Small is Beautiful and Vital!

We came across an excellent article today by the venerable David Suzuki speaking to the importance of small-scale agriculture to global food security. He points out that healthy ecosystems, of which agriculture is an integral part, must maintain a level of balance and biodiversity that large-scale agriculture is incapable of providing. Sounds most logical!

In contextualizing his perspective, Suzuki points to a paper in the Agriculture and Human Values journal authored by Michael Jahi Chappell and Liliana LaValle entitled Food security and biodiversity: can we have both? The journal article points to the tendency of industrial agriculture to try to correct mistakes by devising "new crutches" to tackle them, such as more powerful pesticides, soil manipulation, etc. This ever deepening hole is now consuming us!

The post WWII and green revolution argument that industrial agriculture is the only way to feed our burgeoning global population is losing its lustre in light of obvious shortcomings. Increasingly, concerns by citizens that perhaps governments and corporations might not have their best interests at heart are predominating.

Suzuki closes his article with the following quote from Chappell & LaValle:

If it is ... possible for alternative agriculture to provide sufficient yields, maintain a higher level of biodiversity, and avoid pressure to expand the agricultural land base, it would indicate that the best solution to both food security and biodiversity problems would be widespread conversion to alternative practices.

We at Visionary Values agree 100% and will continue to present these issues to those around us. Let's take on the challenge to recover our connection to the land and our communities and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to eat healthy foods grown in sustainable ways!

Check out David Suzuki's website for more great information!

State Your Food Sovereignty

How can "ordinary citizens" take back control of basic rights in today's world? One way to send a message is to do what several states and towns have done recently: Demand Food Soverignty!

What does this mean exactly? Well, if you start with the concept of "you are what you eat," then a great first step is to find out what is IN what you eat. On a global level, we no longer have the sort of direct control over our decisions that our ancestors had. Increasingly, the foods we eat are genetically modified and sprayed heavily with chemicals. Many of us believe that this is not a good thing! However, our government, in its dangerous dalliances with companies like Monsanto and Dupont, have essentially stripped its citizens of the choice to not eat genetically modified foods that are chemically enhanced. Our world is an interconnected web of life and any interference or manipulation in the laws that govern it will produce cascading effects that we do not understand, nor can we predict.

So, food sovereignty declarations, though essentially "toothless" in the eyes of our legal system, can send strong messages to our lawmakers that we are watching them and that we are very concerned that our rights are being taken advantage of. For a brief overview of ways in which you can begin to build a movement in your town or state, click here.

For a link to a more globally focused statement, click here.

To be successful we must first be knowledgeable and educated. We also must work together. Let us know what you and your communities are doing to protect your food supplies.

Here is a direct link to the State of Maine's Resolution.

Organics Losing Ground!

Where do you stand on the issue of GMO alfalfa? We don't like it!

However, our feeling is that regardless of which side of this issue you stand, the discussion of choice and rights is key. For those who believe in and wish to eat organically grown foods, the options are becoming more seriously compromised every day! Our democratic way of life is intertwined with the whims and fancies of big corporations that now have those same rights and privileges as each one of us! Not good!

Questions to ask:

Can we stop the wind from blowing?

How about controlling the paths of pollinating bees?

Do we know the impact of animals eating the alfalfa and then pooping out viable seed somewhere? Perhaps to be used later in compost?

Do you want your food supply in the hands of a corporation such as Monsanto?

Contact the Organic Trade Association to make your feelings known at the White House.

Also, here is a good place to "plant" yourself for awhile if you'd like to read some discussions on the many sides of the GMO alfalfa issue. Beware, many of them are on the technical side!

“Earth to TransFair: Fair Trade is a Movement Not a Brand!”

It seems as though the waters of certification are trending to muddier and consumers will definitely be left with more reason(s) to question the self-appointed overseers of "ethics."

Recently, TransFair USA has applied for a name change and essentially a trademark on the term "Fair Trade USA." Why? Who really knows, but what is important is maintaining the concept of fair trade unencumbered by institutional whims and fancies and keeping its nose as clean as possible. After all, fair trade is a peoples' movement, one that must offer the consumer the best possible confirmation that its principles of dialogue, transparency and respect for humanity are completely upheld.

Check out the controversy and who supports the petition by linking to the title of this post. Then, sign the petition! Help us keep the oversight in the hands of consumers!

Sustainability in Rural Mexico

With six years under its belt, Bosque Village (near Patzcuaro, Michoacan in Mexico) a self-proclaimed combination of a campground, a rustic retreat center, a permaculture farm, and a forming ecovillage, has come a long way!

With its roots in the desire of founder Brian Fey, an expat from Washington State, to experiment with sustainability, a large and diverse collection of creative and enthusiastic individuals have come together to create a confluence of ideas and action. Bosque Village is a concept under perpetual development and a place to inspire and communicate the message of walking lightly on our earth.

Sustainable living is key to the foundation of this magical place. With no water available other than that collected from rainfall, no reliance on outside electricity (all solar powered), Bosque Village returns the gifts nature has bestowed. Propagating and planting native plants and trees is an ongoing process as is the documenting of local flora and fauna. They even grow the beautiful and important agave plant directly from seed!!

We will be communicating with folks at Bosque Village to facilitate the sharing of success and challenges folks around the world are having in implementing similar projects. If you know of other projects such as this, please get in touch with Visionary Values and also, if you wish, directly with Bosque Village.

We encourage you to check them out! We also want to let you know that it is not a dangerous place to visit! We have recently returned from a long-term visit in the state of Michoacan and encountered nothing to fear!