Farmer's Footprint

Summer is in full swing, and with it comes a moment to ask... Will this be the year you discover the magic of hemp? If you’re wondering how hemp fits into the future of regeneration, if you’ve heard about its benefits but don’t know where to start, or if you’re simply curious about its possibilities—this is your opportunity to join us and find out! Consider this your invitation to explore the future of hemp and its incredible potential. We’re excited to host our very first Farm Yarns: Community Webinar on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 9:30 am PT // 12:30 pm ET. This event, in celebration of Hemp Awareness Month, is designed to take you on a journey into the world of hemp and its transformative capabilities. Hemp is a powerhouse plant that can mature in just 100 days, producing four times as much fiber per acre as trees. It’s also a natural soil cleanser, capable of removing toxins and even rehabilitating land affected by nuclear disasters. These incredible qualities make hemp a key player in the future of regeneration. Which is why we’re thrilled to bring you this engaging exploration. Here’s what you can look forward to: Live Panel Discussion: Meet the pioneers: ° Adrienne Snow, MBA, Western States Hemp Farm ° Michael Klepacz, Natural Materials Unlimited ° Stephen Smith, Onda These experts will share their personal journeys and insights, revealing how hemp is not just a crop but a catalyst for transformation. Our Farm Yarns discussion aims to take you beyond the basics, connecting our community to the broader impacts of hemp on food systems, social justice, and environmental health. Join the Conversation: Connect with others who are just as passionate about hemp as you are! Share your thoughts, ask questions, and be inspired by the collective wisdom and diverse experiences within our community.

What more should we consider beyond the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists? Strawberries, often seen as a symbol of summer, top the Dirty Dozen list again this year due to their high pesticide content. In contrast, avocados, with minimal pesticide residues, stand out on the Clean 15 list... But these lists only tell part of the story. Even the Clean 15 list, while highlighting produce with lower pesticide residues, has its own complexities. The methods used to grow these "clean" produce items often overlook the broader ecosystem and the well-being of everyone involved in the food chain. Our food system is deeply interconnected. Each choice we make is part of a complex web of health, environmental, and social factors. While the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists offer guidance, they only provide a glimpse into the broader picture. The journey of our food from farm to table involves many unseen impacts, including economic pressures, environmental degradation, and social justice issues. Consider: How do these complexities influence your food choices? What stories lie behind the fruits and vegetables on your plate? How can we support a food system that prioritizes the health of people, the environment, and the communities involved in food production? 🍎🥕🥑 #DirtyDozen #Clean15 #FoodForThought #RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodJustice #FarmersFootprint

Positive news! In the shimmering waters of Zanzibar, women seaweed farmers are weaving a tale of resilience and regeneration. Transforming a male-dominated industry into a thriving $8 million enterprise, they bring prosperity and strength to their community. Starting in the 1980s, as men turned to fishing, women embraced seaweed farming in shallow waters. Despite societal resistance, their perseverance prevailed. Inspired by her grandmother, Mwanaisha now leads women who tend to their farms every morning, creating financial independence and uplifting their community. Yet, the climate crisis threatens this progress. Rising sea temperatures and diseases like ice-ice are harming seaweed growth. These women, however, are not giving up. With marine scientists, they explore deeper waters for farming, learning new skills like swimming and operating boats. Although the future is uncertain, these seaweed farmers continue to find ways to keep going. As true innovators, they have expanded into entrepreneurship: making seaweed-based products for tourists and locals. They bake seaweed snacks, manufacture organic seaweed soaps mixed with island spices, and develop seaweed scrubs and oils. Against all odds, they continue to thrive, their voices louder than ever. Holistic solutions are essential. Mwanaisha envisions equipping young girls with skills for the future, ensuring the sustainability of their industry. "Seaweed farming gave us independence; I want the same for the next generation." What could you do to support these resilient women? Could you advocate for climate adaptation investments, spread their inspiring story, or seek out opportunities to support seaweed-based products from Zanzibar? Learn more and read the full story from one.org #Independence #ClimateCrisis #Sustainability #WomenInAgriculture #SeaweedFarming #Zanzibar #LivingSystems #CommunityResilience #PositiveChange

