permaculture

[venaurafarm <venaurafarm@bellsouth.net>]

- edited to present the essence of the article - LL
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [fukuoka_farming] Natural Farming
From: iyo_farm <iyo.farm@ymail.com>

This is a genuine question which has been on my mind.

Agriculture for most is not a hobby or elite indulgence, it is a
necessity. It is a necessity for all.

Farming is done by farmer. Farmers live in communities and have to
organize those communities to work. They have to work collectively and
deal with issues that arise.

The concept of Natural Farming goes further than just food production or 
 business consulting. It is said to be the perfection of the self and 
by extension the perfection of the community and by extension the
perfection of the planet.

Actually, this is one of the Buddhist essences of Fukuoka's work.

Therefore, how do we visualize and realize our perfect farming community?

A feudalism ... elite control ... or a democracy in which the peasants
(most of us, I guess) have a right to discuss issues that effect us and
have our opinions heard and rightfully represented, free off the fear of 
being "outcast" as if it was some medieval village.

Personally, I do not think such a feudalistic view is Natural Farming.
Although Fukuoka was an elite, he rejected conformity, the pressures of
the government and local village coops.