a sustainable homestead amongst the trees.Called "a veritable tree whisperer" by the Wall Street Journal, Peter Wohlleben is known across the world for his illuminating books about forests and how to help them thrive. Now, the German forester invites readers into his home for the first time in Our Little Farm, describing the steps he and his wife, Miriam, have taken to live sustainably and in harmony with nature.Peter and Miriam moved from the city to a remote forest lodge in the early nineties. Amidst juggling careers and raising a young family, they learned how to plant and rotate crops, harvest and preserve nature's bounty, and tend to the unique needs of their animals and environment. Along the way, they made mistakes and abandoned some projects (sheep raising was not their thing) but maintained a sense of joy in their shared goal.Brimming with insights, wisdom, and tips on everything from constructing farm buildings to choosing the perfect chicken, Our Little Farm shows that, with a little grit, humor, and self-compassion, it's possible to live according to our values and to care for the earth even as we care for ourselves, our homes, and our families.Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.Trade Review"[A] detailed look at [the Wohllebens'] decades-long experiment in sustainable living... The conversational tone will be welcome to those seeking specifics as readers new to the sustainable lifestyle."—Booklist"A factual how-to handbook that’s filled with lessons ... and practical farming advice."—Library Journal"A great source of inspiration for anyone wishing to become more self-sufficient."—Kirkus Reviews"A wonderfully inspired story of soil, food, chickens, and goats, sharing the joys, insights, and challenges of a couple rising to a more sustainable living."—David R. Montgomery, coauthor of The Hidden Half of Nature and What Your Food Ate"A wonderful invitation into the journey of making a livelihood locally."—Chris Smaje, author of A Small Farm Future and Saying NO to a Farm-Free Future

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Book SynopsisThis book is an up-to-date and comprehensive reference covering pest management in organic farming in major crops of the world. General introductory chapters explore the management of crops to prevent pest outbreaks, plant protection tools in organic farming, and natural enemies and pest control. The remaining chapters are crop-based and discuss geographic distribution, economic importance and key pests. For each pest the fundamental aspects of its bio-ecology and the various methods of control are presented. Understanding of the scientific content is facilitated with practical advice, tables and diagrams, helping users to apply the theories and recommendations. Handbook of Pest Management in Organic Farming: · Consists of rational approaches and advice. · Is authored by a team of international specialists in pest control. · Represents the only available comprehensive review of insect pest management in organic systems. This is an essential resource for researchers and extension workers in crop protection, integrated pest management and biocontrol, and organic farming systems.Table of Contents1: Management of Crops to Prevent Pest Outbreaks 2: Plant Protection Tools in Organic Farming 3: Natural Enemies and Pest Control 4: Pest Control in Organic Citrus Groves 5: Pest Management in Organic Apple, Pear and Stone Fruit 6: Organic Integrated Pest Management of Tropical Fruit Crops 7: Pest Management in Organic Grape Production 8: Pest Management in Organic Olive 9: Control of Pests in Soybean in Organic Farming 10: Pest Management in Organic Chestnut 11: Pest Management in Organic Hazelnut Growing 12: Pest Management in Organic Almond 13: Pest Management in Organic Rice: Latin America and the Caribbean 14: Wheat Production in Organic Farming 15: Pest Management in Organic Vegetable Greenhouses 16: Pests and Natural Enemies in Organic Field Vegetables in Tropical and Subtropical Areas 17: Pest Management in Organic Field Vegetables in Temperate Areas 18: Pest Management in an Organic Tea Plantation 19: Insect Pests of Coffee and their Management in Nature-friendly Production Systems 20: Pest Management in Organic Cacao 21: Integrated Pest Management of Cassava Crops in South-east Asia

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis'The task is to create a form of social life by which the soil, the plants, the animals are in harmony with each other.' -- Karl KönigKarl König was deeply concerned for the relationship between the earth and humanity, and how landscape, plants and animals contribute to that relationship.This book presents sixteen lectures and essays by König, which explore the connection between biodynamics, domestic animals, elemental beings and many other aspects of farming and agriculture, all the time looking for how harmony and balance can be achieved in relation to the needs of human beings.This includes a revised edition of material previously published in Earth and Man.