Did you know that the British and French governments spent the twenty years between the First and Second World Wars investigating the possibilities of electrifying plants? And did so in almost complete secrecy. The method, which is premised on the idea that you can stimulate plant growth using electricity, is not new. In fact, it's been around since the 1700s! It was just the first sign of a completely new science or, as many others would have it, pseudo-science… Electroculture 🌱⚡ Think of Electroculture as giving your garden a little zap of energy, supercharging plant growth and health. From enhancing nutrient uptake to improving seed germination, Electroculture promises a greener, more bountiful garden. Who knew that a little electricity could do so much? So, why hasn’t Electroculture become the next big thing? Just as Electroculture was ‘sparking’ interest, Big Ag was gearing up with synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. The allure of quick, consistent results from chemicals overshadowed the experimental and unconventional methods of using electricity. Electroculture was left in the dust, overshadowed by the rise of industrial farming practices. Are you curious about how Electroculture might transform your garden? Join us for Orto Hour with Andrew from The Garden Club! This monthly gathering is a delightful homesteading variety show where Andrew dives into unique gardening topics, cooks up delicious dishes, entertains, and shares a whole lot of wisdom and fun. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this unique experience! This session is completely FREE for everyone! Join us at 9am PT / 12pm ET tomorrow, July 17th. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, Orto Hour is the perfect place to get inspired and learn something new. And, if you're loving the vibes and want to dig deeper into all things land-based living, why not join The Garden Club? It’s the ultimate community for garden enthusiasts, offering tips, tricks, and a wealth of knowledge on land-based living. Head to https://lnkd.in/g4cAs2fq  to join 🌱⚡ #Electroculture #Gardening #LandBasedLiving #OrtuHour #GardeningCommunity #FarmersFootprint  #GardenClub

Have you ever come across an animal in the wild, in your backyard or even on your window sill and felt it appeared at that precise moment and place to deliver a special message to you? Forming an intimate relationship with a place and its inhabitants creates a deep connection that is both felt and reciprocated. This connection is not just about the physical environment but also about the emotional and spiritual bonds that develop. And, as we listen to the land and its creatures, we realize that we are not isolated beings but part of a larger, interconnected web of life. We live in fragile worlds. One is the outer habitat of land, air, water, and flesh, supporting the biological needs of humans and other animals. Another is our highly individualized and private inner life. Then there is a mysterious third world, the shared habitat of the heart. This is the deep connection between a person and another animal. It is the permeability of awareness. It is the connection that extends from within us, across the mysterious between, and into the other being. If we’re lucky, we feel something almost indescribable in return. We can learn to enter this habitat at will. This transportive leap can change our lives and the lives around us for the better. This interconnectedness is supported by modern science, which echoes what indigenous knowledge has always known: animals are indicators of ecosystem health. The presence of amphibians like frogs can signify clean water and a healthy environment, while the behaviors of pollinators such as bees reveal the richness and diversity of plant life. Understanding animal behaviors deepens our connection with nature and helps us foster healthier ecosystems. Observing these patterns can provide valuable insights into the state of our environment and guide how we care for the land and its inhabitants. As we strive to reconnect with the natural world, consider: What animals do you notice in your surroundings, and what might their behaviors be telling you about your environment? How can we integrate the wisdom of animals into our daily lives? The tree of life ties all organisms together. By caring for one, we care for the whole. Slide 4 photography by @hollow.sun

