The Poor Prole’s Almanac

We're back for season 3! This episode of the Poor Proles Almanac podcast focuses on Masanobu Fukuoka and his "do-nothing" farming method. Matt, a guest host, guides listeners through Fukuoka's life and philosophy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of natural systems and the importance of minimizing human intervention in agriculture. Fukuoka's Early Life and Revelation: Masanobu Fukuoka was born in 1913 in Japan, the son of a citrus farmer. He studied microbiology and agricultural science, even working as an agricultural customs inspector. Despite his scientific background, Fukuoka experienced a turning point during a bout of pneumonia at age 21. This illness led to an existential crisis, culminating in a profound experience where he felt he "understood nothing." This realization, sparked by the sight of a heron and the feeling of his doubts being swept away, marked a shift in Fukuoka's perspective. From Abandonment to "Do-Nothing" Farming: Initially, Fukuoka tried to apply his newfound understanding through complete abandonment of his father's orchard, leading to disastrous results. He recognized that true natural farming wasn't simply neglect, but rather a nuanced approach requiring observation and adaptation. This experience led him to develop the concept of "do-nothing" farming, which emphasizes minimal intervention and working in harmony with nature. It's important to note that "do-nothing" is a somewhat misleading name, as the method still involves work, but significantly less than conventional methods. Seed Balls and Principles of Natural Farming: One of the distinctive practices of Fukuoka's method is the use of seed balls, a mixture of clay, compost, and seeds. These seed balls, inspired by animal droppings, protect the seeds and allow them to germinate in suitable locations. Fukuoka's method is guided by four key principles: no cultivation, no chemical fertilizers, no weeding by tillage or herbicides, and no dependence on chemicals. These principles underscore the idea of allowing nature to take its course, fostering a balanced ecosystem within the farm. The Importance of Context and Fukuoka's Legacy: Fukuoka stressed that his methods were developed for his specific environment in southern Japan. However, he also emphasized the importance of understanding local contexts and adapting methods accordingly. While his techniques might not be directly transferable, his philosophy of observation, humility, and working with nature holds broader relevance. Fukuoka's work received international recognition, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable and ecological approaches to agriculture. The episode concludes by emphasizing the connection between Fukuoka's methods and broader themes of agroecology and sustainable living, highlighting the need to consider the social and philosophical dimensions of food production. The hosts also encourage listeners to reflect on their own relationship with the environment and the food they consume. For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, commercial-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're joined by two activists working to defend the Atlanta Forest during an attempt to tear down the forest in order to build both a mock city for police to develop urban trainings, which would train police nationally. We talk about what different tactics have been successful and what tactics people should be bringing to defense projects where they live.   The intro to this podcast comes from the Defend the Atlanta Forest website Learn more about the movement:  https://defendtheatlantaforest.org   Learn more about the contractors hired to destroy the forest and build Cop City and Hollywood Dystopia:  https://stopreevesyoung.com   Anonymous communiques from forest defenders: https://scenes.noblogs.org   An article exploring the meanings of this movement and the projects its fighting against: https://www.e-flux.com/architecture/horizons/493130/stop-the-metaverse-save-the-real-world/   A recent Rolling Stone article on the movement: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/defend-atlanta-forest-copy-city-climate-change-defund-the-police-1397188/     Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're joined by Mikey & Keoni from the O'ahu Water Protectors to discuss the recent history of Red Hill & the destruction of Hawaii's largest aquifer and primary source of fresh water for the residents of the island. How did we get to the point that the most important source for life, fresh water, is becoming less and less accessible? Further, how has this pushed people into activism and begun to change narratives in the community about the role of activism? We don't just dive into these questions but we also look at the recent successes caused by direct action, and the lessons learned from this process.   To support the O'ahu Water Protectors, visit: https://oahuwaterprotectors.org/ They can also be found on social media at @Oahuwaterprotectors Shut Down Red Hill Mutual Aid social medias: @SDRHMutualAid Venmo: @ShutDownRedHillMutualAid   Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Ryan Shmid & Katya Busenitz from the Ecdysis Foundation to discuss the impacts of grazing on both native and non-native insects. How can regenerative grazing improve honey production while also helping increase native diversity?   To learn more about the Ecdysis Foundation, visit www.ecdysis.bio   Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're joined by researcher Tommy Fenster to discuss how we can transition California Almond farms for future climates. What potential is there to keep nut crops in these regions in California, and what does that look like?   You can check out Tommy's work at Ecdysis.bio and he can be found on Twitter @TomDF1     Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we're joined by Chloe & Max from Liberation Tools to discuss the question of heirloom tools and designing tools to meet the needs of marginalized and non-traditional farmers.  The modern era's model of disposable tools is inherently unsustainable & exists as a blip in the history of human existence. Relearning the processes of developing tools and developing networks for resources around tool development. Liberation Tools is a subsect of Soul & Soil Project based in the unceded Tsalagi (aka Cherokee) territory of Western North Carolina. Find out more about their work at: https://www.soulandsoilproject.org/ . We seek to support racial justice and food sovereignty through the free distribution of high quality, hand forged garden tools to BIPOC who grow food or want to start.   