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Book SynopsisWhen Kristin Kimball fell in love with a farmer and left behind her life in Manhattan to start a new farm with him in the Adirondacks, she had to learn a lot about farming - and fast. But, it turns out that starting a farm is not as challenging as sustaining it. Over the next five years, as two children are born and more land is acquired, the farm has its ups and downs, but then the downs keep on coming. Kristin's husband gets injured, the weather turns against them, the financial pressures mount. Suddenly, Kristin is facing not only the daily juggle of planting and milking and putting dinner on the table, but bigger questions about the life she has chosen. Is she still a farmer or is she now a farmer's wife? What does the farm need in order to survive? What does a family need in order to thrive? Beautifully written and refreshingly honest, Good Husbandry is about farmers and food, friends and neighbours, love and marriage, birth and death, and about how to grow and harvest the good things in life.

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Book SynopsisThe markets for organic and fair trade certified commodities are growing rapidly, with environmentally sound and more equitable certification systems likely to offer benefits for both small-scale farmers and society at large. Despite much debate about their contribution to sustainability, there has been little scientific analysis, so it is vital to assess if it is technically and economically feasible to meet growing consumer demands regarding food safety, quality and ethics through smallholder and marginal producers. Overall, there is a need to explore the potential of these certification systems as emerging areas in research and development cooperation. This book includes: - Worldwide case studies (from the supply side in Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and from the demand side in Europe and North America) to put theory into practice. - Analyses of sustainable development and poverty reduction through organic and fair trade markets. - Insights into the conditions where it is beneficial for developing country smallholder producers to adopt fair trade and organic certification systems. - Investigation into whether consumers will pay more for a product that is both organic and fair trade certified. This book is an important read for researchers and students in agricultural and development economics, and it is also a useful resource for policy makers and practitioners involved in organic and fair trade agriculture.Table of Contents1: An Overview of Organic Agriculture and Fair Trade Systems 2: Organic and Fair Trade Markets at a Glance 3: Organic and Fair Trade Production Worldwide 4: Evolution of Producer Organizations in Fair Trade Coffee Certification 5: Methodological Toolbox 6: Consumer Behaviour in the Organic and Fair Trade Food Market in Europe 7: Multiple Certifications and Consumer Purchase Decisions: a Case Study of Willingness to Pay for Coffee in Germany 8: Consumers’ Information Search and Preferences for Fair Trade Coffee: a Case Study from Germany 9: Gender-equality Chocolate: a Missing Market? 10: Fair Trade Certification on Plantations: Household Wealth and Welfare Implications for Hired Labour 11: Assessing the Benefits of Organic and Fair Trade Production for Small-scale Farmers in Asia 12: The Impact of Certification on Material Input Costs in India 13: Dovetailing Fair Trade and Organic Agro-certifications in Latin America: How the Twins Can Meet? 14: Certifying Coffee Cooperatives in Ethiopia, India and Nicaragua: How Far Do Small-scale Coffee Producers Benefit? 15: The Relevance of Reliability, Reputation and Respect for Producer-level Benefits of Organic and Fair Trade Certification for Smallholders 16: The Way Forward

