The Poor Prole’s Almanac

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Join us as we welcome the insightful Dr. Peter Rosset, an esteemed agroecologist and activist embedded in the heart of Central America. Dr. Rosset brings his wealth of experience with La Via Campesina—a formidable global social movement uniting over 200 million rural families—to our discussion. Together, we dissect the pivotal role this movement plays in championing indigenous rights and food sovereignty while defending nature, rural life, and equitable access to land. Contrast the principles of agroecology with the entrenched norms of industrial agriculture, and explore how harmonious, socially just farming practices can resist the tide of agribusiness and revitalize rural landscapes, particularly in the Global South. Our exploration extends into the political undercurrents that have shaped agricultural revolutions in Latin America, influenced by historic movements like the Vietnam War and Black Power Movement. Discover the journey of a politically-engaged individual whose technical support during the Nicaraguan revolution and subsequent experiences across Latin America underscore the complexities of fostering ethical agricultural systems. Learn practical ways to support farm workers, indigenous land claims, and family farmers in the U.S. Finally, we turn our focus to Cuba, where innovative agricultural practices, such as urban organopanicos and the campesino-to-campesino model, emerged from necessity and now stand as beacons of sustainable food production. Reflect on Cuba's lessons of ecological resilience and social equity, crucial as we confront the challenges posed by climate change.   For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org    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/   Agroecology, La Via Campesina, Indigenous Rights, Food Sovereignty, Nature, Rural Life, Land Access, Industrial Agriculture, Global South, Political Undercurrents, Agricultural Revolutions, Latin America, Vietnam War, Black Power Movement, Ethical Agricultural Systems, Farm Workers, Indigenous Land Claims, Family Farmers, Cuba, Urban Organoponicos, Campesino-to-Campesino Model, Ecological Resilience, Social Equity, Climate Change, Sustainable Food Production

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2024

Have modern agricultural practices led us down an unsustainable path, and are the so-called "green" alternatives really any better? Discover the truth as we explore the evolution of alternative agriculture and unpack the misleading narratives surrounding terms like "organic" and "regenerative." We'll delve into the historical roots and political dimensions of agroecology, examining how this vital movement emerged in Latin America as a counter to the top-down failures of the Green Revolution. With a focus on context, we spotlight how language shapes our understanding and approach to building future food systems. In this episode, we shine a light on the principles and practices that set agroecology apart, emphasizing its local, knowledge-intensive methods that contrast sharply with industrial agricultural models. Learn how agroecology has become a cornerstone of resistance among peasant and indigenous communities, fostering resilience and autonomy in the face of global destabilization. Through global perspectives, we'll showcase how agroecology supports biodiversity and traditional foodways, while also considering scalable, sustainable alternatives that integrate appropriate technologies to enhance community well-being. Join us as we explore innovative small-scale projects and successful agroecological movements worldwide, questioning the romanticized view of peasant farming and the efficiency of growing one's own food. We propose a model that aligns crop selection with native ecological conditions, promoting harmony with the land and addressing issues of alienation and redundancy. Ultimately, we underscore the importance of justice, traditional land stewardship, and decentralized food systems in creating a sustainable agricultural future for all beings, amidst ecological and colonial challenges.   For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org    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/   Agroecology, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Sustainable Agriculture, Global South, Peasant Resistance Movements, Community Agriculture, Small-scale Farming, Food Systems, Justice, Restorative Agroecology, Indigenous Peoples, Decolonization, Biodiversity, Food Security, Climate Change, Traditional Foodways, Community Ownership, Collective Effort, Sustainable Futures, Political Dimensions

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2024

Can suburban backyards become the cornerstone of our sustainable future? Join us as we dissect the ideas in David Holmgren's "Retro Suburbia," where he envisions a world shaped by energy descent and societal degrowth. We kick off with Holmgren's strategic re-release of his book during the COVID-19 pandemic and his bold claims, examining the validity of his assertions and his data. Holmgren's blended manual-manifesto style of his work are scrutinized for their impact and credibility. While Holmgren's vision is compelling, we challenge the individualistic ethos often echoed by prominent permaculture figures. By contrasting historical communal living with today's nuclear solutions, we advocate for more pragmatic, collective approaches like shared canning centers and communal storage. We delve into the impracticalities of doubling household infrastructures and emphasize the efficiency of systemic community-based solutions, arguing that resilience and sustainability are best achieved through collective action rather than individual endeavors. In our deep dive into Holmgren's more controversial ideas, we confront his views on human waste management, suburban farming, and population control. Highlighting the need for scientific validation and proper hygiene practices, we question the feasibility and ethics behind some of Holmgren's proposals. From the romanticization of self-sufficiency to troubling perspectives on genetics and women's roles, we stress the importance of critical assessment within the permaculture movement. For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org    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/   Retro Suburbia, David Holmgren, Permaculture, Community, Energy Descent, COVID-19, Academic Discussions, Individualistic Narratives, Systemic Solutions, Communal Living, Household Infrastructures, Water Management, Waste Management, Human Waste, Hygiene Practices, Urban Food Production, Population Control, Genetic Legacy, Agroecology, Sustainability

