Ecology and Farming No 1/2013 by Ecology and Farming

No. 1 // February 2013

The future for organics is sweeter than honey

The

green economy is

going to come by wisdom or by crisis

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Table of Con tents

FEBRUARY 2013 // No 1

innovation 44 Using compost

suppress weeds

Simple and effective SoIL 46 Cut

and carry fertilisers

Securing access to land for new farmers

innovation

Innovation the engine of organic agriculture

BeeKeePING 10 The art of be(e)ing Einstein said: ‘If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live’. innovation 13 Farmer driven innovation How innovation begins: a farmer, a challenge and an idea SoIL 16 Composting

systems in the developing world

Soil and more

The next step in improving nitrogen use efficiency CoUNTRY RePoRT 24 Innovation and

integral rural development for Oaxaca, Mexico

AGRoFoReSTRY 28 Agroforestry in a

temperate climate

Most people associate agroforestry with (sub) tropical or arid places. Stephen and Lynn Briggs are applying agroforestry to a 100ha farm in Cambrigeshire, England.

eveNTS 31 A visionary

mayor in the Philippines

The Philippines SUSTAINABILITY 34 The organic

movement’s approach takes shape

FINANCING 19 Securing access

Dimensions of Sustainability

Securing access to land: an essential prerequisite for developing local, organic agriculture in Europe

INTeRvIew 38 Only a

to land for new farmers beautiful farm is a good farm

Interview with Doug Tompkins

SOAAN aims to mainstream organics in the sustainability debate

And more.... Editorial 5 Calendar 48

Your Partner In Organic Potatoes, Vegetables and Fruits Im- & export of fresh and industrial organic potatoes, vegetables and fruits. Custom designed and reliable services for sourcing and marketing your organic products.

The Netherlands

introduction

Denise Godinho

Peter Brul

Consumer-driven In the Netherlands there has just been a high-profile

business and the loss of traditions. Ultimately, it will

discussion about the pros and cons (especially the

mean that agriculture is no more than industrial food

cons) of organic agriculture. This followed on from a

production. Is that bad? In my opinion it is perhaps

statement by the Chairman of the Executive Board of

one of the worst things that can happen to mankind

Wageningen Agricultural University that products from

and the planet.

conventional agriculture, and especially industrial broilers, are of excellent quality and that organic agricultu-

Organic farming employs a great diversity of methods

re does not offer any solutions for anything. Wherever

which are often locally embedded and draw on tradi-

you are reading this, it is probably a familiar kind of

tional values. But is also keeps an eye and uses deve-

discussion. Every now and then, there are scientists or

lopments and innovations that do not harm nature and

other ‘agricultural opinion leaders’ who feel challenged

the environment and are beneficial to the rural eco-

by the successes of organic farming or its positive

nomy. It is a form of agriculture that produces excel-

image in the public’s eyes and react negatively to this.

lent food and communicates with consumers about

Often they are ‘elder statesmen’ of the scientific com-

the diversity and values of agriculture and agricultural

munity, who are irritated by an agricultural method that

practices. For decades people have been dismissive

challenges their belief system and worldview and is

of consumers who always said in interviews that they

becoming more and more popular.

shared the values of organic farming, but did not follow these opinions when purchasing products. The

I understand their irritation very well, only my irritation

experience has been that there can be a long time lag,

lies elsewhere, with those people who proclaim that

often many years, between changing one’s thoughts

the conventional approach with fertilisers and chemical

and changing one’s actions. In many countries, many

pesticides in combination with genetically modified

consumers now regularly buy organic products and

crops is the solution for all the problems related to the

there is a growing market, this despite the recession.

environment, hunger and poverty. It’s just like politics.

The choice for agriculture systems should not be just

It is a clash of worldviews and visions about the future

driven by producers (or scientists), but also by consu-

- and the language used by the two camps is quite

mers.

different. I have friends in the organic movement for whom Monsanto is an embodiment of evil. I see it as

Peter Brul

an extremely commercial organisation. Its approach is definitely not mine, but I really don’t see any evil intentions. This said, their vision and approach will irrevocably lead to the end of agriculture as a family

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

ANdré Leu

The Napier grass is progressively cut and fed to a cow. The excess fresh milk is sold daily to provide a cash income.

Pull Volatile chemicals from Napier border attract moths to lay eggs

Innovation the engine of organic agriculture The third part of the IFOAM definition of organic agriculture states: ‘organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.’

Push Volatile chemicals from Desmodium intercrop repel moths

Chemicals (isoflavones)secreted by desmodium roots inhibit attachment of striga to maize roots and cause the suicidal germination of striga seed in soil.

A culture of continuous improvement is critical to ensure that organic agriculture is relevant to the emerging issues of the 21st century, especially in the areas of food security, climate change, animal welfare and environmental stewardship. To do this we need to build on the work of the pioneers from the early 20th century, while still maintaining the integrity of our four principles and our definition of organic agriculture Innovation is largely driven by farmers and scientists and is most effective when the two groups work in partnership.

nnovation is critical to improving organic practices, espe-

Push-Pull system

cially in terms of yield, input efficiency and for effective

The Push–Pull method in maize is an excellent example of an

nutrient, weed, pest, disease and environmental management

innovative organic method that integrates several ecological

systems. Innovation is also a key element that is needed to

elements to achieve substantial increases in yields. This is sig-

scale up organic so that we can move beyond the less than

nificant because maize is the key food staple for smallholder

1% of global agriculture that we currently represent and be

farmers in many parts of Africa, Latin America and Asia.

seen as highly relevant.

Corn stem borers are one of the most significant pests in maize.

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

innovation

Desmodium suppresses weeds, adds nitrogen, conserves the soil, repels pests and provides high protein stock feed.

There are many examples of other innovative systems that are being developed in organic systems such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), organic no/low till systems (i.e. cover cropping and pasture cropping), agroforestry, holistic grazing, urban food production in sack containers and insectaries. The key is to get more farmers and scientists to work in partnerConventional agriculture is reliant on a number of toxic syn-

ship to improve existing systems and develop new ones. In order

thetic pesticides to control these pests. More it has started to

to achieve this IFOAM is working with FiBL and several other

adopt genetically engineered varieties that produce their own

research organisations to form the technical information plat-

pesticides.

form of iFoam (TIPI). This network of researchers will be able to share information and cooperate on projects to ensure the best

The Push-Pull system was developed by scientists in Kenya

use of the limited funds that are available for organic research.

at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Research into organic agriculture has been chronically underfun-

(ICIPE), Rothamsted Research, UK and other partners.

ded. Trillions of Dollars and Euros go into conventional and GMO research and the organic sector receives a tiny fraction of this.

Silver Leaf Desmodium is planted in the crop to repel stem

This is a situation that needs to be rectified so that we can con-

borer and also to attract the natural enemies of the pest. The

tinue to innovate and improve the multifunctional benefits that

Desmodium gives off phenolic compounds that repel the stem

come from organic systems.

borer moth. Its root exudates also stop the growth of many weed species including Striga, which is a serious parasitic weed of maize. Napier grass is planted outside of the field as a trap crop for the stem borer. The Desmodium repels (pushes) the pests from the maize and the Napier grass attracts (pulls) the stem borers out of the field to lay their eggs in it in instead of the maize. The sharp silica hairs on the Napier grass also kill the stem borer larvae when they hatch, breaking the life cycle and reducing pest numbers. High yields are not the only benefits. The system does not need synthetic nitrogen as Desmodium is a legume and fixes nitrogen. Soil erosion is prevented due to a permanent ground cover. Very significantly the system provides quality fodder for stock. One farmer innovation to improve this system has been to systematically strip harvest the border of Napier grass to use as fresh fodder for livestock. Livestock can also graze down the field after the maize is harvested. Many Push-Pull farmers integrate a dairy cow into the system and sell the milk that is surplus to their family needs to provide a regular source of income. ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Sonja Copijn • Pictures: Ted van der Bergh

Art of be(e)ing Einstein said: ‘If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live’. He didn’t say ‘if the sheep disappears ...’ or ‘if the dog disappears, …’ He even didn’t say ‘if the cow disappears ...’ He said ‘If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live’. He recognised that bees are of vital importance to life.

Honey bees pollinate 1/3rd of our food crops 10

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

beekeeping

Bees are of vital importance, why?

munities. They are highly organised and

cleaning cells, then feeding larvae, then

Long ago the Greek Ionic philosophers

while collecting pollen to feed their future

building wax combs and later taking nectar

discussed the four elements: earth, water,

generations they, en passant, pollinate

from collecting bees and chewing it into

air and warmth/light as the basic conditi-

1/3rd of our food and the majority of wild

honey.

ons for life. All plants and animals live in

plants and trees. To them this is just a

a specific relation to these four elements:

side effect. For life on earth it is the ‘great

In the third part of her life, she becomes a

with more or less earth (for example

bee effect’.

collecting bee in summer, harvesting water,

mountain versus water plants), water

pollen for the brood and nectar for the win-

(desert or rainforest plants), air (hanging

How are bee colonies organised?

ter. When a swarm takes off, the collecting

plants) and sun light and warmth (tropical

The bee colony is a matriarchal organism.

bees start over again and work as house

or temperate plants).

The queen leads the colony and constant-

bees to construct a new home, before col-

ly produces eggs. In summer she may lay

lecting new pollen and nectar.

Most plants multiply through pollination,

up to 2000 eggs per day. She does this

relying on either the wind or insects.

day after day and a beehive may have up

Every bee has its task and place in the colo-

Among insects, the honey bee is by

to 60,000 bees, all from the same queen.

ny. The males (drones) only live during sum-

far the most important pollinator in the

She stays fit by being constantly fed with

mer. They live like princes and are fed by

world. What does the honey bee do that

royal jelly. In the first 3 weeks of a bee’s

the worker bees. Their task is to mate with

other insects don’t? Unlike most other

life, the egg transforms into a larva, pupa,

the new born queens. If they succeed, they

insects, which live a solitary life, honey

then an insect. The young bee begins the

die immediately. Either way they are denied

bees work and live together in huge com-

second part of her life as a house bee,

access to the hive at the end of summer.

The bee colony is a matriachal organisation

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Triodos Bankers are bee keepers

Triodos Bank, The Netherlands, combines sustainability with a hands-on in the mentality. Triodos Foundation has created a fund for independent research on bee decline and systemic pesticides. www.bijensterfte.nl/fr/node/488 At the same time, they started beekeeping themselves. Under the inspiring guidance and training of Sonja Copijn (www.beebuzziness.nl), they have built an apiary with three bee hives. A group of 20 enthusiastic bankers are being trained in bee keeping. The bankers spend their lunch hours looking after their bees. Sometimes they have fresh harvested honey for lunch.