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Book SynopsisOrganic agriculture world-wide allows farmers to produce healthy food with low levels of external inputs, and often shortens the value chains, giving farmers a higher share of the consumer dollar. This book reports on long-term comparative organic farming systems research trials carried out over the last four years in South Africa's Southern Cape, as well as research on the organic sector and the technical tools it requires in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. The trials show how the yield gap between organic and conventional crops was closed over 3 years. Water use efficiency was also greater in the organic farming system, and pests and diseases were effectively controlled using biological products. Farmer training approaches, soil carbon analysis, participatory guarantee systems, the Zambian organic farming sector (agronomy) and Ugandan organic farmer training support, and a sector plan for southern African organic farming are examined.Table of ContentsPart I: Conceptual and Global Perspectives CHAPTER 1: The developing organic sector in Southern and Eastern Africa; what have we learned about sustainable development? CHAPTER 2: An overview of global organic and regenerative agriculture CHAPTER 3: Organic research contributes to sector development and good organic policy: the Danish, Swiss, American and African case studies CHAPTER 4: The work of IFOAM/Organics International in training organic farmers and leaders in the developing world CHAPTER 5: Understanding world food systems CHAPTER 6: BERAS - a global network of food systems with examples from Sweden, Haiti, Tanzania and India Part II: Capacity building and climate change CHAPTER 7: The likely impact of the 2015/18 drought in South Africa: Lessons from the 2008 food price crisis and future implications CHAPTER 8: The use of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to support organic food systems in Africa CHAPTER 9: Strengthening participation in the organic value chain for small-scale farmers in southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa CHAPTER 10: Participatory Guarantee Systems as an organic market entry point for small scale farmers in South Africa CHAPTER 11: Development of an inclusive chain for peri-urban micro-farmers CHAPTER 12: Supporting vulnerable communities in the Eastern Cape: Assessing the rainfall evidence CHAPTER 13: Water efficiency, energy efficiency and suburban vegetable production CHAPTER 14: Experiential training of farmers and university diploma students in KwaZulu-Natal and the Southern Cape Part III: Supporting organic farmers CHAPTER 15: The National Organic Agriculture Movement of Uganda CHAPTER 16: Agronomic practices affecting adoption and disadoption of organic agriculture in Zambia CHAPTER 17: The Rapid Incineration Field Test as an accurate, cost-effective and practical tool for estimating soil carbon in Africa CHAPTER 18: The Nelson Mandela Long-term Comparative Organic Farming Systems Research Trials: Baseline study and trial design - CHAPTER 19: Comparative Water Use Efficiency and water retention in the Mandela Trials CHAPTER 20: Biological and chemical soil fumigation and pest and disease management comparisons in the Western Cape CHAPTER 21: Initial assessment of microbiological soil health indicators in the Mandela Trials CHAPTER 22: Soil fertility changes and crop yields from the first four years of the Mandela Trials Part IV: Upscaling the organic sector in Africa CHAPTER 23: Challenges and opportunities for urban and peri-urban areas of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and the implications of climate change for food security CHAPTER 24: A future strategy for organic development in Southern Africa

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Book SynopsisLow external-input technology (or LEIT) is an increasingly prominent subject in discussions of sustainable agriculture. There are growing calls for self-sufficient agriculture in an era experiencing diminishing returns from reliance upon expensive synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. There are many reasons to support strategies for low external input farming, including a concern for environmental sustainability, increased attention to resource-poor farmers and marginal environments, and the conviction that a better use of local resources in small-scale agriculture can improve farm productivity and innovation. But despite the increased attention to self-sufficient agriculture, there is little evidence available on the performance and impact of LEIT. This book examines the contributions and limitations of low external input technology for addressing the needs of resource-poor farmers. For the first time a balanced analysis of LEIT is provided, offering in-depth case studies, an analysis of the debates, an extensive review of the literature and practical suggestions about the management and integration of low external input agriculture in rural development programmes.Trade Review'...a very valuable addition to the literature and well worth reading...wonderfully written:clear, well-organized, and quite free of jargon' Christine Padoch, Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden. Development and Change, July 2007.Table of ContentsLow External-Input Technology (LEIT) and Agricultural Development * Examples of LEIT and Farmer-Focused Development Strategies * Labour, Information and Agricultural Technology * The Impact of LEIT: Evidence from the Literature * Learning from Success: Revisiting Experiences of LEIT Adoption by Hillside Farmers in Central Honduras * Conservation by Committee: The Catchment Approach to Soil and Water Conservation in Nyanza Province, Western Kenya * After School: The Outcome of Farmer Field Schools in Southern Sri Lanka * The Trajectory of Low External-Input Agriculture *

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Book SynopsisLow external-input technology (or LEIT) is an increasingly prominent subject in discussions of sustainable agriculture. There are growing calls for self-sufficient agriculture in an era experiencing diminishing returns from reliance upon expensive synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. There are many reasons to support strategies for low external input farming, including a concern for environmental sustainability, increased attention to resource-poor farmers and marginal environments, and the conviction that a better use of local resources in small-scale agriculture can improve farm productivity and innovation. But despite the increased attention to self-sufficient agriculture, there is little evidence available on the performance and impact of LEIT. This book examines the contributions and limitations of low external input technology for addressing the needs of resource-poor farmers. For the first time a balanced analysis of LEIT is provided, offering in-depth case studies, an analysis of the debates, an extensive review of the literature and practical suggestions about the management and integration of low external input agriculture in rural development programmes.Trade Review'...a very valuable addition to the literature and well worth reading...wonderfully written:clear, well-organized, and quite free of jargon' Christine Padoch, Institute of Economic Botany, The New York Botanical Garden. Development and Change, July 2007.Table of ContentsLow External-Input Technology (LEIT) and Agricultural Development * Examples of LEIT and Farmer-Focused Development Strategies * Labour, Information and Agricultural Technology * The Impact of LEIT: Evidence from the Literature * Learning from Success: Revisiting Experiences of LEIT Adoption by Hillside Farmers in Central Honduras * Conservation by Committee: The Catchment Approach to Soil and Water Conservation in Nyanza Province, Western Kenya * After School: The Outcome of Farmer Field Schools in Southern Sri Lanka * The Trajectory of Low External-Input Agriculture *

