Raksha’s Post

How might a cup of coffee help conserve biodiversity, and support smallholder growers? Just ask Black Baza Coffee Co. A Bengaluru-based specialty coffee enterprise, Black Baza Coffee Co. works with over 650 smallholder coffee producers, while conserving biodiversity and supporting fair trade. Here’s why we at The Locavore love them: 1. Black Baza Coffee Co.’s coffee is grown under the shade of native tree species , encouraging a shift from non-native species like Silver Oak, which helps protect the surrounding ecosystem. 2. They work with coffee growers who design collective farming practices that conserve biodiversity, and are based on traditional ecological knowledge about soil and ecosystem health as well as coexisting with wildlife. 3. The knowledge of the growers is further supplemented with information from newer practices, and research undertaken by Black Baza. For instance, when growers in BR Hills were facing leaf rust outbreaks exacerbated by climate change (an anomaly unfamiliar to them) they intervened to provide support on how this fungal outbreak could be managed through organic and regenerative practices. 4. Their Cascara, made from sun-dried coffee pulp can be brewed hot or cold, and it offers a delightful flavour experience with hints of raisins, dates, and prunes! Get yours here: https://lnkd.in/d-W4JczT 5. Beyond their work with coffee, they have facilitated the launch of a YouTube Channel, Kaadina Makkalu, that shares indigenous stories about the forest, wild animals, and birds. These stories have been created by the local community for their youth and others who are passionate to learn more. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/d4uYyxJ4 Read more about how Black Baza Coffee Co. is changing how coffee is consumed: https://lnkd.in/d2iyR24y If, like Black Baza Coffee Co., you’d like to join our incredible #TLpartner producer community, write to us at connect@thelocavore.in or send us a DM. We’d love to hear from you! #TLpartner #BlackbazaCoffee #Bengaluru #Karnataka #Cascara #UpdatedFromTheFields #RegionalIndianFood #LocalProduce #LocalToMe #BeALocavore #TheLocavore #DoingGoodThroughFood

🌿Quick Landscaping Tip: Opt for Organic Mulch! Choosing organic mulch like bark or straw not only conserves moisture and suppresses weeds but also enriches the soil as it decomposes. It’s a win-win for your garden's health and sustainability! #JungleGardens #LandscapingTips #LandscapeDesign

🌿 Myth: Coconut Coir is acidic and can harm plants. 🚫🥥 Let's debunk this common misconception! Coconut Coir is naturally pH neutral, providing a perfect balance for healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to myths and hello to the truth about this eco-friendly, plant-loving wonder! 🌱💧 Check out our products 👉 www.kohubath.com #CoirFacts #Sustainability #GreenGardening

Our Murciana Levantina cows—a rare, native breed we're helping to preserve—are always outside, grazing freely in our natural areas and on our agricultural land after harvest. Not only do they live their best lives, but they also play a crucial role in restoring our landscape by improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and supporting water retention through holistic grazing. Now, we’re exploring the next step: bringing their organically raised, high-quality meat to your table! What would you be most excited to see? 🥩 Fresh cuts? 🍲 Slow-cooked stews? 🍖 Pulled meat? Croquettes? Or something else entirely? And if you’re a chef or own a restaurant, would you like to work with us to create something truly special? Let’s collaborate to offer unique, delicious, and regenerative dishes! This project isn’t just about food—it’s about reconnecting people to the land and creating a regenerative future while enjoying incredible flavors. Share your thoughts below, or get in touch if you’d like to partner with us! #LaJunquera #Regenerativeagriculture #Sustainablefarming #MurcianaLevantina #Localmeat #Holisticgrazing #Foodrestoration #FarmToTable #Murcia #regeneration

 Vineyards and Roses 🌹 🍇 – A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Sustainability In the world of viticulture, the presence of roses in vineyards is more than just a charming sight—it's a brilliant example of how sustainable farming techniques can enhance both productivity and environmental health. The tradition of planting roses at the end of vineyard rows, like those seen in this beautiful landscape, dates back centuries, offering numerous benefits to grape growers. Historically, roses served as an early warning system for grapevines. Since roses are more sensitive to diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew, they often show signs of infection earlier than vines. This gives growers valuable time to act, reducing the need for excessive chemical interventions. But the advantages of planting roses go beyond just disease detection. Here are a few more ways they support sustainable viticulture: -Promoting Beneficial Insects: Roses attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help improve biodiversity. They also lure predatory insects that naturally control pests like aphids, minimizing the need for pesticides and fostering a balanced ecosystem in the vineyard. -Enhancing Soil Health: Roses contribute to the soil structure around them by encouraging microbial activity and reducing soil erosion. Their deep roots improve soil aeration, helping to maintain healthy soil where the vines can flourish. -Increasing Vineyard Resilience: A vineyard that promotes biodiversity is a stronger, more resilient system. Roses and other companion plants can help create a healthier microclimate around the vines, making the vineyard more resistant to climate stressors like drought or sudden temperature changes. -Aesthetic and Cultural Value: Beyond the practical benefits, roses add aesthetic value, which can improve the overall experience for visitors and consumers. The sight of roses blooming among grapevines reflects the rich cultural history of viticulture, blending beauty and functionality in a way that’s both sustainable and timeless. The practice of integrating roses into vineyards is a perfect example of how traditional knowledge can be applied to modern, sustainable agriculture. As we strive to create greener, more resilient farming systems, learning from nature’s own processes—like the relationship between roses and grapevines—shows us how to work in harmony with the environment. The future of viticulture is rooted in sustainability, and roses remind us that even the smallest elements of nature can play a big role in ensuring healthy, thriving vineyards for generations to come. 🍇🌹 #SustainableViticulture #Agroecology #Biodiversity #RosesInVineyards #OrganicFarming #ClimateResilience #WineandNature