Liberation Tools can also be found on Instagram @liberation_tools & their tools can be bought at: https://www.artgardenavl.com/   Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're joined by Chris from Kentucky Heartwood to discuss protecting old-growth forests and unique ecosystems that are home to rare and endangered species from clearcutting by the forestry service. Your first thought might be, "Why is the forestry service clearcutting public lands?" We chat about this, and how their solutions fall short.  ​Kentucky Heartwood was formed in 1992 by people concerned about logging, mining, and off-road vehicles on the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF). We advocate for the greatest protections of Kentucky’s public lands, with the twin values of protecting and restoring ecological integrity and a reverence and respect for wild nature as our guiding principles. Through public education, outreach, forest monitoring, and the suite of administrative and legal avenues of public participation and recourse, Kentucky Heartwood continues our tradition of effective advocacy.   You can learn more about Kentucky Heartwood at KYheartwood.com & at @KentuckyHeartwood on Instagram   Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever considered that a forgotten plant could hold the key to sustainable agriculture and enhanced nutrition? Today, we take you on a journey through time to rediscover the American groundnut, a plant that was a lifeline for indigenous communities and even supported the Pilgrims in 1620. We honor Dr. Bill Blackman, whose pioneering work at Louisiana State University in the 1980s aimed to revive and improve this incredible plant. Despite the program's abrupt end, Dr. Blackman's continued dedication into his 90s keeps the dream alive for the groundnut's resurgence. What are the barriers and breakthroughs in transforming a historical staple into a modern agricultural marvel? We'll explore the trials and triumphs of cultivating American groundnuts on a large scale, from breeding challenges and mechanical farming difficulties to the promising yields and rich nutritional benefits. The episode delves into innovative efforts to develop herbicide systems and non-viney varieties, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to fully harness the plant's potential. Reflecting on the historical use of groundnuts, we consider its role in future farming practices and its remarkable anticancer properties. Join us as we question long-held scientific beliefs and celebrate the enduring curiosity that drives agricultural innovation. From comparisons to the introduction of potatoes in Ireland to personal experiences in cultivating LSU groundnuts, this episode is a testament to the passion and perseverance of those dedicated to this unique crop. We share heartfelt stories of growing interest and community involvement, culminating in a hopeful vision for the future of American groundnuts. Don't miss this inspiring exploration of an ancient plant with the potential to revolutionize modern agriculture. For sources and a transcript of this episode, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/the-hidden-legacy-of-american-groundnuts To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/ Keywords: American Groundnut, Rediscovery, Historical Significance, Indigenous Communities, Pilgrims, Nitrogen-Fixing, Perennial Plant, Cultural Importance, Agricultural Significance, Dr. Bill Blackman, Louisiana State University, Breeding Program, Tubers, Market Viability, Challenges, Mechanical Farming, Promising Yields, Nutritional Benefits, Herbicide Systems, Non-viney Varieties, Research, Anticancer Compounds, Resurgence, Passion, Cultivation, Distribution, Momentum, Resurgence, Legacy, Future Potential, Curiosity, Passion, Groundnut Growers, Gardening, Newcomers, Comprehensive Look, Envision, Possibilities, Journey, Viney, High-Nutritional Value, Sensitivity, Climates, Product Development, Regional Adaptability, Scientific Beliefs, Agriculture, Perennial Crops, Indigenous Peoples, Potatoes, Ireland, Disease-Resistant Varieties, Scientific Theories, Experimentation, Inquiry, Curiosity, Interest, Varieties, LSU Strains, Satisfaction, Enthusiasm, Unique Plants Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Peter Gelderloos joins us again to discuss his recent book "The Solutions are Already Here: Strategies for Ecological Revolution from Below". The conversation is framed around ecological collapse, the complexity of tackling these issues, and detangling climate change from the conversations around the carbon footprint. How does capitalism utilize climate change to continue its path to exploit the resources on the planet through tools like the green new deal, and how do we respond to this greenwashing?   We explore the concept of community-building, the power of utopia, and what kind of tools are at our disposal to find ways to gum up the system destroying the ecosystem.   You can get Peter's book from Pluto Press: https://www.plutobooks.com/ Find Peter on Twitter @PeterGelderloos     Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The role of corn in our diet cannot be overstated, whether it's through animal feed for meat production, ethanol to transport our food, high fructose corn syrup, corn flour, or any of the other ways it has been introduced. Corn is a staple for good reason; it stores well, grows incredibly efficiently, and we've gotten really, really good at growing it. Despite this, there's an underbelly to this industry that often gets overlooked in the conversation about what the future of our food looks like. How did we get here, and how does the modern corn we eat today related to the crops indigenous people across the Americas have been harvesting and breeding for thousands of years? In this "Tomorrow, Today" crossover episode, we're joined by Helen Anne Curry, author of "Endangered Maize: Industrial Agriculture & the Crisis of Extinction" and Kranzberg Professor of the History of Technology in the School of History and Sociology at Georgia Tech. We chat about this complex relationship between modern corn and its relatives, often called landrace or unimproved corn varieties. But are these actually unimproved varieties? Researchers became aware that the corn we grow today had a very narrow genetic pool, and it was imperative to make sure the diversity of corn that existed across the continents was protected. Like most things, it was more complex than that. How did the cold war, multinational corporations, and the green revolution impact the evolution of corn? Tune in to find out! Historian Helen Anne Curry on her book "Endangered Maize: Industrial Agriculture and the Crisis of Extinction" from University of California Press. www.ucpress.edu/book/978052030769…/endangered-maize Find Helen Anne Curry on Twitter at @HACurry   Support this podcast through Patreon at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.