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Book SynopsisThe new edition of this annual publication (previously published solely by IFOAM and FiBL) documents recent developments in global organic agriculture. It includes contributions from representatives of the organic sector from throughout the world and provides comprehensive organic farming statistics that cover surface area under organic management, numbers of farms and specific information about commodities and land use in organic systems. The book also contains information on the global market of the burgeoning organic sector, the latest developments in organic certification, standards and regulations, and insights into current status and emerging trends for organic agriculture by continent from the worlds foremost experts. For this edition, all statistical data and regional review chapters have been thoroughly updated. Completely new chapters on organic agriculture in the Pacific, on the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture and on organic aquaculture have been added. Published with IFOAM and FiBLTrade Review'An essential reference for anyone concerned with the growing global significance of organic agriculture.' Patrick Holden, CBE, Director of the Soil Association, UK 'A concise, up-to-date overview of how the industry is growing on a global scale, with detailed studies of aquaculture, new standards and regulations, notable achievements, and the challenges ahead. Not only packed with facts and figures, it includes expert insights into the latest issues, from the adoption of the new East African Organic Products Standard to the state of organics in Iran. More general coverage includes information on crop production worldwide... an indispensable manual for organic practitioners, researchers and those simply with a statistical interest in this rising force in world farming.' New Agriculturalist 'For someone in the organic profession, or a student, this is an extremely useful resource. It should be an essential purchase.' David Younie, Scottish Agricultural College, UK 'The best documentation on the state of the art of the organic sector worldwide.' Edith Lammerts van Bueren, Louis Bolk Institute, The Netherlands 'I have seen The World of Organic Agriculture before and find it to be a very useful book. Given how much organic agriculture is growing, it is important to publish these statistics on a yearly basis. Libraries should carry the book, as well as those professionals whose primary concern is organic agriculture.' Ivette Perfecto, University of Michigan, USA 'Because it is regularly updated it offers unique data which are not recorded elsewhere.' Julia Wright, Henry Doubleday Research Association, UK 'A very important publication - unique and comprehensive.' Paul Kristiansen, University of New England, Australia 'Packed with information, charts and graphs on organic agriculture... this meticulously researched hardback volume gives all of the answers. An excellent reference volume. ' William Critchley, WASWC, Amsterdam, June 2008 'A valuable single source.' Experimental Agriculture 'It includes contributioons from representatives of the organic sector from throughout the world and provides comprehensive organic farming statistics that cover surface area under organic management, numbers of farms and specific informaion about commodities and land use in organic systems.' Biotechnology, Agronomy Society and EnvironmentTable of ContentsForeword * The World of Organic Agriculture 2008: Summary * Organic Agriculture Worldwide: Current Statistics * Information Sources: Overview * The Organics Trade Development Programme (OTDP) of the International Trade Centre (ITC) * The Global Market for Organic Food and Drink * Standards and Regulations * East African Organic Products Standard and more * Number of Organic Certifiers Jumps to 468 * Accreditation * The ITF - the FAO/IFOAM/UNCTAD International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture * Organic Aquaculture * Organic Farming in Africa * Africa: Organic Farming Statistics * Organic Asia 2007 * Country Report: Organic Agriculture in Iran * Asia: Organic Farming Statistics * Europe: Statistics, Policy and Research * Cropping Patterns in the European Union 2006 (EU 27) * The European Market for Organic Food in 2006 * Trends in the Organic Retailing Sector in Europe 2007 * Europe: Organic Farming Statistics * Organic Farming in the Mediterranean Region: Towards Further Development * Country Report: Organic Food and Farming in Egypt * Organic Farming in Latin America * Latin America: Country Reports * Latin America: Organic Farming Statistics * United States * Canada * North America: Organic Farming Statistics * Organic Farming in Australia * Organic Farming in New Zealand * Organic Agriculture in the Pacific * Oceania/Australia: Organic Farming Statistics * Achievements Made and Challenges Ahead * Annex

