"Wild new way to make money" from urban trees?
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Friday, August 3, 2012
Agroecology and Peasant Agriculture
If you are not already familiar with his research, I would highly recommend looking at the
work of Miguel Altieri because he is
among the foremost academics that have been looking at peasant agriculture and agroecology.
Altieri’s research contradicts commonly held beliefs and assumptions that
peasant agriculture is less productive than large scale western style
mechanized agriculture.
Here is some quick references off the web:
and some of his books: https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Miguel+A+Altieri%22
With starvation threatening one-sixth of the world’s population, and the
West’s technological solutions called into question—the Green Revolution of the
1950s and 1960s failed to solve the problem, and now the Gene Revolution, or
agricultural biotechnology, is under increasing attack—many think it’s time for
another way. Berkeley’s Miguel Altieri, an associate professor of insect
biology in the College of Natural Resources, has a world-wide reputation for
his alternative solution: “agroecology,” or sustainable agriculture, which
respects the knowledge of indigenous peoples, protects the environment, and
promotes social equity.
“I was trained in the West,” says Altieri, “but after studying ancient agricultural systems, I realized that Western knowledge is inadequate to deal with the complexities of Third World agriculture.” Altieri has an impressively broad range: he works in the fields alongside the world’s poor farmers, writes influential books and articles about the principles he champions, and attends conferences around the world, speaking out against biotechnology and in favor of agroecology. His advice has been sought by peasants, a Prince, and the Pope.”
“I was trained in the West,” says Altieri, “but after studying ancient agricultural systems, I realized that Western knowledge is inadequate to deal with the complexities of Third World agriculture.” Altieri has an impressively broad range: he works in the fields alongside the world’s poor farmers, writes influential books and articles about the principles he champions, and attends conferences around the world, speaking out against biotechnology and in favor of agroecology. His advice has been sought by peasants, a Prince, and the Pope.”
I consider his work essential reading that underscores the values of biologically
and human intensive agriculture -- particularly relevant to urban agriculture systems.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Transformation of a farm in Silicon Valley
In December 2011, more than 1,000 NVIDIA employees, friends and family members will donate their elbow grease to help Full Circle Farm make the various infrastructure upgrades that are needed to transform Full Circle Farm into a fully sustainable farm – both in terms of the environment and finances. They will work the soil and provide new irrigation to improve crop production. The NVIDIA volunteers will also build a new farm stand, greenhouse, packing facility, and an outdoor teaching kitchen (which we use to educate thousands of children and adults about where their food comes from). More about the project is described here: http://blogs.nvidia.com/2011/08/transforming-health-nutrition-inspiring-challenge/
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Jake Sigg's Nature News is Now a Blog
Jake Sigg is a local San Francisco legend with a life long history as an environmentalist. His Nature News has been getting emailed out for years, but now he has a blog. His wide ranging interests and eclectic points of view never cease to provide education and humor.
Visit Jake's site at http://naturenewssf.blogspot.com/
Visit Jake's site at http://naturenewssf.blogspot.com/
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