Bees do a complex dance to show each other where to find a new food source

Communication

Through different dances they indicate

The fifth element; the element of connection

Communication is crucial in the bee com-

the direction and distance of the new ‘hot

I would like to sit together with the Greek

munity. Whereas solitary bees fly around,

spot’ in relation to the sun and their hive.

Ionic philosophers and watch the bees with

collect pollen and nectar and lay their

them. I would like to discuss a question

solitary eggs, honey bees communicate

Bees are very effective at communicating,

with them ‘given the role of the bees in

with, and are dependent on, each other.

living together and working together. In

supporting life on the planet, shouldn’t we

They communicate about whether or not

doing so they also care for human food

add a fifth element: the bee, the caretaker

to swarm and where to build their new

and the fruits and seeds of about 80%

of the planet, who makes the gift of life

nest. They decide if an egg needs to

of all plants, including the food on which

possible?’ I think they would agree with me.

become a female worker bee, a queen

large and small mammals depend. While

bee or a drone. They communicate about

caring for their future bees, they pol-

For me, Einstein is not only the father of the

where to find the best pollen and nectar

linate flowers, and therefore maintain the

theory of relativity; he also is the father of

to sustain their colony. They indicate the

continuity of the very processes of life on

the theory of priority. Because, if the bees

newest ‘restaurants and bars’ by dancing.

earth.

die, humanity’s future is at stake

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

innovation

Brian Baker

Farmer Driven Innovation A

fter years of growing garlic on Honey Hill, his organic family farm in Livo-

nia, New York, his market had grown to the point where the area he planted was constrained by his ability to work

How innovation begins: a farmer, a challenge and an idea

using hand labour. An engineer before he became a farmer, he thought about ways to mechanise some of the process. Fred came up with an idea of a simple, adaptable platform mounted on a trailer pulled behind a tractor. This could allow two people to swiftly and easily place the garlic through the slots on the platform and directly into the soil. With hard-neck garlic it is important that the garlic is placed root side down, otherwise quality

Fred Forsburg was exhausted from stooping, bending, dropping to his knees and crawling in order to plant his garlic.

suffers. The platform has the capacity to plant up to four rows per bed, with people kneeling or straddling the slot in the platform. This method has cut planting

rence and myself – I was Director of the

They saw that the platform could be

time to less than a fifth of what it was

Center at the time – worked with engi-

easily modified for planting other crops,

before, but more importantly avoids the

neering students to help Forsburg with

such as potatoes. With the addition of

painful positions previously required.

his design. The team received a small

a toolbar setup it can also fertilise and

grant from the US Department of Agricul-

cover the garlic in one pass. Forsburg

“Planting garlic is always unpleasant and

ture’s Sustainable Agriculture Research

continues to work on the design, and is

ergonomically challenging. Building the

and Education Program. With a small

investigating other possible adaptations,

platform helped me make better use of

amount of external financial assistance

such as attachments to harvest and pre-

my time and created healthier working

and a little help from technical advisors,

pare carrots or beets for market.

conditions for me and my workers,” said

Forsburg was able to design a piece of

Forsburg.

equipment that was simple, low-cost,

How innovation evolves—farmers and

fabricated from off-the-shelf hardware,

researchers communicate

flexible and easy to operate.

In a very different context, groups of

Forsburg contacted the Center for Orga-

organic farmers in West African cereal

nic and Sustainable Agriculture at Alfred State, which provides technical advice.

Other farmers were able to look at the

and cotton farms are conducting partici-

A team that included engineer Matt Law-

device at a field day held at Fred’s farm.

patory research with scientists and

extensionists. The research is being carried out in ten districts in Benin, Mali and Burkina Faso. This action research is a three step process. The first stage involved the selection of farmers, extensionists and researchers, and the farming systems which they would work on. Secondly, farmers proposed innovations that they wanted to test with the researchers. Thirdly, the researchers and farmers designed experimental systems that they could jointly manage at the village and field level. The farmers have identified ideas for techniques and practices to reduce labour input, increase yields, improve quality—and thereby receive a better price— in short, different ways to improve their quality of life. As the researchers are working as partners they have a clearer understanding of what the far-

Overcoming barriers between farmers and researchers involves developing a common understanding, a common language and a common purpose.

mers want. This approach is a departure from the normal ‘researcher and publication’ driven model that dominates academic institutions. The researchers needed to understand social relationships in order to comprehend the farmers’ views about new farming technologies that offer them practical and viable solutions. “The social divide between farmers, technicians and researchers often impedes the development of (the) robust associations needed to innovate and

research programme. The selection was

How innovation spreads—farmers com-

hinders information-sharing. This divide

done by a steering group consisting of

municate with each other

must be reduced and overcome for inno-

farmers’ representatives, researchers

The National Young Farmers’ Coalition in

vation processes to succeed efficiently”

and extension agents. When the project

the United States sponsors a program-

said Gian Nicolay of the Research Insti-

is complete, it is expected that the pro-

me called ‘Farm Hack’, which connects

tute for Organic Agriculture in Switzer-

mising and innovative technologies will

farmers to designers, engineers and

land. However, the gap is being bridged

reach more than 20,000 peasant farmers.

other innovators who seek affordable

by applying sociological and anthropo-

While it is too early to draw any conclu-

ways to reduce the use of farm chemi-

logical knowledge. Overcoming the bar-

sions about the project, the preliminary

cals and fossil fuels on farms. For gene-

riers between farmers and researchers

results are promising. The farmers are

rations, farmers have been developing

also involves developing a common

more likely to participate in research and

their own tools and solutions and sharing

understanding, a common language and

more likely to adopt the outcomes of that

them with neighbours. The Farm Hack

a common purpose.

research as they are included in the con-

programme takes these do-it-yourself

The farmers submitted more than 150

ceptualisation and experimental stages.

and help-your-neighbour traditions to

ideas, 27 of which were selected for the

In short, they ‘own’ the project.

a new generation of farmers faced with

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

There is a long standing community tradition of farmers sharing knowledge and working together to solve common problems.

Participants say that they want to make farming more fun and less hard work.

a different set of challenges. Many are

ly innovating and refining these inno-

more interested in having more leisure

new to agriculture and have fresh ideas

vations. What works on one continent,

time and better working conditions with

about how to make farming more sustai-

country, region or farm might not work

less physical strain.

nable. Young farmers gather to share

on another, but farmers all over the world

Promoting and delivering technological

ideas that are developed at minimal cost.

can learn from each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successes

innovations also requires social inno-

The information and technologies are

and failures. There is a long standing

vations. For innovations to be adopted

all open-source and shared through the

community tradition of farmers sharing

and embedded in the farming culture,

creative commons. Participants in Farm

knowledge and working together to solve

researchers need to work with farmers

Hack events say that they want to make

common problems, which can be foste-

in a way that understands their needs,

farming more fun and less hard work.

red. The promise of improving the quality

respects their knowledge and skills, and,

of life and standard of living are the big-

most of all, fulfils what they want from

Conclusions

gest incentives for farmers to innovate.

technology.

While the context of farming systems,

While saving costs and making more

land tenure, crops, soils, climates and

money are a factor, they are not the only

markets may differ, farmers are constant-

motives to innovate. Farmers are often

Brian Baker works as International Research Networker with FiBL. Contact brian.baker@fibl.org

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Composting systems in the developing world

Tom Deiters

Soil and More is a company that takes making compost seriously. They have started to make compost on a big scale in South Africa, Egypt, India, Mexico, Ethiopia and the Netherlands. Their process uses large composting machinery and a bacterial formula. Ecology and Farming was interested in the financial aspects of the company and spoke with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder, Aart van den Bos.

efore the idea of Soils and More came into being, Aart van den Bos was involved with the vegetable and

fruit trade. After the trading company was sold, he started a new company, Verbos Business Development, helping companies with business planning, interim management and financing. One of his clients was Eosta, a Dutch market leader in organic fruit and vegetables. In October 2005 Aart invited all the shareholders of Eosta to a meeting where he explained how they could finance investments in their supply chains in emerging markets. Volker Engelsman, of Eosta, raised the idea of composting in South

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Soil and More

soil

Africa to assist organic fruit growers there. Aart had already

and distributing them. There are also ecological benefits: by

planned a trip to South Africa for a few months later and took

processing organic waste produces valuable crop nutrients for

the opportunity to visit of Eosta’s few fruit growers, and suppli-

farmers and landscapers, through upscaling a tried and tested

ers to discuss the potential of collaborating on a composting

composting technology from organic farming into a large-scale

project. This resulted in a business plan for a large scale com-

high-quality industrial composting. It also provides an opportu-

posting project close to Port Elisabeth, South Africa. With the

nity to off-set greenhouse gas emissions. Soil & More was one

plan in hand, Aart went to the Dutch government, asking for

of the first companies in the world to receive carbon credits

financial support for this innovative idea.

for composting process (in 2007) and also provides carbon credits for small-holder farmers. These credits help support

The business plan focused on making compost in the deve-

employment opportunities for local people.

loping world, since it is here, where large amounts of organic waste to go to landfill causing unnecessary pollution, that

Soil & More’s composting process qualifies as an emission

composting has the potential to make the biggest impact and

reduction project under UNFCCC’s criteria for aerobic com-

generate the most benefits. Composting these wastes and

posting. The carbon credits are based on the avoidance of

crop residues can benefit large and small agricultural pro-

methane emissions. Soil and More’s compost is produced

ducers by providing them with a valuable material. This also

using unwanted plant and animal materials which – if not used

generates social benefits, providing employment in collecting

for composting – would have been dumped and left to rot,

and separating wastes and crop residues and composting

thus emitting methane.

in 2007 Soil & More was one of the first companies in the world to receive carbon credits for composting

Compost turns ‘waste’ into a valuable resource and can help ‘deserts’ bloom.

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

South Africa and Mexico

apples, pears and vegetables) close to the city of Patzcuaro.

The total investment for the first project in South Africa was

The input materials include wood, straw, water hyacinths,

800,000 Euros, 50% of which was financed through a grant

green fresh material and manure. 50 tons of such ‘wastes’ are

from the Dutch government. Soil & More International started

processed each day and approximately 10,000 tons of com-

the company putting in 200,000 Euros of equity matched with

post are produced annually. The plant currently reduces GHG

a loan of 250,000 Euro from Triodos bank and a flexible cre-

emissions by about 6,000 tons a year. It provides 14 full-time

dit line for the same amount. The loan had a two-year grace

(direct) jobs and about 60 indirect jobs.

period before starting to pay interest, with a 5 year repayment Working with small-scale farmers

period.