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Book SynopsisModern agriculture and food systems, including organic agriculture, are undergoing a technological and structural modernisation and are faced with a growing globalisation. Organic agriculture (OA) can be seen as pioneering efforts to create sustainable development based on other principles than mainstream agriculture. There are however large differences between the challenges connected to, on one hand, modern farming and consumption in high-income countries and, on the other, smallholder farmers and resource poor consumers in low-income countries. The point of departure is the increasing globalisation and the production and trade of food and fodder and how this influences the role of OA. This book provides an overview of the potential role and challenges of organic agriculture in this global perspective, as seen from different perspectives such as sustainability, food security and fair trade.Table of Contents1: Global trends in agriculture and food systems, 2: Globalisation and sustainable development: a potential ecology strategy to realize ecological justice, 3: Organic agriculture and ecological justice: Ethics and practice, 4: Ecological Economics and organic farming, 5: Organic farming in a world of free trade, 6: Certified and non-certified organic farming in the developing world, 7: Possibilities for closing the urban rural nutrient cycles, 8: Soil Fertility Depletion Sub-Saharan Africa: What is the Role of Organic Agriculture, 9: Sustainable veterinary medical practices in organic farming: a global perspective, 10: The impact of organic farming on food security in a regional and global perspective, 11: Towards a global research programme for organic food and farming, 12: Synthesis: The potential of organic farming in a globalised world,

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Book SynopsisThe Common Agricultural Policy and Organic Farming covers how ideational change came about to enhance the understanding of change within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and to plan and implement change in European agriculture policy. The contents cover institutional change within the CAP and focus on the institutional construction policy concerned with organic farming.Table of Contents1: The Common Agricultural Policy and Institutional Change 2: Institutional Change: Rational Choice, Historical and Sociological Perspectives 3: A Discursive Institutional Approach and its Analytical Implications 4: The Translation and Institutionalisation of the World Problematique (1968-1977) 5: The Translation and Institutionalisation of Environmental Ideas within the CAP (1978-1985) 6: Conflicts over Meaning and Policy Entrepreneurship within the CAP 7: The Formation of a Policy Field: Organic Farming within the CAP (1993-2005) 8: Conclusions

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Book SynopsisThere is a growing niche market world-wide for organic produce. However there are considerable problems in expanding organic production and it is often considered a lifestyle or philosophical choice rather than an alternative source of ideas to improve farming systems. This book provides an overview of organic systems, from production through to the economic, social and political aspects. It presents a critical appraisal of the successes and limitations of organic production systems and highlights recent innovations. The book concludes by looking at the future challenges facing the organic agriculture industry.Table of Contents1: Organic production 2: Overview of Organic Agriculture 3: Soil Fertility in Organic Farming Systems 4: Crop Agronomy in Organic Agriculture 5: Special topic 1: Developing No-Tillage Systems Without Chemicals: the Best of Both Worlds? 6: Crop Protection in Organic Agriculture 7: Organic Plant Breeding & Seed Production: Ecological & Ethical Aspects 8: Special topic 2: Biodynamic Agriculture Today 9: Organic Livestock Husbandry & Breeding 10: Animal Health & Nutrition in Organic Farming 11: Animal Welfare & Ethics in Organic AgricultureRegulatory and management issues 12: Organic Standards & Certification 13: Special topic 3: Contradiction of Principles in Organic Farming 14: Economic Management in Organic Agriculture 15: Understanding the Market for Organic FoodBeyond the farm gate 16: Environmental Impacts of Organic Farming 17; Special topic 4: Tillage: How Bad is it in Organic Agriculture? 18: Food Quality & Organic Agriculture 19: Social Responsibilities of Organic Agriculture: Learning, Collaboration & Regulation 20: Special topic 5: Voice from the Other Side: A Ghanaian View on Organics 21: Knowledge and capacity building 22: Research to Support the Development of Organic Food & Farming 23: Education & Training in Ecological Agriculture: Nordic Region & the USA 24: Design of Farmer Education & Training in Organic AgricultureSummary 25: Key Issues and Challenges for the Future"

