Our ancestors, who relied on their understanding of the land for their survival, held a worldview that acknowledged and celebrated their fundamental interconnection with the natural world. The industrial revolution and our post-industrial society have severed that link and our disconnection is reflected in our agricultural, pharmaceutical, energy and business practices. Maddy introduces permaculture design and grounds the ideas behind it with examples from around the world. These projects demonstrate how we can once again embrace our profound ecological connection and become a “communion of subjects, not a collection of objects”. Maddy also suggests that we need to become transformational heretics and explains how we can actively say “No” to our ecological, social economic disconnection.

Maddy Harland is editor and co-founder of Permaculture, an international quarterly magazine that covers all aspects of sustainable living, from permaculture gardening and small scale sustainable agriculture to green building, low-impact transport and community action. Maddy Harland also co-founded Permanent Publications in 1990, a company dedicated to publishing environmental books and digital media. The company is based at the Sustainability Centre in Hampshire, UK, a former Naval Base and now a thriving educational centre that Maddy helped set up.

Maddy Harland: Transformational Heresy - permaculture & beyond

Recorded at the 10th Organic Producers' Conference organised by the Organic Research Centre, we find out what is interesting and important to small-scale producers, organic farmers, agro-ecologists and 'real' bakers.

We also ask where permaculture comes into this movement?

With a wide range of workshops from seed sovereignty, diversity and heritage seeds, to lobbying government, business skills and grants, and agroecology, we find out the key issues and what is creating the buzz in this growing movement.

"This really recharges my batteries, my belief that there is a point in doing all this."

Get a unique insight into a grassroots movement that is changing the food system!

To find out more about the conference and to read summaries of each of the sessions please visit: http://www.organicresearchcentre.com/?go=Information%20and%20publications&page=2016OPC_home

The 'Real Farming' Movement: changing the food system from the grassroots

Now in its seventh year the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) - which took place in January - is the brainchild of the Real Farming Trust. 

A mix of farmers, philosophers, policy people and practitioners, the ORFC is an essential event for anyone involved in food, agriculture, ecology and design. 

As co-founder Colin Tudge says about the world's parlous state: 

"We should start with farming – which in the end is the most important thing that we do, and right now is at the heart of all our troubles."

To read about the ORFC: http://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/enlightened-agriculture-oxford-real-farming-conference

To hear more from the 2016 ORFC: http://orfc.org.uk/archives/orfc-2016/

Produced and edited by Permaculture People for Permaculture Magazine

Real Farming With Colin Tudge and more! Part 1

The second part continues with voices from the 2016 ORFC - a riposte to the status quo in modern farming and big Ag. 

The following voices you’ll hear are Rupert Dunn, a member of the UK Community Supported Agriculture Network and aspiring peasant baker. 

And secondly, Helena Paul, co-director of EcoNexus. Helena has worked tirelessly on indigenous rights, coil exploitation in the tropics and agriculture and climate change. At this year’s conference she spoke about ‘The corruption of agricultural science’.

Read a review of this year's ORFC from Permaculture magazine by Tomas Remiarz, a permaculture trainer and researcher, who is writing a book for Permanent Publications about 'Real Life Forest Gardens'. http://www.permaculture.co.uk/reviews/oxford-real-farming-conference 

Produced and edited by Permaculture People for Permaculture Magazine

Real Farming with Colin Tudge and more! Part 2

Phil Moore of Permaculture People joins Edible Landscapes London for a day workshop on soils. 

Jo Homan, freelance forest garden tutor, partners with Lewis McNeill, Project Manager of the Urban Orchard Project to deliver an engaging and lively introduction and understanding of soils. Both interviewed, the two share their passion for the earth beneath our feet and why it's so important.

Edible Landscapes London, based in Finsbury Park, run a number of courses & volunteering days. To find out more: http://www.ediblelandscapeslondon.org.uk

Deep Down & Dirty: Understanding Soil

Permaculture is an international magazine and website sharing practical, innovative solutions for farms, communities, businesses, homes, gardens and individuals to lead more resilient and ecologically balanced lifestyles. From reader's solutions, features and reviews to videos, blogs and news, Permaculture magazine provides a resource to all elements of permaculture.

Permaculture mag Podcast