Soil and More is also training small-scale farmers in Mexico After several years of producing compost at Port Elisabeth,

and India to make compost in a system that does not require

Soil and More won a tender from the City of Cape Town to

any investment in machines. It allows farmers to generate cre-

compost 95% of the city’s green wastes. The principal was

dits when they can prove that they farm more sustainably. This

simple: Soil and More would compost all the green waste and

is a brand new methodology which Soil & More has already

residues from the city’s parks and municipal sports facilities.

tested in Egypt. The first step is to carry out a feasibility study

This would be a clean and profitable

for a number of farmers / certain crop

operation providing employment for 25

in a given area. According to Aart van

people, with the ready made product being transported to growers and landscapers in the greater Cape Town area. This would reduce the space used to store and breakdown this valuable material and reduce the methane gasses produced. This has become a financially successful operation firstly since the municipality is paying for the processing of this waste and the indirect benefits are due to the reduced emission of metha-

The plant in Mexico processes 50 tons of organic ‘waste’ a year, provides 14 full time jobs and saves 6,000 tons of CO2 emissions a year

de Bos this can reduce the applications of chemical fertilisers for these farmers by 26%, providing them with important savings and offering an incentive for them to work their land in a more sustainable way. Out of this, a new project, the Volatile Carbon Standard (VCS) is being run in conjunction with the World Bank. This project allows small-scale farmers in third world countries to sell their CO2 rights to multinational companies. The criteria are that composting is done on the farm and/ or with other farmers in the region, and

ne gas. This scheme can also be used for greenhouse gas mitigation by businesses looking to offset

makes a big enough impact to offset serious amounts of GHG

their GHG emissions

emissions. The amount of CO2 that is off-set depends on the

The investment needed for this operation came from a loan

type of crop residues. The CO2 footprint of the farm is first

(with 7.25% interest, to be repaid in 5 years) and a credit

determined, using a software package developed by Soil and

account overdraft facility Since this project was started, Soil

More, to set the baseline. After 1 year composting data is gat-

& More has initiated a franchise model which is now used in

hered to determine the reduction in CO2 emissions achieved

Sekem farms in Egypt (where the company makes 100,000

by the farmer. This determines how much CO2 compensation a

tons of compost per year) and in Mexico.

farmer can claim.

Soil and More’s composting operation in Mexico began operating in June 2007. It is located approximately 400 km west of Mexico City in an agricultural production area (avocados, 18

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

To find out more about Soil and More visit their website: http://www.soilandmore.com/

Financing

Véronique RIOUFOL

An essential prerequisite for developing local, organic agriculture in Europe

Securing access to land for new farmers The smell of freshly-baked bread. The sight of golden wheat and spelt. A stable network of consumers on the local market and through communitysupported agriculture schemes. These are the achievements accomplished by Michel in only 5 years. In 2007, Michel became a young baker-cum-parttime farmer, making and selling organic bread in a small village in the department of Drôme, Southern France.

have the financial capacity to buy it, but he knew about a recently created organisation, Terre de liens, which supports farmers in securing access to land. So Michel and Terre de liens joined efforts to raise money from relatives, local inhabitants, consumers, or from further afield. Soon, the necessary amount was collected, and Terre de liens bought 3 hectares of land, which were rented to Michel on a long-term lease. Later, Terre de liens was able to buy two additional plots of 3 hectares each, taking precedence over alternative buyers who had wanted to have a secondary residence, and to keep few horses. With this farmland, Michel has been able to develop his production and to set up a coherent and sustainable system of crop-rotation. Throughout France, Terre de liens mobilises civic support for the preservation of agricultural land and the setting up or continuation of local, organic farmers. In just 10 years, it has come a long way in building civic support, promoting organic farming, and opening up space for debate about land use and management.

e rents 6 hectares of land, to produce part of the

Addressing the land barrier

cereals he uses for baking and is progressively enlar-

Terre de liens was born, in 2003, out of the realisation that

ging his local clientele by word-of-mouth. Michel set-up

access to land – i.e. finding available land, being able to

as a farmer so as to produce all the cereals that he needs

rent or buy it, and having a lasting and secure access to

for his bread, and to develop his activity. He heard about

it – had become a major hurdle for- people wanting to go

organic land for sale in a neighbouring village. He did not

into farming. ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Banks, cooperatives and the main farmers’ unions, in coo-

of inhabitants and consumers, civil society organisations and

peration with the government, and in connection with the

local authorities.

agro-food industry, tend to support specialised, capitalintensive forms of agriculture. This is particularly visible in the

In addition, since 2006, Terre de liens has developed original

existing criteria for bank loans or public support (e.g. acreage,

financial tools to directly support farmers in securing access

quantitative output a, regular increase in capital and inputs).

to land.

Community-connected organic farmers are not high on the list, especially when they come from a non-agricultural back-

Innovative financial tools to decommodify land

ground.

In 2007, Terre de liens started a solidarity-based investment company: La Foncière. Its mission is to raise solidarity-based

Mobilising citizens to develop local, organic agriculture in

investment from the public and to buy farmland and rent it to

France

local, organic farmers. It chose a little used business status –

Against this backdrop, the association Terre de liens emerged

that of private company limited by shares- which has the fol-

to give an answer to these issues and show that other ways

lowing advantages:

are possible. Terre de liens preserves agricultural use of the

It has a variable capital, allowing it to progressively increase its

land, promotes and supports land as a commons and support

financial capacity to invest;

access to land for (established and future) peasant and orga-

Following certification by the authority regulating financial

nic farmers. It results from the cross-fertilisation, in the late

markets, it is entitled to make public issues of shares, thereby

1990s, of three converging movements:

raising money from the public at large;

> Rural development and people’s education organisations

It separates management (formed once and for all when cre-

dedicated to promoting vibrant rural areas and convinced that

ating the Foncière) from shareholders, so as to ensure that

citizens should have their say in the future of rural areas;

the land is preserved and managed in line with the long-term

> Organic and biodynamic farming movements seeking to

goals of Terre de liens.

develop these forms of farming and facilitating the continuation of existing farms and establishing of new farmers;

La Foncière was created with an initial capital of €57 200,

> Solidarity-based economy and ethical finance organisations

contributed by 47 shareholders. From the start, the Foncière

promoting alternatives to capitalist relations to land and money

received wide public support and significant investments. The

as well as contributing their financial expertise.

first public issue of shares (price= 100€) exceeded all expectations by raising €4 million from 2200 shareholders in only five

The cornerstone of Terre de liens is to inform citizens and

months (the objective was to collect €3 million in nine months).

consumers, through a series of educational and local mobili-

In late 2012, after a constant and rapid increase, the Foncière

sation activities aimed at raising awareness of the connecti-

has a capital of over €28 million, owned by about 7500 share-

ons between consumption patterns, the forms of agriculture,

holders.

economic and social activities in rural areas, landscapes, and

The main motivation for citizens to invest are ethical values

environmental impact. Terre de liens encourages people to

-preserving the environment, promoting organic agriculture,

take action, by sharing information around them about land

supporting a local farmer- combined with the security of an

issues, investing in farmland, or volunteering in a local group.

investment in land, and the liquidity offered by the Foncière.

The aim is to raise civic awareness, create support networks

Financially, shareholders are not remunerated for their invest-

for organic and peasant farmers, raise funds and broaden

ment. Their main financial incentive is a tax rebate on their

public debate on territorial planning and the orientation of agri-

income or wealth tax (although the latter has been largely

cultural models.

reduced since 2010).

Terre de liens also initiates and supports local multi-stakehol-

The Foncière buys land and buildings for projects provided that:

der dynamics aimed at supporting a newly established farmer;

• They match the principles and goals set out in Terre de liens’

finding a successor and facilitating a farm transfer; developing a green belt; or, finding and setting up farmers to supply local schools or care homes. It closely works with many local aut-

Charter; • The farmers are ready to be tenants and do not wish to own the land;

horities, by providing technical assistance, realising a munici-

• The farms are economically viable;

pal land diagnosis, facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue, or

• The farms are sustainable, make agronomic sense, and res-

training agents and elected representatives. Terre de liens has now become a large civic movement, involving 20 local bran-

pect the environment; and • The farmers receive local support (such as local fundraising,

ches and over 10,000 people –members, volunteers, share-

the constitution of a group of supporters and/ or consumers,

holders, etc. - and receiving support from many local groups

or interest from the municipality).

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Financing

Michel, organic farmer and baker In 2009, Terre de liens also created an Endowment Fund, Le

every year throughout the country. It supports them in their

Fonds, which collects donations (in cash or kind) from indivi-

search for available land, in their attempt to set up a collective

duals and companies (patronage). It rents (donated or bought)

ownership scheme, in their efforts to continue farming land

farms to farmers on long-term lease. It also has a more gene-

they are established on, in finding local support, etc. Some

ral mission of informing and mobilising citizens and building

find a solution with farms acquired by the Foncière and Fonds;

partnerships with local authorities.

others form collective ownership structures; others farm on communal land.

The Foncière bought its first farm in February 2007. At the end of 2012, through the Foncière and the Fonds, Terre de liens owns, or is in the process of buying, 120 farms, amounting to approximately 3000 ha and 220 far-

Promoting agricultural models that are beneficial to society and the environment Terre de liens’ farms are very diverse in size, production and

mers. In just over 5 years, Terre de liens has thus

organisation: many are small farms or plots ensuring the via-

made significant progress towards freeing land

bility of an existing farm (10 hectares or less), although there

from the commodity market so that it can be

are a few large ones (60 ha or more); most are mixed farms,

preserved in sustainable agricultural produc-

breeding farms or grow vegetables, while a few specialise in

tion and supporting local organic agriculture.

cereals, small fruits, etc.; some are in green belts and peri-

In addition to directly acquiring farmland, Terre

urban surroundings, while others are in very rural areas and

de liens advises and brings technical support

mountains.

to about 200 established or aspiring farmers

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Almost all farms market their products locally, through farm

state of the farm every three years. Terre de liens has also

shops, local farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets, shops and caterers, or as part

experimented, and will try to generalise the use of, a tool for

of a community-supported agriculture scheme. They thereby

agro-environmental diagnosis, helping farmers to assess the

contribute to short supply chains and direct relations between

state of their land and environment and to define priority acti-

consumers and producers. Many also undertake activities

ons.

that benefit local communities or are in the public interest, such as apprentice training, conservation of rare or traditional

Although Terre de liensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 120 farms and 10,000 supporters are

breeds and species, agro-tourism, open days and cultural

marginal compared with the Fthe size of French agriculture,

events. Besides, many farms are multifunctional farms and are

they are a strong sign that, if given a chance, large numbers of

engaged in processing activities, thereby creating added value

citizens support the development of local organic agriculture

and jobs, and enhancing the local economy. The results are

and want to have their say in land planning and management.

particularly telling in terms of employment: while there are, on

This has enabled Terre de liens to open up space for debate

average, 7.5 farmers for 100 hectares of land owned by Terre

about the need to maintain agriculture throughout France, to

de liens, the national ratio in only 5 farmers for 100 hectares.

support organic farmers and to develop short-supply chains and green belts.