Summer tastes sweet! Prepare to dig into the best July fruits and veggies (from berries and stone fruit to squash and corn). We're dishing out how to incorporate these seasonal produce picks into the best summer recipes. July is the sunny, sparkler-filled month when summer really kicks into full gear. Grilling season is on fire (hopefully just within the scope of the grill itself, of course), gardens are blooming with some of the year’s best produce, and there’s plenty of fun in the sun to be had! Curious about what’s in season in July so you can shop and meal prep with flair? Think of this seasonal produce guide like Farmer's Footprint joining you at the market or garden, pointing to what you should invest in or harvest to make the most of summer’s bounty. Your wallet and your taste buds both benefit when you seek out seasonal produce; unlike something that has been shipped in from across the globe, it’s far fresher and more affordable. (By the way, you’ll save even more if you grow your own 😉). Plus seasonal produce is packed with nutrients that are at their peak right now, providing you with the maximum health benefits! Win-win-win! Swipe on for some delicious inspiration about how to put what’s in season in July to use in meals and snacks for yourself, your family, or the entire neighborhood at picnics, potlucks, and parties. 🌱 Want to dive deeper into all things land-based living? Join our Garden Club for tips, tricks, and exclusive content on how to make the most of your garden and embrace a seasonal lifestyle. Learn more via https://lnkd.in/e_faRUB8 and become part of our thriving community! This post was inspired by the lovely Chelsey PeCoy, founder of Lighthearted Kitchen #FarmersFootprint #SeasonalEating #SummerProduce #EatLocal #RegenerativeLiving #Nutrition

We still have much to learn, in particular about the ongoing management of regenerative systems and the soil-food-web interactions that they rely on. Which is why we’re excited to share that Playa Viva is hosting their second annual Agroforestry and Permaculture Course, "Sembrando Agua," from July 31 to August 4, 2024. Imagine spending four days immersed in the natural beauty of Playa Viva, learning from Amanda Harris, the heart behind Playa Viva’s permaculture farm, and Namastê Messerschmidt, an expert in Syntropic Agriculture. This is your chance to reconnect with the land and learn how to nurture it alongside like-minded individuals. At Playa Viva, everything works in harmony, creating a thriving ecosystem—a way of life that embraces the interconnectedness of all living things. During this course, you’ll have the opportunity to explore blending permaculture principles with syntropic agroforestry theory and techniques, and discuss, understand, and install a 1/4 hectare food forest in the Juluchuca Watershed. You will work closely with Don Gabriel, a local regenerative farmer in their community, as well as with the local Women's Cooperative, to design an agroforestry system that meets their specific production needs. Amanda and her team use both local wisdom and scientific insights to set and achieve their goals. By planting native and beneficial trees, they aim to revive historic water cycles and enrich the soil with organic matter and microorganisms—creating a resilient and productive environment, benefiting both people and the planet. Sound like something you’d enjoy? This course offers a chance to be part of something bigger, gain hands-on skills, contribute to a legacy of regeneration, and deepen your connection with the land. But wait, there’s more! We’re thrilled to offer our community a special 10% discount. Use the code MAKINGFOOTPRINTS when you sign up. Visit https://lnkd.in/gc5Zb6iT to learn more and secure your spot. Plant the seeds for a brighter future 🌱 𐫰   photography by Leia Vita Marasovich #Permaculture #Agroforestry #RegenerativeFarming #RegenerativeLiving #CommunityBuilding #SoilHealth #FoodSovereignty #PlayaViva #FarmersFootprint

