I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  It is well presented.  Anyone that is contemplating moving from the city and starting a small scale farm operation using permaculture, sustainable and biodiversity concepts should watch this film.  As in any farm operation, big or small, there are many hardships, roadblocks, and heart aches.  There is also a lot of joy and gratification.  Watch for yourself.

The Biggest Little Farm follows two dreamers and their beloved dog when they make a choice that takes them out of their tiny L.A. apartment and into the countryside to build one of the most diverse farms of its kind in complete coexistence with nature. The film chronicles their near decade-long attempt to create the utopia they seek, planting 10,000 orchard trees, hundreds of crops, and bringing in animals of every kind– including an unforgettable pig named Emma and her best friend, Greasy the rooster. When the farm’s ecosystem finally begins to reawaken, their plan to create perfect harmony takes a series of wild turns, and to survive they realize they'll have to reach a far greater understanding of the intricacies and wisdom of nature, and of life itself.

What does Non-GMO Mean?

Non-GMO means non-genetically modified organisms. GMOs (genetically modified organisms), are novel organisms created in a laboratory using genetic modification/engineering techniques. Scientists and consumer and environmental groups have cited many health and environmental risks with foods containing GMOs.

As a result of the risks, many people in the United States and around the world are demanding “non-GMO” foods. We have created an ebook offering our top 13 tips for buying organic food to help keep your family safe and healthy. Download it for free HERE.

What are Genetically Modified Foods?

In genetic modification (or engineering) of food plants, scientists remove one or more genes from the DNA of another organism, such as a bacterium, virus, animal, or plant and “recombine” them into the DNA of the plant they want to alter. By adding these new genes, genetic engineers hope the plant will express the traits associated with the genes. For example, genetic engineers have transferred genes from a bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt into the DNA of corn. Bt genes express a protein that kills insects, and transferring the genes allows the corn to produce its own pesticide.

Genetic modification/engineering is a potentially dangerous technology

One of the main problems with genetic engineering is that the process of inserting genes into the DNA of a food plant is random; scientists have no idea where the genes go. This can disrupt the functioning of other genes and create novel proteins that have never been in the food supply and could create toxins and allergens in foods.

Genetic modification is a radical technology

Supporters of genetic modification say that the technology is simply an extension of traditional plant breeding. The reality is that genetic engineering is radically different. Traditional plant breeders work with plants of the same or related species to create new plant varieties. Genetic engineers break down nature’s genetic barriers by allowing transfers of genes from bacteria, viruses, and even animals—with unforeseen consequences.

Genetic modification is based on an obsolete scientific theory

Genetic modification is based on a theory called the Central Dogma, which asserts that one gene will express one protein. However, scientists working with the United States National Human Genome Research Institute discovered that this wasn’t true, that genes operate in a complex network in ways that are not fully understood. This finding undermines the entire basis for genetic engineering.

Sustainability is the ability to exist constantly. In the 21st century, it refers generally to the capacity for the biosphere and human civilization to coexist. Wikipedia

The definition of “sustainability” is how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology of an area to remain in balance. It acknowledges that human civilization takes resources to sustain a modern way of life. Sustainability takes into account how we might live in harmony with the natural world around us, protecting it from damage and destruction.

Throughout the world, people want the same things: access to clean air and water; economic opportunities; a safe and healthy place to raise their kids; shelter; lifelong learning; a sense of community; and the ability to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

A sustainable community takes into account human needs, not just one at the exclusion of all others.  It takes a long-term perspective – focusing on anticipating and adapting to change in both the present and future.

What are the Primary Goals of Sustainability?

We all know what we need to do to protect the environment, whether it is recycling, reducing power consumption by switching electronic devices off rather than using standby, by walking short journeys instead of taking the bus. It also includes the following:

• reduction in carbon emission
• protection of eco-systems
• protection of air quality
• protection of water quality
• protection of natural resources
• technology for a greener future

How to Create a Smaller and Greener Footprint?

For many individuals sustainability is about making changes that create a smaller and more greener footprint.  Many of these concepts can be implemented quite easily and quickly into our everyday lives.  Other means of sustainability incorporate major changes to lifestyle, building construction, etc. 

• recycle, reduce, reuse, repair
• become a conscious consumer
• reduce the need to shop (consumerism) and support more natural choices
• eliminate the use of plastics and the purchase of plastics
• cook at home instead of eating out
• compost - make healthy soil
• garden - grow your own food
• shop locally - support local farming - join a CSA
• make and/or use items made of biodegradable materials such as cotton, hemp, etc.
• utilize natural building and construction materials whenever possible
• implement solar and wind energy solutions
• implement alternative fuel solutions such as biochar, ethanol, etc.
• earthships; tiny homes; hobbit homes; cobwood, hemp, straw bale home construction
   

Regenerative agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems. It focuses on topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing ... Wikipedia

"If you’ve never heard about the amazing potential of regenerative agriculture and land use practices to naturally sequester a critical mass of CO2 in the soil and forests, you’re not alone. One of the best-kept secrets in the world today is that the solution to global warming and the climate crisis (as well as poverty and deteriorating public health) lies right under our feet, and at the end of our knives and forks." -Ronnie Cummins, Regeneration International Steering Committee Member

WHY REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE?

Transitioning to more sustainable forms of agriculture remains critical, as many current agriculture practices have serious consequences including deforestation and soil degradation. But despite agriculture’s enormous potential to hurt the environment, it also has enormous potential to heal it. Realizing this, many organizations are promoting regenerative agriculture as a way to not just grow food but to progressively improve ecosystems.

Drawing from decades of research, regenerative agriculture uses farming principles designed to mimic nature. To build healthy soils and fertile, thriving agro-ecosystems, this approach incorporates a range of practices like agro-forestry and well-managed grazing. Benefits of these practices include richer soil, healthier water systems, increased biodiversity, climate change resilience, and stronger farming communities.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The key to regenerative agriculture is that it not only “does no harm” to the land but actually improves it, using technologies that regenerate and revitalize the soil and the environment. Regenerative agriculture leads to healthy soil, capable of producing high quality, nutrient dense food while simultaneously improving, rather than degrading land, and ultimately leading to productive farms and healthy communities and economies. It is a dynamic and holistic, incorporating permaculture and organic farming practices, including conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, composting, mobile animal shelters and pasture cropping, to increase food production, farmers’ income and especially, topsoil.

Links to Regenerative Agriculture

Aranya Agricultural Alternatives

Carbon Underground

Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm)

Grounded

Kiss the Ground

Land Institute

RegenAG

Regeneration International

Rodale Institute

Savory Network

Soil Capital

Soils, Food, and Healthy Communities

Soil Foodweb Institute

Sustainable Harvest International

Terra Genesis International

Timbaktu Collective

Traditional Native American Farmers Association