Directly owning and managing organic and biodynamic farmland enables Terre de liens to fulfil its goal of keeping land in

A still recent movement in need of consolidation

sustainable agricultural use and protecting the environment.

Terre de liens has developed very quickly over the past 5

Furthermore, Terre de liens and its farmers agree on agricultu-

years, since the start of the FonciĂ¨re. It now needs to stabilise

ral leases, which include legally binding environmental clauses.

its functioning and funding. So far, local branches have bene-

Today, most leases include the requirement to undertake cer-

fited from strong support from public (mostly regional) funds.

tified organic (or biodynamic) farming. They also include other

Terre de liens is now seeking to consolidate and diversify its

aspects, appropriate to each farm. These may concern soil

resources. the local branches are the core of all activities: they

preservation; prohibition of irrigation and drainage; diversifica-

assist farmers and advise future farmers, engage with citi-

tion of crop rotation; specific harvesting techniques; and the

zens, build relationships with civil society organisations, meet

creation, preservation or management of particular landscape

local authorities and stakeholders, etc. A new way of raising

components such as hedges, slopes, terraces, ponds and

funds paths, due to a near-disappearance of the tax rebate

groves. Such leases provide for a review of the environmental

which, together with the economic crisis, has greatly reduced

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Financing

investment (5 M € in 2011 versus 9M € in 2010). Ways ahead

and a key obstacle to the development of local, ecological,

include reinstating a tax rebate, broadening the circle of inves-

agriculture. While there are significant national differences,

tors, developing donations and patronage, and progressively

some trends are prevalent throughout Europe: a diminution of

converting investment in (donations).

agricultural land and land concentration, Rising land prices, a

Terre de liens is also seeking ways to support farmers and

disconnection between the land use value of agriculture and

manage farms beyond the initial phase. A first challenge is to

its price, problems with farm succession etc. Besides these

nurture a relationship between Terre de liens and the farmers,

trends, recent evolutions – such as competition between food,

which goes beyond owner/ tenant relations, while respecting

fibre and agrofuels for agricultural land use or massive finan-

farmers’ autonomy. A critical dimension is to create and main-

cial investments in European agricultural land - are a source

tain meaningful social dynamics around the farm, drawing from

for concern. In this respect, Europe is no exception to the

existing connections with local members and shareholders as

global context of increasing pressure on agricultural land and

well as other stakeholders who have mobilised in support of

food production. Yet, the land question remains largely igno-

the farm. On a more practical level, Terre de liens is faced with

red, or taboo.

a major challenge in terms of property management. Overseeing and maintaining buildings take

In this context, it is useful to come back to

up most of the time and resources

basics: agricultural land is, before anything

dedicated by Terre de liens for the

else, the basis for food production and the

administration of its properties. It needs to upscale the skills, resources and management processes to fund the necessary maintenance or improvement works. In the longer term, Terre de liens is faced with the difficulty of finding adequately trained farmers. Every-

In just five years Tierre de Liens has supported 120 farms and attracted 10,000 supporters

reproduction of lasting ecosystems – hence, life – in the long run. Its price, availability, quality and use must reflect this primary objective. In order to achieve this goal, the land market can, and should, be regulated. Key organic and peasant organisations – starting with IFOAM and Via Campesina – need to mobilise energetically to promote

where in France, training in organic

the necessary changes. Policy-makers must

farming remains limited and often

ensure that land is used in a way that fulfils

lacks a practical element. Knowledge

long term social needs, in terms of preser-

and protection of natural resources

vation of agricultural use of the land, local

are also often absent from the curricula. Besides, training in

quality food production, conservation of natural resources and

business models rarely includes on-farm processing activities,

biodiversity, a balance between urban and rural territories and

pluriactive farming, or short supply chains, and totally ignores

populations, the renewal of farming generations and landscape

the creation of direct relations with consumers or the setting

conservation.

up of a collective ownership scheme. Another difficulty is finding farmers ready to take over an existing organic farm. While

In Western Europe, a number of citizen-led initiatives have

there are many farmers wishing to get started, most are new

developed to provide easier land access to local, ecological

entrants who prefer to start with a small farm and a few pro-

farmers, connected to their community. They come in different

ducts. Few farmers have the skills, experience, and financial

shapes and sizes shape and size, some are centred on one

capacity to take over bigger, diversified farms. Terre de liens

or two farms, others have regional or national scope. They

is thus supporting several farms which work as incubators

engage in different ways with consumers, local inhabitants,

for farmers wishing to become organic farmers. Le Germoir,

and other local stakeholders. Many have already been very

in Northern France, is one of them, where farmers can farm a

successful and bear testimony to the interest and readiness

plot of land for one or two years, as a means of testing various

of the public to actively support ecological, local food produc-

production and distribution techniques, while having access to

tion and the preservation of vibrant rural areas. Although they

support and training as well as building connections with other

are still a loose movement, these initiatives pave the way for

local farmers, consumers, and public authorities. They can

inventing new ways of owning and managing land as a com-

thus strengthen their farming and co-operative business skills

mons. They (re)place farmers as part of a long chain of good

before setting up their own enterprise.

land stewards, develop a long-term perspective on land use and environment protection and try to reconnect land with its

Lifting the land barrier: a common challenge for Europe

intrinsic and use value, rather than its market price. They have

Although exceptional in terms of size and rapid development,

many challenges ahead, but also experiences and reflections

the example of Terre de liens is not unique in Western Europe.

to share with all those concerned in the future of European

Land access is a growing issue in many parts of Europe,

agriculture, food and countryside. ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Innovation and integrated rural development for Oaxaca, Mexico Rita Schwentesius Rindermann and Manuel ﾃ］gel Gﾃｳmez Cruz

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

country report

Aplication of Mycorrhiza and Azotobacter

Oaxaca is one of the main organic coffee producing states in Mexico. Its location exposes it to moist winds from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, which gives the state the distinction of producing a coffee from two oceans. Combined with its topography, a system of mountain ranges, which link the Mexican Central Highlands and the Rocky Mountains in the United States, this gives Oaxaca a rich variety of climates and microclimates.

ochutla district, on the Pacific coast,

growing land is fertilised (with chemical

over the coming years.

has 12 municipalities, with approxi-

or organic fertilisers), 8,700 ha of grafted

The main objective is to contribute to

mately 12,000 farmers and over 31,000

coffee trees have been planted; 19,000

improving the quality of life of farmers,

hectares under coffee cultivation (CECA-

ha have been monitored for plant health,

with researchers and farmers working

FE, 2008). Ten of these areas are produ-

and producer organisations have given

together. We intend to involve government

cing organic coffee, with a total of 16,767

assistance (paid for and free) to farmers

(municipal, state and federal) and non-

hectares growing, farmed by all types of

with 8,800 ha. These data show the mini-

governmental groups in the programme.

farmers, from large scale farmers (40 to

mal attention given by the state to coffee.

The project is focusing on the following strategic activities.

200 hectares/farmer) to small subsistence farmers (2 or 3 hectares/farmer). In all,

1) Record-keeping. Due to the impor-

there are 7,305 small organic farmers, of whom 2,630 are women. Coffee yields in the district of Pochutla are below the average for the state, as a consequence of Hurricane Paulina in 1997, which denuded soil nutrients. Before the hurricane struck, yields were between 10 and 15 quintals per hectare (one quintal = 46kg). Some recent studies have reported

Pochutlaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coffee yields were decimated by Hurricane Paulina and have never recovered

tance of soil within farming, one of the key activities will be helping farmers keep a record of their plots and management strategies. This record can then be used for future comparisons of different strategies for fertilising, soil conservation, as well as pest and disease-control using homeopathic approaches. This exercise

yields of between just 1 and 5 quintals in

provides the basis for discussing future

this area.

improvements and making recommendations, according to the nutrient status,

Little has been done to try to achieve the pre-Paulina yields and there has been no

Faced with this situation, the Centre for

varieties used and any shortcomings in

effective policy to directly promote the

Interdisciplinary Research for Integral

cultural management.

productivity of (organic) coffee farmers.

Rural Development (CIIDRI), has establis-

Demonstration coffee plots have been

This is reflected in statistics by the Natio-

hed a programme to promote innovations

established in each community. Each one

nal Statistics, Geography and Computer

and integral rural development in the

has been comprehensively fertilised, after

Science Institute. It records that Oaxaca

organic coffee growing areas of Pochutla.

a study of the soil in each community. The

has more than 188,000 hectares of coffee

The collaboration with the communities

fertility programme consisted of applying

plantations. Just 22,097 ha of this coffee

started in June 2011 and will continue

organic products biofertilisers, mycorECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Ten specific objectives can be . identified within this programme 1 • To boost the participation of coffee farmers in coopera-

7 • To explore the interest of hotel companies to financially

tives in each of the municipal areas in Pochutla, and to

reward coffee farming communities for the diverse envi-

increase coffee yields in their plots, using organic foliar,

ronmental services that they provide.

solid and green fertilisers, mycorrhiza, azospirilium, good cultural practices and an integral approach to

8 • To contribute to improving standards of living by making eco-technologies available.

management of plagues and diseases. 2 • To develop and disseminate a database of timber-

9 • To improve the productivity of the farming systems

yielding and non-timber-bearing forest species which

through soil conservation practices, such as the use of

might be integrated with the local coffee production

composts, hedges, cover crops and contour ridges.

systems. The database will highlight medicinal and 10 • The development of human resources through the

food uses, and economic value.

participation of university students, three of whom are 3 • To diversify the production of the coffee agroforestry

beginning theses on biodiversity, rural development and

systems incorporating cultivation of native or exotic

environmental services. The training of the postgradu-

species with an environmental, social, cultural and eco-

ate and undergraduate students will involve direct par-

nomic value; and create a basis for the development

ticipation and work experience with the coffee growers

of agro-tourism or social tourism in the coffee-growing

and other local actors. This will give them a deeper per-

areas.

spective and help equip them to be able to engage in participatory development and address problems facing

4 • To give options of cash payments for the environmen-

Mexican agriculture.

tal services provided by local coffee growers. The first

The project is currently focused in three municipalities

step will be to define the areas that provide these envi-

(San Vicente Yogondoy, San Bartolomé Loxicha and La

ronmental services and which should receive support.

