#Philippines #AgroEcology highlight from @AgroecologyMap

"Kuatro Marias' Agroecology Farm, located in San Narciso, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro, is a pioneering model of sustainable agriculture in the Philippines. Established in 1998, the farm operates on the principles of agroecology, focusing on harmonizing agricultural productivity with #environmental #stewardship. With a mission rooted in #biodiversity protection and #sustainable resource use, the farm avoids synthetic chemicals, instead leveraging natural cycles to nurture its crops, livestock, and aquaculture systems. Its name symbolizes balance and sustainability, honoring the four elements and the proprietor’s four daughters.

"The farm showcases an Integrated Diversified Organic Farming System (#IDOFS), where crops, livestock, and aquaculture coexist in a symbiotic relationship. This includes a #FoodForest with diverse trees like #ube and #cinnamon, a pond supporting #tilapia and other fish, and naturally fed chickens and hogs. A unique #SeedBank ensures the preservation of genetic diversity while minimizing waste. These practices not only enhance productivity but also build resilience against climate change and natural disasters, embodying agroecological principles that prioritize soil health, ecological balance, and community well-being."

Learn more:
https://agroecologymap.org/l/kuatro-maria-s-agroecology-farm
#agroecologia #agroécologie #agrarökologie #permaculture #permacultura #permakultur #agroforestry #agrofloresta #agroforesterie #agroforstwirtschaft #sustainability #sustentabilidade #foodsystems #farming #agriculture #regenerative #SolarPunkSunday #PolyCulture

A good argument for #Polyculture instead of #monoculture! Of course, it takes time to establish, and doesn't happen overnight.

#Climate takes its toll on the ‘#cherry capital of the world’

The erratic weather adding to the troubles of Michigan's cherry growers is impacting #farmers everywhere.

Ayurella Horn-Muller & Izzy Ross
December 17, 2024

"Everyone who works the land knows they’re at the mercy of the weather, but even by that measure this was a challenging year for Michigan’s cherry farmers. Growers throughout the state, which produces one-fifth of the nation’s sweet cherries and about 75 percent of its tart cherries, have struggled with mounting losses. By the time the season came to a close over the summer, as much as 75 percent of the state’s sweet cherry crop was lost. Although tart cherry production for northwest Michigan was up almost 40 percent over last year, the quality of the fruit declined.

"Many growers are adapting to the difficult market and changing climate, planting different varieties or embracing high-density orchards with trees packed more closely together, an approach that makes them easier to harvest while lowering costs and improving quality. For Isaiah Wunsch, CEO of the farm that bears his name, the key to survival is 'not putting all of our eggs into one basket.'"

https://grist.org/food-and-agriculture/climate-takes-its-toll-on-the-cherry-capital-of-the-world/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

10 incredible #UrbanFoodForests from around the world

"If we take a moment to observe nature we realize that a woodland doesn’t require artificial interventions to remain flourishing." – Picasso Food Forest

Climate Society
14th June 2022

"Everywhere around the world cities are facing the challenge of providing their growing population with fresh, local food. Instead of buying food cultivated in monocultures hundreds of miles away from home, both farmers as well as engaged citizens are turning to a radically different approach. They are transforming school yards, parking lots and even boats into edible food forests.

"Food forests are the complete opposite of our industrial agricultural model. Instead of large-scale monocrops covered in harmful pesticides, food forests are diverse ecosystems, mimicking natural forests. The different layers of a food forest, ranging from tall fruit and nut trees to fruit bearing shrubs and bushes, vines, roots and other ground-hugging plants, offer a variety of fresh, local, organic produce.

"Especially for city dwellers, these urban food forests provide a huge opportunity. Rather than depending on the heavily industrialized food system, it enables people in cities to gain access to healthy and sustainable nutrition. In addition, by actively participating in taking care of a food forest, the connection to both nature and community gets an instant boost.

"These ten inspiring examples of food forests prove that it is possible to provide inhabitants of urban areas with food that is good for both people and planet."

Read more:
https://sustainableurbandelta.com/urban-food-forests/

This was in Arkansas but, with the number of gun "enthusiasts" within earshot of my home, I'm leery of too much 'visibility'. I try to let my #polyculture #perennial #FoodForest, speak for itself. It doesn't shout or whine or threaten. it only gives back what we put into it. The yield in #biomass alone, from basically beach sand (very deep wind-flattened reforested dunes) has, over 10 years, astonished us. Took some energy to get it going, but it's up and running with deep roots. Soon leading a tour of the site as learning destination for students from regional colleges. We've shown how to use plants for #ecosystem enhancement under challenging conditions with fruitful yields (literally).

"65-year-old neighbor leaves death threat in mailbox after stealing #JoeBiden #Democrat campaign sign.

#MAGAT sheriff in #Arkansas says the letter doesn't violate any laws."

An image for your files.
#permaculture #agroforestry #polyculture #diversity #habitat #wildlife

After 50+ years of #organic #gardening / #polyculture, I've found that one of the best ways to manage pests is to overwhelm them with alternate food sources. Toward that end I find it of value to purchase RADISH SEED in bulk. Before I plant anything in the ground, I scatter radish (daikon is my favorite as it's mild). This performs several functions: 1. snip 'em as microgreens until they get to 5" (12.7mm.) or so. 2. They shade the ground to reduce evaporation 3. they pump sugars (via photosynthesis) into the earth to stimulate / feed microbes and fungi. 4. they provide food for pill bugs / cutworms / slugs & less predation of the crop, 5. can be snipped for, or browsed by small livestock, 6. you can cut and lay them down as mulch, and 7. you get radishes from the ones you let grow. Got any other functions to add?
Edit: the same terms apply to turnip seeds and any other brassica one can obtain in quantity. Buckwheat works similarly in warmer months and locales.

#Introduction: #Editorial Guild for #Permaculture #Design #Magazine since '98, #Homestead #polyculture #Farm on 10A of partly forested sand.
#NaturalBuilding #Agroecology #Agroforestry #Ecoforestry #SeedSaving #restoration #soil #Erosion #Rewilding #Wetlands #Earthworks #Watersheds #bioregions #AridPermaculture #UrbanAgriculture #UrbanPermaculture #SpongeCities #FloodPrevention #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateChange
#CurrentEvents #comedy #humor #cartoons
#relocalization