Q&A with Regi Haslett-Marroquin on The True Cost of Food: The Bill Is Already in the Mail

By Christine Grillo, John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future

Working with the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance in Minnesota, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin is the architect and engineer behind the regenerative poultry system, one of many farm operations at the 100-acre farm in Northfield, through the Main Street Project. His approach to regenerative agriculture involves a biodiverse system of symbiotically connected livestock and perennials, with no chemical inputs, building soil, cleaning water and delivering economic benefits to the community.

A Climate of Emergence

By Jasmine Dale, Permaculture Association

Hear the language of the emergency? Is it to galvanise progressive change or engender fear? I’ve been in a few emergencies. I’ve even been in a house on fire. Clear thinking and quick strategic action were required. Fear and panic are highly contagious and are not helpful in an emergency. I’m noticing even committed permies around me are doubting whether our methods and principles are enough to avert catastrophe.

Applying Food Forest Growing to Farms: Beyond Garden Scale

By Jonathan Bates, The Permaculture Research Institute

As these “Farm Gardens” expand and become nodes that merge, I envision entire fields fully planted, feeding the soil, wildlife, farm animals, and us. I look forward to continuing to share this experience with you as the process unfolds.

With New Perennial Grain, a Step Forward for Eco-Friendly Agriculture

By Jim Robbins, Yale Environment 360

A cereal and beers are now being made with a new variety of perennial grain known as Kernza. Proponents say this marks a significant advance for a new agriculture that borrows from the wild prairie and could help ensure sustainable food production in a warming world.

Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share in Education: The Children in Permaculture Manual: Review

By Matt Willer, Permaculture Association

The Children in Permaculture Manual has been written by people who not only see the world through the permaculture lens, but also know exactly how, through thoughtful pedagogy, children can be engaged to see through this lens too.

Soft Steps & Solid Heart at Rhoby’s Ranch

By Marie Hoff, Fibershed

Despite numerous farming and crafting projects, from fiber to culinary, Rhoby’s Ranch is not hectic. There is a serene quality in the air. Everyone is working together: the sheep, the geese, the dog, the shade tree, the hugelkultur, the hedgerow, the grasses and microbes, the soil — and everyone helps each other work.

Permaculture in Taiwan – Permaculture Day Spotlight

By Celia Ashman, Permaculture Association

In September last year, I was very lucky and surprised to find myself in Taiwan for three weeks. I had two weeks free to travel wherever I wanted – so I put the word out for recommendations of permaculture projects, perhaps where I could volunteer and learn about the permaculture movement on another island (Taiwan is a bit bigger than Wales).

What is a Permaculture Convergence?

By Ryan Sandford-Blackburn, Permaculture Association

A conference, convention, gathering of grand wizards. Just some of the things I've heard a convergence mistakenly called over the years. If you've never been to one then you're missing out - but missing out on what!? What is a convergence?

Bringing it All Together in Just. One. Diagram. (Part Four – the Nine Spaces)

By Dan Palmer, Making Permaculture Stronger

Whenever you design and create anything, you deploy one or another conceptual framework. One or another way of framing and making sense of both what you start with, how to go about developing or changing it, where you are heading, and why you are even bothering. No matter if you’re aware of your conceptual framework. It is there.

Why Permaculture Puts Food First

By Albert Bates, The Great Change

Permaculture is much more. It is a regenerative design science. It teaches you to think ecosystemically: no waste; cyclical; nourishing body and soul; steady state.

Bringing it All Together in Just. One. Diagram. (Part 2)

By Dan Palmer, Making Permaculture Stronger

Generative transformation is really good stuff. I believe permaculture and generative transformation are meant to be together, just like orchid and wasp, legume and rhizobia, or carbon and nitrogen in the perfect compost. Indeed, I’d argue that generative transformation is in play when any permaculture project really shines.

Bringing it All Together in Just. One. Diagram.

By Dan Palmer, Making Permaculture Stronger

The following diagram is a hyper-condensed summary of over two years, 80 posts and 70,000 words worth of this blog’s assorted ramblings about permaculture design.