Galera). In each we have run a series of presentations, meetings, consultations, proposals (and counterpro-

5 • To explore the possibility of incorporating the water-

posals), listening to the needs of local stakeholders,

collecting forest areas within some of the district’s

expressed at community assemblies. Likewise, we have

micro basins into the Payment for Environmental Servi-

been in discussions with municipal, state and federal

ces scheme currently being promoted by the National

authorities, to get them interested in participating in the

Forestry Council.

project and providing additional resources. Rita Schwentesius Rindermann and Manuel Ángel Gómez Cruz work for Centro de Investigaciones para el Desarrollo Rural Integral, (Centre for the Study of Integral Rural Development) Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Contact: rschwent@prodigy.net.mx

6 • To perform basic studies to understand better the water balance of some representative micro basins within Pochutla.

a qoute here, please

A “thermoburner”, an energy-efficient stove

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

country report

Meeting with organic coffee producers in Pochutla, Oaxaca

rhizae and azospirillum and organic

3) Payment for Environmental Services.

4) Contributions to the quality of life.

compost.

We plan to lobby for a policy (already

This line of the programme involves intro-

proposed by the National Forestry

ducing new eco-technologies, such as

2) Productive diversification. A database

Council) to support the conservation

the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thermoburnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (an energy-efficient

was created of the most commonly used

of organic coffee plantations. Coffee in

oven), dry toilets, and water taps with UV

species in the area, with a particular

Oaxaca is shade-planted which helps to

filters for purifying water, into the area. It

emphasis on those with an economic,

preserve the environment, create habi-

also promotes the organic production of

social, cultural and environmental value.

tats for plant and animal species, con-

foods in household orchards, backyard

It includes woody and non-woody spe-

serve water and thereby replenish water

poultry production, and the production of

cies, such as medicinal, edible, ornate

tables and inhibit downstream flooding.

homeopathic products for treating human

and aromatic species that might be

It also is effective at capturing carbon

diseases. Together these strategies are

incorporated into new improved coffee-

and provides unique scenic beauty. This

intended to improve health standards by

growing systems. In the future we will

is because the prevailing coffee farming

preventing diseases among families and

explore the possibilities of integrating

systems are rustic and the traditional

increasing food quality and availability.

activities such as agro-tourism and the

methods of polyculture imitate the natu-

management of wild species.

ral ecosystem. ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Agroforestry in a temperate climate Stephen and Lynn Briggs

Most people associate agroforestry with (sub) tropical or arid places. Stephen and Lynn Briggs are applying agroforestry to a 100ha farm in Cambrigeshire, England.

n October 2007, we took on the tenancy

Agroforestry

considered nut, coppice or timber trees.

and management of a 100ha farm in

From our previous experience working in

Diversification into apples alongside ara-

Cambridgeshire, England. Given our pas-

Africa, we recognised the environmental

ble crops created a greater enterprise

sion for organic farming and conservation

benefits of agroforestry and were keen to

mix and spread cropping risk, while also

we converted the farm to organic as

develop a system at the farm with mixed

capitalising on a resurgence in demand

soon as was practicable. Our aim was to

tree and arable crops. Following changes

for English organic apples for the eating

develop an organic farming system which

to the Single Payment Scheme in 2009,

and juicing markets.

balanced productivity with environmental

which made fruit, vines and nursery crops

management and was truly sustainable in

eligible, we chose apple trees. We wanted

In late 2008, we placed an order for 4,500

the long term.

to ensure a good commercial return within

apple trees. After harvesting the cereal

the period of our farm tenancy. If we had

crop in 2009, we hand-planted the one-

a longer tenancy period we could have

year old pot grown apple trees with a 1m2

The fen soils on the farm have very high levels of organic matter and are subject to

mipex mulch mat for weed control, a tree

oxidation and wind erosion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; representing

guard and a wooden stake for support.

a loss of the farms most important resour-

Between each row of trees we allowed

ce. We wanted to protect the soil, retain

for a 24m wide cultivated area for cereal,

productivity and enhance biodiversity.

root or vegetable crops. We held our breath when drilling the first cereal crop between the rows of trees,

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Agroforestry

What is agroforestry? Agroforestry is an approach to integrated land use, combining elements of agriculture and forestry in a sustainable production system. Agroforestry systems are generally classified as silvoarable (trees and crops) or silvo-pastoral (trees and animals). The central aim is to create a functional, biodiverse system that balances productivity with environmental protection. Tree species can include timber, fruit, nut, coppice (or a combination) with cereals, vegetables, fruits, and forages planted between the rows. Agroforestry systems can produce food, fuel, fodder and forage, fibre, timber, gums and resins, thatching and hedging materials, gardening materials, medicinal products, recreational and ecological services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and more. Agroforestry can offer environmental benefits in terms of resource use, resource protection and climate change mitigation. Integrating trees into the agricultural landscape also offers a real potential to develop the local economy by increasing economic stability, diversifying local products, rural skills and the economy, improving food and fuel security, as well as the cultural and natural environment and diversity of the landscape. Nevertheless, these potential benefits are not yet fully acknowledged or understood by UK producers or policy makers.

Agroforestry can be the key to a truly multifunctional farm

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Cropping the extra dimension

Most crop production systems exist by exploiting sun, air, water and soil nutrients and only make use of a relatively thin layer above and below the ground.

Combining trees in the system makes much better use of these resources in space and time. Tree roots access nutrients and water at greater soil depth than most farmed crops, while branches make better use of sunlight above an under-storey crop. The secret is to combine complementary components. For example, cereals require most resources from April–June, whereas a later leafing tree species requires most of its water, sunlight and nutrients later in the summer and autumn (after the cereal has ripened).

but the layout worked and the cereals performed well. There were also no problems with harvesting, but we did remind the combine driver to drive straight! We planted 13 different varieties (all on semi-dwarf root stock), selected for taste, good storage, ease of pollination, disease

The crop components need to be carefully selected crop in terms of market outlets, local climate, soil, alley spacing, tree height, the timing of planting and harvesting, tree leaf production and shading. Agroforestry systems modify local microclimatic conditions (temperature, air water vapour content, evaporation and wind speed) and provide benefits to the crops grown by reducing soil degradation and enhancing biodiversity, pest and disease control. Internal nutrient cycling is also maximised through leaf litter return.

resistance and late ripening. Late ripening was important to enable us to pick the apples from the cereal stubbles in the autumn. After harvesting the arable crops, we move straight from cereal to fruit harvesting. The aim is to spread the risk of a difficult or poor harvest over a wider window. A normal orchard would have over 850 trees/ha. We have opted for a planting density of less than 100 trees/ha which allows us to use normal farm equipment, and eliminates the need for specialist orchard machinery. This keeps our fixed and operational costs down and means

for fruit production and beneficial to sur-

breakages from fat pigeons! We also did

that any equipment is multi-purpose.

rounding crops.

not anticipate that we were creating 4,500

Major advantages

We are also working closely with the

Unlike a new orchard, where all the land

Organic Research Centre, the RSPB and

is effectively occupied by trees separated

several universities to monitor changes

On reflection, we are creating a sustaina-

by narrow alleys, in our system approxi-

in flora, fauna and, particularly, farmland

ble business with Whitehall Farm, integra-

mately 4% of the land area is occupied by

birds. Baseline studies were undertaken

ting conservation and profitable farming

trees. This means that we can continue

before establishment and even in the

with some very novel approaches. We

to crop 96% of the area while we wait the

first year we saw improvements, with

believe this approach has a bright future

five years for the apple trees to reach full

an increase in the number and species

and is creating new horizons – literally!

productivity. This is a major benefit for our

of bees, butterflies and birds compared

cash flow.

to both the adjacent organic arable land

This article draws on an earlier piece

and ‘conventionally’ farmed land. The

published in the spring 2011 edition of

We have Organic Entry Level and Higher

research is on-going and we believe that

Organic Farming.

Level Stewardship Scheme agreements

the positive benefits to soil protection and

with Natural England, as well as educa-

biodiversity will continue to increase over

tional access for farmers, researchers

time.

roosting spots in an otherwise open land-

and children. We have introduced a wide range of conservation measures– inclu-

Learning lessons

ding over winter stubbles and nectar

In developing a new system, we have

flower mixtures within the system. We

learnt a lot and made a few mistakes.

have sown multiple species of legumes

We should have used bigger tree guards

and wild flowers beneath the tree strips to

and taller wooden stakes, as we have

attract insects and pollinators – important

had problems with hares and some stem

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

scape.

Stephen Briggs is director of Abacus Organic Associates and author of Organic Cereal and Pulse Production. He is the vice chairman of the European Agroforestry Federation (EURAF) and in 2011 completed a Nuffield farming scholarship visiting agroforestry sites all over the globe. Lynn Briggs is a part-time Soil Association inspector and environmental consultant. Contact sr.briggs@ btopenworld.com Find Out More The Agroforestry Research Trust: www.agroforestry.co.uk Eco-Agroforestry: www.sustainable-agroforestry. org European Agroforestry Association www.euraf.org

events

Bernward Geier

The Philippines

A visionary mayor in the Philippines Nacianceno Mejos Pacalioga is known in his hometown as Mayor Jun. He spent his childhood on a small farm and has kept his passion for agriculture ever since. After his studies he started his professional career as a community organiser. His first political engagement was with the town council of Dumingag.

fter 9 years as deputy mayor, he was elected mayor in 2007. His political

campaign focused on the goal of developing organic agriculture as a central pillar of an integrated concept for sustainable rural development. His opponent running for mayor was a businessman working in the agrochemical industry! Mayor Jun won the election by a narrow margin of a few hundred votes. After a successful first term, implementing his programme, he was re-elected mayor in a landslide victory in 2010. He continues to work on his own 3 hectare farm, from which he draws his extraordinary energy and commitment.

In September 2012, Major Yun received the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One World Awardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which is awarded every 2 years by the German organic foodstuffs manufacturer Rapunzel Naturkost and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM.

ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Mayor Jun runs a ‘town’ that is in fact

passes 15 strategic items, including the

mandatory subject. The local agricultural

44 villages, with a total of about 50,000

development of organic agriculture the

technical college was entirely converted

people. In many of the villages, some of

improvement of health services, environ-

to organic and practical workshops on

which are very difficult to reach, the inha-

mental protection, security, peace and

organic agriculture are organised in all the

bitants belong to the indigenous Subanan

tourism.

villages. Farmers interested in learning

in Dumingag is the greatest challenge as

The implementation of the GPA begins in

ses at the Centre for Organic Agriculture.