“Along the way you see a plant – by bringing them home you give them an opportunity to express themselves. Sometimes they are a little bit lost in this craziness that is nature, but when you take one single stem and bring it home you see it differently.” - Clément Bouteille⁠ ⁠ In Lyon’s rural outskirts, French flower farmer Clément Bouteille roots his philosophies on life in connecting with nature. Born and raised in the countryside on the outskirts of Lyon, French flower farmer Clément Bouteille has made a home for a wide range of wild flower species on his third generation family farm. Located in Saint-Maurice-sur-Dargoireon, this cultivated landscape has served as a constant source of inspiration for the wild botanical species he grows on-site – his plant nursery evolving into butterfly breeding, landscape design, and constructing floral arrangements. By only making rare botanical varieties available during their natural seasons, Bouteille has created a more regenerative practice that distinguishes him from other farmers – adhering to nature’s seasons and cycles. In the short film ‘Clément’, London and Copenhagen based artists Luke & Nik document Bouteille through his connection to flowers, exploring his philosophies on life, and how working in equilibrium with nature has shaped his outlook and his business. Walking the surrounding mountains with Bouteille – where he harvests new specimens to be replanted and cultivated in the nursery – Luke & Nik collect fragments from the quiet process that grounds his work. Capturing the organic spirit of his environment on 8mm film, Clément tours a space which allows him to live life by his own code, surrounded by the simple pleasures that root his understanding and sustain him on a deeper level. Head to NOWNESS to watch the full film 📲⁠ ⁠ Starring Clement Bouteille⁠ Directors Luke and Nik

For decades, retirement wasn’t a major concern in the agricultural sector. Farmworkers from Mexico would cross the border for the harvest season and then return home, repeating this cycle annually. However, as U.S. presidents since the 1990s have implemented stricter border controls—including increased barriers, advanced technology, and more agents—this circular migration has become increasingly dangerous and costly. Thus, many farmworkers have chosen to stay in the U.S. permanently, aging with each passing season. Today, the average age of foreign-born farmworkers is 41, reflecting a significant rise as fewer young immigrants are willing to take on the demanding fieldwork. This aging workforce faces uncertainty about their future. In interviews conducted over the past year by Miriam Jordan, a National correspondent covering immigration for The Times, many workers expressed that they had no plans for retirement and were unsure of how they would sustain themselves if they were to stop working. Understanding the humanity of farmworkers is essential for fostering a more just and equitable food system. It’s not just about the labor they provide but about honoring their identities and contributions beyond the economic value they bring. How can we celebrate and support the elder farmworkers in our community? What wisdom might they hold within their lived experiences that is going unheard and unrecognized? Read the full article via NY Times-Breaking News **Photos by @adamperez22 / NY Times-Breaking News #Farmworkers #ImmigrantRights #ElderWisdom #FarmworkerJustice

Globalization, as we know it today, has no future. Around the world, communities are reclaiming their economies, fostering resilience, autonomy, and diversity. At the heart of this movement is the creation of local food systems grounded in ecology and food sovereignty. This local future weaves together globalized markets that don’t extract from communities, but rather build resilience and the growth of ‘economies of happiness’. Big business and agriculture have long dominated our food systems, demanding servitude over sovereignty and promoting monocultures that impoverish soils and communities. This approach, focused on global distribution without local resilience, strips local landscapes of their nutrients under the guise of “feeding the world.” It marginalizes smallholder farmers and indigenous peoples, failing to address land access, community health, and food justice. How can we nurture the soul of Mother Earth and the communities that depend on her? Simply improving the soil isn’t enough if we ignore the people and cultures living upon it. We need systems that honor biodiversity, LOCAL knowledge, and ecological realities. We believe it’s time for global food systems to innovate or make way, allowing human-scale, disruptive, diverse, and localized collectives to emerge and feed the world. One community at a time. Imagine: communities where food is not just consumed but celebrated, where each meal tells the story of its origin. Many of us now explore international cuisines and ingredients. Reflecting on this growing appreciation for global food cultures, what better way to understand and honor a culture than through its food? By delving deeper into the history and practices of localized food systems, we can better appreciate and contribute to this important movement. Curious to learn more about these themes or how you can be part of change? Here are some insightful reads + resources: ⊕ Cuisine and Culture, Linda Civitello ⊕ Local is Our Future, Helena Norberg-Hodge ⊕ Food Culture Around the World Series, Bloomsbury ⊕ localfutures.org ⊕ slowfood.com Join us in celebrating the power of localization. For long we have needed a new story 🌱 #WorldLocalizationDay #FarmersFootprint #NANA #LocalFood #Community #Culture #FoodSovereignty