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Book SynopsisPublic concern over impacts of chemicals in plant and animal production on health and the environment has led to increased demand for organic produce, which is usually promoted and often perceived as containing fewer contaminants, more nutrients, and being positive for the environment. These benefits are difficult to quantify, and potential environmental impacts on such benefits have not been widely studied. This book addresses these key points, examining factors such as the role of certain nutrients in prevention and promotion of chronic disease, potential health benefits of bioactive compounds in plants, the prevalence of food-borne pesticides and pathogens and how both local and global environmental factors may affect any differences between organic and conventionally produced food. With contributions from experts in a broad range of related disciplines, this book is an essential resource for researchers and students in human health and nutrition, environmental science, agriculture and organic farming.Table of Contents1: Organic farming and food systems: definitions and key characteristics. 2: The health benefits of n-3 fatty acids and their concentrations in organic and conventional animal-derived foods. 3: Environmental impacts on n-3 content of foods from ruminant animals. 4: Health benefits and selenium content of organic vs conventional foods. 5: Environmental impacts concerning the selenium content of foods. 6: Contaminants in organic and conventional food: the missing link between contaminant levels and health effects. 7: Mycotoxins in organic and conventional foods and effects of the environment. 8: Human pathogens in organic and conventional foods and effects of the environment. 9: What does consumer science tell us about organic foods? 10: The beneficial effects of dietary flavonoids: sources, bioavailability and biological functions. 11: Environmental regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. 12: Nitrates in the human diet. 13: Impacts of environment and management on nitrate in vegetables and water. 14: Effects of the environment on the nutritional quality and safety of organically produced foods: Round-up and summary.

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Book SynopsisThe grass/clover ley plays a central role in most organic farms, since clover is the foundation stone for the whole farm system through its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. As well as providing an essential forage resource for farm livestock, grass/clover swards also form the basis of sustainable organic arable rotations. The author discusses making the most of clover and soil nitrogen mineralization, the role of herbs and the efficient recycling of manures. He also covers reducing weed invasion, clean grazing systems for worm control, efficient grazing and conservation, and minimizing the environmental impact of grassland.

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Book SynopsisA classic guide from beekeeping expert Ron Brown OBE. A charming and practical guide for anyone wishing to keep bees, accompanying the would-be beekeeper through every season of the bee-keeping year. From spring awakening and summer swarms to the autumn honey harvest and providing winter protection, this essential resource guides you each step of the way. There is extensive advice for beekeeping beginners, from siting and smoking your hives to rearing a queen and controlling your swarm. There is also in-depth information for improvers and more experienced apiarists who wish to experiment with different hive-management and queen-rearing techniques. Troubleshooting tips on protecting your hives and keeping your bees healthy are also covered. The book is also packed with practical advice on using beeswax, and of course, extracting and making the tastiest honey.

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Book SynopsisIn recent years there has been an explosion of interest in organic and biodynamic produce. Although once marginal and 'alternative', escalating concerns about the environment, health, food quality and animal welfare have brought organics into mainstream consciousness. Biodynamics, a unique development of the organic approach, does not narrowly focus on agricultural techniques. It was conceived as a new way of thinking about farming, nutrition and the world of nature, allowing for a revitalized relationship with the living soil, the elemental world and the cosmos. Originating from a series of eight lectures given by Dr Rudolf Steiner in 1924, biodynamics broadens the outlook of agriculture and the science behind it, leading to a holistic perspective that incorporates astronomical rhythms and unique preparations for plants and earth. The author describes the foundations on which not only biodynamics but also the wider organic movement is based. He builds bridges between mainstream science and Steiner's insights, making it easier for the wider organic and ecological movement to approach biodynamic concepts and practise. This book has much to offer to the beginner as well as to those already involved with biodynamics. Its broad range of topics - including the ecology of the farm organism, food quality and nutrition, community supported agriculture, planetary influences, seed quality, and the vitality of water - contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject. The author is also concerned to promote innovation so that biodynamics moves with the times. An appendix includes details for contacting various elements of the biodynamic world.

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Book Synopsis'Biodynamics seeks the holistic and interrelated health of the diverse creatures and beings composing a farm, including human beings and the wider, surrounding community. It is not just a "method" but a whole approach to life - one which could have far-reaching benefits for the health of the soil, plants, animals and human beings across the globe...' Born from a series of eight lectures delivered by scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924, the movement for biodynamic agriculture today encompasses many hundreds of farms and millions of consumers worldwide. Much has been written about biodynamics' unique perspectives on farming, nutrition, the world of nature and the wider cosmos. But how does it work in practise? What is it like to run a farm based on its principles? England's Tablehurst and Plaw Hatch farms form a co-operative venture in which the local community plays a crucial role. As successful, commercial enterprises with high outputs, they have a growing reputation for the excellence of their produce. Through interviews, commentary and dozens of full colour photos, Biodynamics in Practise gives a guided tour of the farms from the viewpoint of a sympathetic visitor. It illustrates how biodynamic farms work, how they differ from conventional and organic farms, and why that difference is important. In short and accessible vignettes, the book looks at many aspects of farm life, including animal rearing and welfare - cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry - crop growth, dairy and cheesemaking, and even bee-keeping and caring for people with special needs. It also gives an introduction to biodynamics itself and brief histories of both farms. Farms are sometimes regarded simply as food-producing factories, but this book shows that they can be much more, offering spiritually-sustaining focal points of community cohesion and participation.