90% of the people there live below the

nurseries and in schools. All teachers are

The implementation of the GPA in the

country’s official poverty level. Together

trained in the basic principles of organic

villages is coordinated by village develop-

with the municipal employees and the

cultivation and organic agriculture has

ment workers. The organic farmers have

people of Dumingag he developed the

been incorporated in the curriculum as a

formed their own organisation as well as

tribe. However, the economic situation

more can attend intensive training cour-

‘Genuine People’s Agenda’ (GPA) as the basis for the sustainable development programme. This programme encom-

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

their own marketing cooperative.

Practical workshops on organic farming are organised in all the villages

events

These activities have produced impressive results. Today the food supply is now secure, in large part because the villagers

Many villagers are now returning from the city

now cultivate 98 different local rice varieties and no longer need to purchase seed from multi-national corporations. One interesting indicator of the success of the programme is that only two of the previous ten local pesticide traders are still in business. During the first developmental phase, the number of organic farmers increased from just 20 to 500. The goal of the current phase of the project is to convert all the remaining conventional farms in Dumingag to organic methods. This is being supported by a marketing campaign to boost natural products in the local market. In addition the centre of the main town features an ‘organic village’, with a farmers’ market, an organic restaurant, a health centre and a store for local artisanal products. The GPA includes numerous projects with the focus on poverty alleviation. These include the installation of vermiculture compost units, tree nurseries, fish ponds,

situation, he was subject to extreme poli-

and wider recognition. Two years ago, he

mills, solar drying plants. Commercially

tical pressure when he refused to imple-

received the national award for the best

used forests are used to cultivate other

ment a heavily-subsidised government/

implemented rural development concept.

crops and rubber trees have been plan-

aid programme to provide farmers with

Dumingag is now the national model town

ted. Integrated systems, which include

synthetic chemical fertilisers and hybrid

for poverty alleviation and in the past two

the cultivation of rice and duck breeding

seeds. The rapid decline of the market for

years, the community was awarded a prize

and/or fish breeding, are particularly suc-

agrochemicals in the wake of the conver-

from the World Health Organisation (WHO)

cessful. Local women have set up many

sion to biological agriculture also caused

for the most successful anti-smoking cam-

small businesses, such as handicraft

problems for Mayor Jun, as has his fight

paign. Dumingag is an extraordinary town

shops or production units for herbal

against corruption. When he refused to

that, in just 5 years, has become a beacon

medicines and cosmetic products. The

grant a license to a gold mining company

for sustainable rural development. If may-

new opportunities have encouraged many

to extract gold he was offered a bribe of

ors and politicians in other parts of the

people who had left Dumingag to find

several million Pesos. After declining the

world were to follow the example of Mayor

work in the big cities (but ended up in the

bribe, the municipality was infiltrated by

Jun and the people of the municipality,

slums) to return to their villages.

armed gold miners, apparently supported

this would be a real advance for the des-

by the gold mining company.

perately needed, socially and ecologically sustainable development

Without question, Mayor Jun is a very unusual mayor. He has the courage to

The charismatic mayor’s success and

confront the risks of his policy. In one

courage have brought him local approval ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

SOAAN aims to mainstream organics in the sustainability debate

David Gould

Dimensions of Sustainability

Sustainability is dynamic and takes different forms in different contexts

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

sustainability

IFOAM turned 40 years old last November. Instead of experiencing a mid-life crisis, the organic movement took time to celebrate the past and envision the future.

mid the setting of the 6-day long

Helmy Abouleish, Managing Director of

Bonn Sustainability Days event,

SEKEM, the visionary biodynamic farm

IFOAM hosted its birthday party and a

based enterprise from Egypt, was a key-

sustainability camp. The Sustainable

note speaker and active participant at

Organic Agriculture Action Network

SusCon and in the Sustainability Camp.

(SOAAN) and several dozen other inte-

His prognosis was undeniable: “The

rested stakeholders – about 80 people

green economy is going to come – by

from all continents – met for 3 days of

wisdom or by crisis.”

intense work to piece together the complex puzzle of agricultural sustainability

SOAAN agrees. Its publicity states,

and the value chains that emerge from

“under the current dominant paradigm,

it.

hunger is increasing while health pro-

Ten months prior to the Camp, IFOAM and its allies founded

blems increase; soil fertility, fresh water quality and quantity,

SOAAN in response to a mandate from the 2011 General

and biodiversity continue to decline. Efforts to maintain this

Assembly held at the Organic World Congress in Korea. This

paradigm, which is largely supported by cheap non-renewable

directed IFOAM to form an action network to re-position orga-

energy, are proving inadequate…Organic agriculture, on the

nic agriculture as the mainstream approach to global sustai-

other hand, holds answers to conserving and building our

nability. Despite its relatively long history, organic agriculture

natural resources. It is the core around which sustainable agri-

and its markets still occupy a more or less niche position and

culture can be built, to help secure the sustainability of human

newer ‘sustainability’ initiatives are competing for market share

society and the environment in which we live.”

and people’s attention. IFOAM, SOAAN, and the organic movement have been taking But maybe for not too much longer. The dominant global

time for introspection and self-evaluation, being honest about

paradigm for agriculture is not producing good results. At the

their own imperfections. SOAAN recognises that

Sustainability Conference (SusCon)– which covered the final

“organic methods must also improve... Continued research

two days of the Bonn Sustainability Days – the topic of the

and innovation must be ongoing, to improve techniques and

Green Economy was debated by a broad spectrum of repre-

yields, and further develop varieties that are of high quality and

sentatives from industry, governments and NGOs – most of

resilient against climate change and other pressures, and to

them not organic players. The repeated and resounding con-

maximise potential synergies when stakeholders take an inte-

sensus was that the current paradigm is not working, and that

grated approach to development.”

a real shift is needed in the way primary production, business,

In addition to deepening its core skills, the organic movement

and consumption are organised.

also needs to broaden its embrace to include the full specECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

trum of sustainability issues facing the world, including social,

are shown in table 1. Each dimension is prima facie valued

energy, climate, and economic issues. There is keen aware-

as equal to the others; the emphasis placed on one or more

ness among SOAAN and IFOAM members that the organic

dimensions in any situation will depend on the context.

movement must reach out and be inclusive and appeal to conventional supply chains. As an action network, SOAAN

There is a subtle distinction that should be made between

is designed to be a vehicle for allowing a diversity of organic

best practice and best practices. Sustainability requires paying

organisations and their allies – and any others receptive to its

attention to a broad and deep set of practices, which are ela-

ideas – to use common guidelines and tools in ways that best

borated in the reference document. Best practice as a whole

suit their own needs.

involves adopting the full set of practices. In other words, one cannot ignore certain aspects (much less whole dimensions)

Attaining sustainability through best practice

and still expect to achieve the goal of sustainability. A holistic

‘Sustainability’ is dynamic, with no end point, and will take dif-

approach is necessary.

ferent forms on the ground, depending on local circumstances. However, there are common goals and objectives that we want

Fitting the pieces together

to see achieved. SOAAN worked throughout 2012 to draft

By itself the Best Practice Reference Document cannot be

a concrete vision and a set of best practices for sustainable

all things to all people. Nor is it a normative document, a

development which, when implemented, may help attain these

standard or set of ‘requirements’ per se. It is intended as a

objectives and promote sustainability.

formative and inspirational document, for

The months leading up to the Bonn

people and organisations with aspirations

Camp involved several rounds in which

toward improving their own work and the

SOAAN members conceived and dis-

life of the planet. It is intended to provide

cussed the combination of ideas and practices that could provide a complete picture in a simple, accessible and implementable way. These ideas were discussed in work tracks at the camp, which addressed the required technical practices, strategic approaches,

“The green economy is going to come – by wisdom or by crisis.”

core guidance on which practitioners can base their actions. It is intended that it will act as a springboard from which additional tools and texts for capacity building, benchmarking and assessment, performance indicators and metrics will be developed, and one that is capable of influencing

scientific evidence and evaluation

policy and mobilising human and fiscal

mechanisms and governance. The goal

resources.

of camp was to coalesce these discusThe Reference Document is envisioned to

sions into a core reference document of best practice that all kinds of organisations and individuals

become the linchpin of a community of best practice, where

– within the organic movement and beyond – can use to lead

leadership, innovation, and sharing happen in both a virtual

themselves and others toward sustainability.

(i.e., online platform) and in a living way. The community is envisioned as a vessel where leading enterprises, standards,

In the wake of the Camp, work has been afoot drafting the

and individuals can share their work and receive feedback,

SOAAN Best Practice Reference which will be released for

and share insights with the results of relevant science and

public consultation in early 2013. This describes sustainability

research. It can also provide a platform where cases are stu-

in terms of 5 dimensions and corresponding objectives. Each

died, and transparent evaluations and constructive discus-

dimension is broken down into several more detailed aspects

sions can happen in order to further develop and improve the

that express the values, approach, and practices that help fulfil

performance of practitioners, as well as SOAAN’s products

the broader objective. The 5 dimensions (as currently drafted)

and tools.

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

sustainability

The journey that IFOAM and SOAAN have begun is in many respects a return to the roots of the organic movement – The Principles of Organic Agriculture, parts of which have

organic methods must also improve, continued research and innovation must be ongoing

At the beginning of the Sustainability Camp, SOAAN’s Chair, Urs Niggli (Director of FiBL), predicted that this event would go down in history as a critical turning point for IFOAM and the organic movement. The first public

sometimes been left by the wayside

consultation on the Best Practice Reference

as the organic market has grown. The

Draft will be a milestone in SOAAN’s his-

new basic approach will be to broa-

tory. With the early stages of formation and

den consideration of agriculture and its value chains to include

thought established, SOAAN is now in a position to open its

all dimensions of sustainability. In this sense, SOAAN’s Best

doors wider and will proactively invite a broader spectrum of

Practice Reference may one day come to be seen in the same

members to join the effort.

way that the IFOAM Basic Standards were – the basic guideline for the organic movement.

For more information, please visit www.ifoam.org/growing_organic/Best_ Practice_Program/index.php. David Gould is IFOAM’s Value Chain Facilitator and serves as the SOAAN Secretariat.

dimension

aspects

Table 1:

5 Dimensions Each dimension is prima facie valued as equal to the others; the emphasis placed on one or more dimensions in any situation will depend on the context.

Societal: People live in equality and equity.

Equity and gender Right livelihood Labour and human rights Safety and hygiene.

Ecological: Common resources are used sustainably.

Water Soil Biodiversity Animal production Atmosphere Energy

Economic: Trading leads to pros-

perity.