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2024

Unlock the secrets of invasion ecology and transform your understanding of invasive species with our latest episode on the Poor Proles Almanac. Andy takes the lead in unraveling the complex dynamics of invasives by using case studies, such as the autumn olive in New England, revealing both its beneficial traits and its invasive consequences. By contrasting this plant with the native silverberry, we reveal how historical land management practices, like fire and grazing, have shaped their spread. Learn how hardiness zones, soil conditions, and human activities play pivotal roles in the success and control of these species. In our exploration of eco-evolutionary experience, we dive into the intricate relationships between native and invasive species. Discover how the invasive Argentine ant disrupts seed planting in South Africa's Fynbos Biome, and trace the global spread of Japanese knotweed from a single introduction. We discuss the rapid adaptability of invasive species and their lasting ecological impacts, such as soil changes and hybridization threats. Historical perspectives, including Howard Odom's maximum power principle, offer a deeper understanding of how invasives thrive based on energy efficiency. We round out the episode by addressing the profound implications of invasive species on ecosystems and the critical importance of ecological integrity. Examine how modern societal practices contribute to habitat destruction and species homogenization, and why preserving native landscapes is crucial. Our concluding discussion focuses on ecological restoration, highlighting the indispensable role of indigenous stewardship and the preservation of native plants. Join us for a nuanced conversation that emphasizes the long-term goal of ensuring the legacy of our natural world for future generations. For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org    Buy the original magazine where this piece was published!https://mergoat.com/product/preorder-vol-2-n1-a-horde-a-heap-a-pile/    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: Invasion Ecology, Invasive Species, Autumn Olive, Silverberry, Land Management, Fire, Grazing, Hardiness Zones, Soil Conditions, Human Activities, Eco-Evolutionary Experience, Argentine Ant, Seed Planting, Japanese Knotweed, Genetic Bottlenecks, Generalist Strategies, Soil Alteration, Hybridization, Black Locust, Native Mulberry, Capitalism, Profit, Homogenization, Permaculture, Sociopolitical Dimensions, Ecological Integrity, Climate Change, Habitat Destruction, Indigenous Stewardship, Native Plants, Ecosystems, Mutual Care, Evolution, Legacy

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2024

"What if the key to saving our planet lies in mimicking nature itself?" Join us on an exploration of permaculture, where we uncover the fascinating history and principles behind this revolutionary approach to sustainable living. From Bill Mollison's diverse and adventurous background to David Holmgren's educational journey, we piece together how their unique experiences and shared vision culminated in the creation of permaculture. Tune in for a captivating look at the origins of permaculture and the key figures who shaped its development. We go beyond the surface to explore the early challenges faced by the permaculture movement, including the complexities of merging ecological ethics with economic viability. Discover how significant events and influential figures contributed to the growth and adoption of permaculture in the United States and globally. Even as the movement expanded, it faced internal conflicts and external criticisms, especially regarding the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and practices. In our final discussions, we tackle the contentious issues of decolonizing permaculture and ensuring it remains scientifically grounded. We scrutinize the movement's relationship with traditional ecological knowledge, the problematic nature of modernizing ancient practices, and the often tokenistic gestures towards Indigenous communities. By highlighting these critical perspectives, we emphasize the need for a more authentic and respectful approach to sustainable living. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as we unpack the ethical implications and future directions of the permaculture movement. For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/a-history-of-permaculture    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:   Sustainable Living, Permaculture, Organic Farming, No-Till Methods, Agroecology, Bill Mollison, David Holmgren, Indigenous Knowledge, Sustainable Agriculture, History, Founders, Origins, Development, Challenges, Influences, Critique, Decolonizing, Scientific Perspectives, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Autonomy

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2024

In last week's episode, we dove into the confluence of veterans from the Vietnam War returning home, the collapse of the agricultural sector, and the rise of white supremacy. All of these coalesced into a movement centered around white supremacy and Christianity.  This week, we're exploring how this movement evolved into the 21st century. From homesteads to compounds, violence fomented between these radicals and the federal government (as well as towards non-whites and other marginalized people). How did this evolve into the more nuanced white supremacy movement that dances around acceptable forms of racism today?   To read about this movement further, check out the following substack for sources and further details: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com/p/homesteading-and-white-supremacy    This episode is sponsored by: Eric Toensmeier at https://www.perennialsolutions.org/ Check out his upcoming class!   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/

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2024