Finally PONS has expanded its varietal garden with 65 native Catalan varieties... What does this extension mean? Wild and Unique Varieties: Most of these varieties are wild and have not been grown commercially before. This makes them especially interesting for research and preservation of genetic diversity. Organic Standards: The planting process will be carried out in the northern part of the Variety Garden under organic farming standards. This guarantees sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. First Fruits in 2026: The new varieties will bear their first fruits in the 2026 harvest. It will be exciting to see what unique flavors and characteristics they bring to the olive oil world. 300 Varieties in Total: With this addition, the PONS Varietal Garden will exceed 300 varieties from around the world. In addition, it will increase its weight in exotic varieties specific to Catalonia. Pons #AOVE #Organico #Sostenibilidad #oliveoils #evoo #olives #varietalgarden

Biodiversity in California wine country 🦋 A key measure of the variety of life in the vineyard, from plants and animals right down to microorganisms, biodiversity indicates a healthy natural environment. Here’s how sustainable winegrowers are boosting biodiversity… Birds and bees 🐝 At the LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in Lodi, the Lange family has spent the past 20 years restoring natural wildlife habitats across their 2,800+ hectares of vineyards. They’ve brought back 46 native plant species, revitalized grasslands to support beneficial insects like pollinators, and reintroduced animals including wood ducks and otters. Integrated farming 🦅 Littorai Wines on the Sonoma Coast has created an ‘integrated farm’ with open pasture for pigs, cows, sheep, chickens, and ducks that provide organic matter for compost. Other estates have introduced natural predators for integrated pest management, such as falcons at Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley and lacewing larvae at Frog's Leap Winery in Napa. 📷 Littorai Wines LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards • #CaliforniaWines #WinesOnAMission

Biodiversity in California wine country 🦋 A key measure of the variety of life in the vineyard, from plants and animals right down to microorganisms, biodiversity indicates a healthy natural environment. Here’s how sustainable winegrowers are boosting biodiversity… Birds and bees 🐝 At the LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards in Lodi, the Lange family has spent the past 20 years restoring natural wildlife habitats across their 2,800+ hectares of vineyards. They’ve brought back 46 native plant species, revitalized grasslands to support beneficial insects like pollinators, and reintroduced animals including wood ducks and otters. Integrated farming 🦅 Littorai Wines on the Sonoma Coast has created an ‘integrated farm’ with open pasture for pigs, cows, sheep, chickens, and ducks that provide organic matter for compost. Other estates have introduced natural predators for integrated pest management, such as falcons at Wente Vineyards in Livermore Valley and lacewing larvae at Frog's Leap Winery in Napa. 📷 Littorai Wines LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards • #CaliforniaWines #WinesOnAMission

🚀 **Diving Deep into Mushroom Production! 🍄** As part of my 8th semester in the B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture program, I’m thrilled to be involved in Experiential Learning (EL), with a focus on mushroom production. 🌱 This hands-on experience has given me invaluable insights into the entire process—from cultivation to marketing. Not only have I learned about the nutritional and medicinal benefits of mushrooms, but I've also gained practical skills in their efficient production and handling. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, enhancing my understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and the critical role of marketing in bringing fresh produce to consumers. Looking forward to applying these skills and knowledge in future agricultural innovations! 💡 #Agriculture #MushroomProduction #ExperientialLearning #Sustainability #BScHons #AgricultureStudent #FarmToTable

Three out of four crops across the globe producing fruits, or seeds for use as human food depend, at least in part, on bees and other pollinators. Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity. To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day. Intensive farming practices, land-use change, mono-cropping, pesticides and higher temperatures associated with climate change all pose problems for bee populations and, by extension, the quality of food we grow. Fostering more diverse agricultural systems and reducing reliance on toxic chemicals can facilitate increased pollination. This approach can improve food quality and quantity, benefiting both human populations and the ecosystem.       How can we do more? Individually by: planting a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year; buying raw honey from local farmers; buying products from sustainable agricultural practices. Mila Perrini mila@perrini.it mobile +39 347 5152982 #pollinators #fruit #humanfood #sustainabledevelopment #pollinations #ecosystem #miele #honey #apicoltura #api #food #bees #italy #nature #italia #bee #breakfast #beekeeper #beekeeping #savethebees #flowers #natura #fiori #beekeepers #primavera #spring #italy #italia #estate #nature #sole #natura #sun #photography #summer #beautiful #global #agricultural #land