Investment Local economy and economic resilience Selling products and services Materials/contaminants/waste

Cultural: Inspiration, innovation, leadership and altruism are enabled. Communities are stable and thrive

ersonal growth and community P development Food security and food sovereignty Product quality

Communication: People are accountable for their actions, are transparent about them and encourage participation from stakeholders.

olistic management and goverH nance Accountability and reporting Stakeholder participation ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Interview with Doug Tompkins

Doug Tompkins is much more than a household name in the world of fashion. He is the founder of the brands North Face and ESPRIT. He developed the latter into a billion dollar company and then sold his majority shares over 20 years ago.

oug Tompkins is much more than

and exposed him to a circle of people

a household name in the world of

immersed in what one could describe as

fashion. He is the founder of the brands

the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nature traditionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which stimulated

North Face and ESPRIT. He developed

his love for wild places, wilderness and

the latter into a billion dollar company

wildlife. A combination of early activism

and then sold his majority shares over 20

in the anti-war movement (especially

years ago.

during the Vietnam War era) formed the activist side of his personality. He

Bernward Geier

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

His passion for nature and the outdoors

retains his environmentalist activism and

dates back to his youth, when he began

conservation ethic alongside his good

rock climbing at the age of 12. This led

business sense, making him an example

him to the mountains and to wild places,

for others.

interview

“the last big thing I plan to do in my life is going to be in organic agriculture”

Many years ago he moved to Patagonia,

national parks. Kris and Doug have beco-

impressive and beautiful organic projects

and is now focuses his engagement and

me world famous for these philanthropic

around the world, but nothing prepared

activities on Chile and Argentina. He has

nature conservation activities.

me for what I saw on Doug’s farms in Chile and Argentina, which are not only

become part of what one can consider the ‘Patagonian mythology’. Never really

Yet the public hardly knows about Doug’s

extraordinary but unrivalled – especially

interested in owning land he has became

activities and projects in organic agricul-

in terms of the beauty and the aesthetics

probably the world’s biggest landowner

ture. When I met Doug a few years ago

of the agriculture landscapes. After the

of nature conservation land. Starting with

he told me “Listen, Bernward, the last big

fashion business and nature conservation

close to 300,000 hectares of volcanoes,

thing I plan to do in my life is going to

Doug has now successfully reinvented

mountains, rainforest and rivers, that

be in organic agriculture”, my immediate

himself as a ’land healer’. Together with

make up Pumalin Park, he and his wife

reaction was that I better keep a close

his business partner Eduardo Choren,

Kris, have now bought up over a million

eye on what Doug gets up to. Such a

he is buying completely run down and

hectares in Chile and Argentina to put

statement from a person who has made

ruined farms which he brings to a new

it into conservation so as to protect the

it big and became very rich in the fashion

and prosperous life by converting them

fast-disappearing biodiversity and wilder-

sector and then went on to become one

to organic agriculture. Through the sup-

ness. Doug and Kris invest a lot of effort,

of the world’s leading nature conservati-

port of a very dedicated team they are

time and money in setting up the parks

onists raised my expectations. But I just

healing the land with soil conservation

and infrastructure for eco-tourism. Then,

did not imagine what I would see and

strategies, contour farming, crop rotation

with top quality public access infrastruc-

learn during my visits to some of Doug’s

and biodiversity management that gives

ture in place they turn over the parks to

organic farms. Over the past 35 years I

perhaps the highest agricultural diversity

the national government as ‘ready to go’

have had the privilege of seeing many

anywhere at this scale. They are also resECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

toring, with an extraordinary sense of aes-

spending my mornings totally immersed

involved in. I have applied this to farms

thetics, old farm buildings or building new

in activism then jolted back to reality by

and agriculture, to architecture and to

infrastructure on each farm. And all this is

noon and having to concentrate on run-

landscaping. The technical agronomy of

being done within a with a clear business

ning the business. Something had to

agro-ecological management is some-

plan of making these farms economically

change. I set about extricating myself

thing that will take centuries to develop.

viable.

We are only going to make a small contribution towards that pool of knowledge,

The pictures along with this article and

helping to develop and evolve a new

interview are taken from the ‘flagship’

model of agriculture. My hope is that we

farm Laguna Blanca in Argentina. What

can make substantial progress in deve-

you don’t see but can imagine is that this ecological paradise is surrounded by the sheer madness of monoculture farming based on GMOs and Round Up. There is no better way than Laguna Blanca to confront the failed experiment known as the ’Green Revolution’, which was born from technological arrogance and hubris and

You start with the idea that a good farm is a beautiful farm.

loping a no-till organic grain agriculture, but the end of the line I see the need to return to a perennial polyculture, but that may still be several decades away in the future. Where do you see the greatest problem or most likely disaster in conventional

is one of the biggest components of the

agriculture?

global environmental crisis. Intentionally

It’s widely known that today’s conventio-

Doug, Kris and their team have kept quite

from the business with the aim of dedi-

nal agriculture takes the machine rather

quiet up to now about what they are up

cating my life to conservation and envi-

than nature as its model. This leads to all

to, as they felt that were in the learning

ronmental work. Since then that is what I

kinds of serious problems. The unfortu-

process. But now they feel that the time

have been doing, working twice as hard

nate inheritance of the Enlightenment, the

has come to show what is happening on

as I did when I was in business!

Scientific Revolution and Cartesian reduc-

these farms, not only to the organic world

tionism has led us into the technological

but also to the proponents of industrial

Why did you make such a radical change

trap that the world finds itself in today.

agriculture.

in your life 20 year ago, and not just stay

Agriculture is only one area, but the pro-

at ESPRIT making lots of money?

blem runs throughout all our civilization:

My parents showed me how important

from medicine, to architecture, communi-

it is to get pleasure out of what you are

cations and to economic models such as

doing. If this is not the case, then don’t

capitalism itself, which is no more than an

do it. I realised that I was much happier,

economic technology. This has led to the

What triggered your enthusiasm for envi-

got much more satisfaction and most

massive environmental crisis we are all

ronmentalism?

importantly had more fun in my activities

ensnared in. The demographic explosion,

I joined the Sierra Club (the USA’s leading

outside of business. So I left that world

global climate change, and the extinction

nature conservation group) as a teenager

of making stuff that nobody really needed

crisis (remember: the mother of all crises)

but at this time I was only at best, ‘light

because I realised that all this needless

are all manifestations of this. So I see this

green’. I didn’t really know the deeper

over-consumption is one of the driving

firstly as a problem of epistemology and

issues and complexities of what we now

forces of the extinction crisis, the mother

world view, even in the macro-sense of

might call the ‘eco-social crisis’. It took

of all crises.

cosmology.

Interview with Doug Tompkins

years of scholarship and engagement in

It remains to be seen if there are exit

campaigns and projects to get myself

Do you see a certain logic in your change;

routes from this trap. For agriculture I see

up to speed and to develop a deep and

moving from fashion to nature conserva-

the first step as a complete rethinking

systemic understanding of what was

tion and then organic agriculture?

and evolution towards a smaller scale

driving the crisis of nature and culture. I

I grew up on a small farm in a rural part

and away from the large industrial model.

read and studied a lot and was certainly

of New York State. My father taught me

This implies a shift towards ecological

helped by my activism. Slowly over time, I

many of my guiding principles. He had

management which uses an organic

realised that the business I was an owner

a brilliant eye for design, for proportion,

model rather than the machine model.

of the, then quite large, ESPRIT company

for good lines, for workmanship and for

This is already underway of course in

(operating in 60 countries) was not right

quality in all things. He instructed me at a

various forms. BioFach is an annual

thing for me to be doing. My interest had

very young age to train my eye. That has

expression of this, where we can see

changed to environmental work. I was

helped me all my life in whatever I was

this evolution underway. Yet a long term

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

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interview

paradigm shift will need to involve more

and the health of the soil are where it all

for a moment that you neglect all the

than just the land and actual techniques,

begins and where it all ends.

practical and functional qualities. But if

it will require a radical social, political and

you are putting up a fence, harvesting a

economic shift. These changes will, of

You are working ‘broad acres’. What is

crop, building a shed or a barn, laying

course, come slowly.

the special challenge for organic agricul-

out an orchard, designing a garden, put-

ture on a large-scale?

ting in a road, planting crops, or choosing

Is the needed radical paradigm shift in

Well, as I see it agriculture, at any scale

the colours of the buildings, each and all

agriculture really still possible?

has to be rethought. It is already being

those things can be done with thought to

Well, I believe that to accumulate the

rethought now of course - as we see it in

the aesthetics of the whole. Then there is

needed body of knowledge and to refine

the impressive rise of many movements

the issue of maintenance. Nothing is nicer

the techniques for a radical shift in the

such as organic agriculture, CSA (Com-

than a well-kept house or farm. These

agricultural paradigm we first need a

munity Supported Agriculture), Slow

things bring pride to the farm. With pride

major cultural shift. Restructuring the cal-

Food, the Localvores and Permaculture.

comes care and with care comes good

culation of internal costs, leading to a new

All of this can be practiced much more

results. Life itself becomes a pleasure and

economic paradigm, will encourage more

easily on a small scale than on a large

‘work’ becomes changed into pleasure.

and more farmers to shift into organic or

scale. I believe that ultimately all agricul-

The soils will feel this affection and this

better yet agroecological management.

ture will have to be small-scale. Simply

pleasure and will become healthy. We find

The paradigm shift is without question

said we need ‘more eyes per hectare’, it

this of course with affection for our family

a possibility, but more so a necessity.

is as simple as that. Yet today’s economic

and our friends. It is not something that

It requires a bit of imagination and then

structure in most nations and the now

can be calculated but when do we calcu-

getting out there and doing it. But it will

recognised failure of the globalisation

late love? Or think that we needed to?

take time and hard work. The techniques

model still continue to prolong the agony

will have to be custom made for each

of industrial agriculture. Our farms may

Where will be agriculture be when you

ecosystem, each farm, and each crop.

appear to be medium/ large scale, but

celebrate your 90th birthday?

If I could have another lifetime, I would

they are really multiple farms layered onto

Well that is only 20 years away! There is

become a farmer right away and devote

one property. They contain a high level of

a lot I hope I hope I can do to contribute

100% of my time to this endeavour. This

agricultural diversity, in separate entities

in that time to improving agriculture.

is simply because I realise that there is no

that are intertwined on one piece of land.

