Here are some simple rules of thumb I am trying to apply in judging if I
approve and support a certain way of growing food...
Are the people affecting the food I eat interested in providing the most
wholesome food they can for me and my family (which I consider one aspect
of excellence in this area), or are their actions motivated by taking more
profit?
Secondly, I ask... Does the method of raising the food work in conjunction
with nature or against it?
I know there are many questions that such a philosophy implies, but these
principles have become important to me, and in my opinion much of our
current food system falls far short.
Therefore, I volunteer in my spare time and subscribe to a local organic
farm, shop for organic food at the local food coop, and try to learn more
about growing organicially. I hope to use this forum to share my views and
find out what others have to say about this topic... Here is part of
Larry's mail to me...
andy@ecn.purdue.edu
========
>Permaculture defined (in brief):
>
>From:
>
>Dr. Lee Barnes
>Editor of:
>"The Permaculture Connections: Southeastern Permaculture Network News"
>P.O. Box 1303
>Waynesville, N.C., 28786
>Telephone: 1-704-452-5716
>$10.00/year, 8 page Quarterly
>
>Permaculture ("Perm"anent "agri"culture and "Perma"nent "culture")
>is a sustainable design system stressing the harmonious interrelationship
>of humans, plants, animals and the Earth. To paraphrase the founder of
>Permaculture, designer Bill Mollison:
>
>"Permaculture principles focus on thoughtful designs for small-scale
>intensive systems which are labor efficient and which use biological
>resources instead of fossil fuels. Designs stress ecological connections
>and closed energy and material loops. The core of permaculture is design
>and the working relationships and connections between all things. Each
>component in a system performs multiple functions, and each function is
>supported by many elements. Key to efficient design is observation and
>replication of natural ecosystems, where designers maximize diversity
>with polycultures, stress efficient energy planning for houses and
>settlement, using and accelerating natural plant succession, and
>increasing the highly productive "edge-zones" within the system."
>
>Permaculture designs have been successfully and widely implemented in
>third-world countries, but there is current need to expand these
>principles in temperate climates, and especially urban areas to create
>more enjoyable and sustainable human habitats.