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Book SynopsisBiodynamics is about respect for nature, sustainability and spiritual ecology - but most of all it is about flavoursome, nutritious and enjoyable food! This is a book rich in information, beautifully illustrated and packed with healthy yet tasty recipes. It is a movement that is supported by top chefs, expert viniculturists and numerous celebrities. Even Prince Charles has introduced its methods at his Gloucestershire farm. Yet biodynamic agriculture had humble beginnings, far from the glitz of expensive city restaurants. In 1924 a small group gathered to hear the philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner give a series of lectures. At a time when industrial farming and mass production were on the rise, Steiner spoke of the qualitative aspects of food, and outlined an agricultural method founded on a holistic perception of nature. Illustrated with hundreds of full-colour photographs, "The Biodynamic Food and Cookbook" explains the principles behind biodynamics, and places it in the context of food and cooking throughout the ages. Wendy Cook takes us on a journey through the four seasons, presenting over 150 delicious recipes based on years of working with biodynamic nutrition. She studies the ethics of food, the foundations of a balanced diet, and conjures up the colour and vibrancy of Mallorca which has contributed so much to her personal approach. There are supplementary sections on breads, sauces, salads, sweets, drinks and much more.Trade Review'Should be required reading for anyone who cares about good food.' - The Times 'In my experience, biodynamic food is of exceptional quality and taste - so I use it when I can. And it's good for my health!' - Antony Worrall Thompson I know from my own experience that eating biodynamically grown food in good company leaves a fine and lasting impression on the palette. This is because the biodynamic farming which is built upon sound organic principles aims to enhance the quality and vitality of our food. - Patrick Holden, Director, Soil Association

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Book SynopsisIn 1924 at Koberwitz, the estate of Count and Countess Keyserlingk, Rudolf Steiner gave a key course of lectures on agriculture. At a time when industrial methods were being introduced into farming, Steiner had a radically different, evolutionary, vision. Based on a revitalized relationship with nature, his approach encompassed knowledge of the cosmos, the elemental world and the earth, and utilized special planting methods and preparations. Today his biodynamic agriculture is widely valued and used around the world. In addition to the lively and entertaining accounts of the agriculture course held at Koberwitz, this extraordinary book features Countess Keyserlingk's memories of her meetings with Rudolf Steiner. Steiner told the Countess that she had a consciousness which would be usual 'in the third millennium', and her reminiscences reflect this uncommon quality! Also included are essays by the editor which incorporate rare material such as the communications received by Countess Keyserlingk after Steiner's death. This book will be of interest to students of biodynamics as well as those interested in how Rudolf Steiner worked to develop anthroposophy. It is compiled and edited by Adalbert Graf von Keyserlingk, the son of the Count and Countess who hosted the Koberwitz conference.

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Book SynopsisBiodynamic agriculture, which has consistently increased in popularity over the years, was born from a single course of eight lectures delivered by Rudolf Steiner in Koberwitz (now in Poland) in June 1924. In The Agriculture Course Peter Selg presents an unprecedented study of the context within which the lectures took place, conveying a tangible sense of the celebratory mood and atmosphere of those Whitsun events. He highlights Steiner's intentions for the course - as well as the parallel lectures he gave in Breslau - by drawing widely on the available literature and numerous archive materials. Recognizing that chemical manipulation of agriculture was neither desirable nor sustainable, Rudolf Steiner helped launch an agricultural movement with a truly pioneering outlook. As Selg describes, Steiner saw that '...what was needed instead was new, conscious insight into life forces and laws, into the nature of organisms, into the diverse realms of nature, and the determining factors of both earth and cosmos that influence them.' The vivid picture painted here reveals the importance Rudolf Steiner placed on launching this work, and the extent to which his initiative offered an answer to the emerging forces of cultural and political destruction that would lead to the Second World War.

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