Yet, I think I will see a huge change for

way out of the whole eco-social crisis if

In the long run farms should never be as

I see that the agroecological movement

we don’t come to a serious paradigm shift

large as our large farms. We just are at a

is unstoppable. It may surprise people

in agriculture. Farming has more impact

moment of time when we think it is stra-

when I say this, but just looking back-

than anything else on landscapes, water,

tegically best to work at this scale. This

wards over the last fifty years we can see

climate and biodiversity. As such we need

requires making compromises though,

the evolution of the organic agriculture

to convert worldwide to a ‘new’, highly

and maybe in twenty to thirty years time

movement, which certainly has not been

and locally customised, organic model

these may not have to made.

getting any smaller or weaker. Of course there may have been an occasional step

of agriculture and food production. What you might describe as a wholly integrated

From a landscape and especially aesthe-

backwards but then followed by two

food system.

tic point of view the farm you have crea-

forwards. In the long view it is moving

ted at Laguna Blanca is the most beauti-

forward rapidly, and doing that for a num-

How does your way of organic farming

ful farm I have ever visited. What does it

ber of reasons. Among them is the failure

look in practice?

take to create such beauty?

of chemical industrial agriculture and the

First I see the need for a higher level of

Many people, in fact, most everyone who

likelihood that environmental regulations

agricultural diversity than the current

visits Laguna Blanca and also Laguna

will become stricter in the future. These

monocultural model offers. What we do is

Blanca’s sister farm, Malambo, say the

are just two reasons why organic agricul-

break down our bigger farms into smaller

same thing, and I even think so myself.

ture will one day eclipse techno-industrial

farming units. These might be orchards,

But of course, I am partial and biased!

and chemical agriculture. For that reason,

or focus on animal husbandry, grains,

Really it is simple to make a beautiful

whether I make it to 90 or not, this agroe-

apiculture, horticulture, or culinary and

farm. We have made twenty of them

cological movement is simply UNSTOP-

achromatic/medicinal herbs. But, there

now in Chile and Argentina. You have to

PABLE! So, let’s enjoy that thought, and

is also always space for wild biodiversity

start with the idea that a good farm is a

take hope from it that we will give us

reserves. My passion is to build healthy

beautiful farm. That everything you do

strength along the way.

soil and I love the challenge of holistic

and you think about doing should add

organic management. Nutrient recycling

beauty to the farm. That does not mean

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

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Simple and effective

Using compost to suppress weeds Peter Brul

Design of the compost sowing machine.

In the Netherlands, costs of agricultural land, labour and services are high. Although it is one of the smallest and most crowded countries in the world, it is the biggest agricultural exporter after the USA.

his can only be achieved with a very intensive production

labeling are all done on the farm, so the produce can be put in

system, producing high yields and high value products.

the shelf of supermarkets without any further handling.

Organic farming in such circumstances is also quite labour and capital intensive. To get enough income and to keep this

In the Netherlands, Anton and his neighbours have been

strong position, agriculture needs to be very innovative.

looking for a solution for one of the biggest problems (or challenges if you prefer) for an organic farmer: how to con-

Anton van Vilsteren is a typical Dutch, innovative, organic

trol weeds without spending too much time. They found a

farmer. He has an organic farm in one of the polders where

solution by using compost! The compost has to be made in a

he grows a variety of vegetables. He works together with his

proper way, so it is free of weed seeds and is tested for this.

neighbours, to optimise production and to achieve a large

The compost is very fine compost, with the particles smaller

enough scale to use very sophisticated machines. Their pro-

than 5 mm. The farmers did the experiments together with the

ducts are sold via Nautilus, the organic producersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association,

weed specialist Piet Bleker from the PPO research institute, to

to the domestic market and some neighbouring countries.

find the right thickness of the layer. The compost layer blocks

Anton is the President of Nautilus. To be able to deliver year

out the light impulse that the weed seeds need to germinate.

round to customers, they also have a farm near Casablanca

During the experiments they found that a compost layer of

in Morocco, where they work together with a group of small-

2 cm was optimum in terms of suppressing the weeds, but

holders. From this site they pack vegetables and make daily

allowing the germination of carrot seeds. Economically this is

deliveries of fresh produce, using a temperature controlled

also the best option, a deeper layer needs more compost and

logistic chain as well. The sorting, quality control, packing and

raises the cost. They asked a specialist to design and produce

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

INNOVATION

the machine lays the compost out in narrow strips

a machine. This machine can carry a load of 9 m3. It lays the compost out in narrow strips, in which the carrots or other vegetables can be sown. Hoeing between the strips can control the emerging weed seeds. Last year they sowed 100 ha in this way. The compost machine is steered via a GPS, so it always follows the same paths, controlling soil compaction. Together the 3 farmers have 400 ha on which they do nearly all activities with wide track machinery, using GPS satellite and a fixed radio beacon. Sowing, weed control, injecting liquid manure, spreading compost and most of the harvesting activities are done in this way. Year after year, exactly the same paths are used, and the rest of the soil is untouched by wheels of the heavy tractors or machines. Only the potato harvest is still too heavy for the wider axle. The tractor generally does not have a driver, but is run purely on the GPS. While this might be a step too far for many farmers, using compost in strips to suppress weed seeds might be a solution for many vegetable growers. ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

The next step in improving nitrogen use efficiency

Cut and carry fertilisers Geert-Jan van der Burgt

In organic farming, nitrogen is often a limiting factor for production. Leguminous crops can fix this ‘fuel’, but how to use it in an efficient way? Cut and carry fertilisers offer new prospects for increasing the production potential of arable farming.

Cut and carry fertilisers are usually clover/ grass, clover or alfalfa. The crop is used directly as ‘green manure’ for fertilising another field without going through the usual cycle of being fed to an animal to produce nitrogen-rich manure. This allows for an increase in nitrogen use efficiency as feeding the crops to cows to produce manure involves a 20-30%

eguminous crops are a well-known

But what is a farmer to do if there is no

nitrogen loss. The option of redistributing

component of organic farming and

organic dairy farm close by? In such a

nitrogen around the farm offers increased

gardening. As a cash crop they reduce

situation, cut and carry fertilisers are an

freedom for nitrogen use, compared to

the overall need for fertiliser. As a green

interesting option.

mulching with a grass-clover crop. It gives

manure they provide nitrogen for the

freedom of location (it can be put on any

next crop on the same field. Clover/

field), freedom of amount (you choose

grass, clover or alfalfa can be sold to a

how much you apply on a certain field)

nearby dairy farm in exchange for manure.

and freedom of timing (if you don’t need the nitrogen now you can conserve it as silage and use it later). This idea is not new, but it has been picked up again in the Netherlands among arable farmers who don’t have organic dairy farms nearby and who are interested

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

soil

The material must be finely cut, evenly spread and not too dry

in farming without using animal inputs;

green fertiliser acts best on crops with a

were built. We also learned that digging it

some refer to it as â&#x20AC;&#x153;vegetarian arable far-

long growing period. We also tested it on

into the soil is necessary. In experiments

mingâ&#x20AC;?.

spinach, and there it only worked when

with spring wheat, the green mass was

a very large quantity of nitrogen was

applied to the crop at the end of April /

For three years, the Lois Bolk Institute

applied. The timing aspect also became

beginning of May and only lightly dug into

hasv been comparing the nitrogen value

clear in an experiment with potatoes.

the soil, when the field was tilled for weed

of cut and carry fertilisers with that of

The cut and carry fertiliser gave a better

suppression. The effects of the nitrogen

dairy slurry and poultry manure. We found

result when applied before planting than if

were noticeable, but not sufficient. We

this green mass, freshly used or after a

applied three weeks later, when the ridges

also learned that the material must be

period of storage, resulted in comparable

cut into short enough strips to be easily

or slightly higher yields than the use of

and evenly spread and tilled into the soil.

manure. However, the release of nitrogen

Finally the material should not be too dry.

shows a different pattern. About half of the nitrogen in dairy slurry is inorganic and is only available to the plants shortly after application. In the case of cut and carry fertiliser, more time is needed for the material to decompose and the nitrogen is released little by little. For this reason, this

Mineral nitrogen

green fertiliser acts best on crops with a long growing period

After these three years of experiments on small plots we upgraded the experiment to the farm scale at two locations. We

Soil fertility

When selling clover/grass, clover or alfalfa one is not only selling nitrogen. Other nutrients and organic matter are sold that could be kept on the farm if the plants were used as cutand-carry fertiliser.

About 50% of the nitrogen in dairy slurry is in mineral form. This has the advantage of being directly available to the plants. But there are also two disadvantages: the risk of leaching, especially on sandy soils, and the risk of increased denitrification, especially on clay soils. ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2013

Mulching

A cheap way of providing nitrogen input is to grow clover/grass, clover or alfalfa and to cut this and use it as mulch in situ three or four times a year. This increases soil fertility in the field, but the overall nitrogen fixation is less than when the produce is removed. When mulched, the decay of nitrogen-rich material creates plant-available nitrogen for the next cut, which reduces the nitrogen fixation. Leguminous plants prefer easy N-uptake above energy-demanding fixation. So mulching in situ reduces the N-input at the farm level.

The approach is practical and under local conditions might become economical

continued to measure the fertilising value

tory to produce feed pellets. The main

and compare it to the use of manure, but

determining factor in this new system is

we also looked at new and very practical

the price saved by not buying manure,

questions: At what growing stage should

including the costs of transporting the

the cut and carry fertilizer be cut? How

green mass to the dairy farm and the

do you know or estimate the nitrogen

manure to the arable farm. We estimate

After five years of research, we have con-

content? How long should it be dried (up

that a price of between â&#x201A;Ź12 and â&#x201A;Ź15 per

cluded that the fertilising potential of cut

to 30-35% dry matter?) before spreading

tonne of manure is the point at which

and carry fertilisers is comparable to that

it on the target field? How short should it

it becomes worthwhile to grow clover/

of manure and that the overall nitrogen

be cut after harvesting to create a product

grass, clover or alfalfa for cut and carry

use efficiency is better. We have shown

with good spreading properties? What

fertiliser, rather than for sale. Some far-

that this alternative approach to using

type of manure spreader is best to use

mers are close to paying that much, and

clover/grass, clover or alfalfa is techni-

with this high-volume, low-weight fertili-

the price of organic manure is expected

cally and practically possible at the farm

ser? How do you ensure that the correct

to rise.

scale and that, under local conditions, it might become economical. So if you farm

amount is applied? We plan to continue the experiments

under these conditions, give it a thought

And then there is the financial aspect.

at farm scale for at least another three

and even try it yourself.

Under Dutch conditions there are two

years. This will allow us to observe the

alternative pathways: selling the produce

development of soil fertility in the medi-

to a dairy farm and buying manure in

um term when exclusively using cut and

return, or selling the produce to a fac-

carry fertilisers.

1-2013 | ECOLOGY & FARMING

Geert-Jan van der Burgt works as researcher soil fertility with the Louis Bolk Institute in the Netherlands. Contact g.vanderburgt@louisbolk.nl

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