Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm Araçuai Demonstration Farm OSSTF Common Threads IV

Overview A working farm where local family farmers can go and learn about techniques that work in their semi-arid climate Uses the concept of “permaculture” – “perma” stands for permanent (i.e. sustainable) Learning environment is such that even non-literate farmers can learn Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles Soil must be preserved and used in a sustainable way so that it will be available for future generations. We must recognize the inter-connections between the different components of the environment (e.g. water, soil, insects, plants etc.). 1. Take care of the soil: Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 1. Take care of the soil: Soil must be irrigated. At the Demonstration Farm they are using a pump to bring water from the river to the crops. In this way the soil is provided with its needs. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 2. Respect life: We must worry about providing for life, not producing money. We must respect nature and each other Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 2. Respect life: Ants were attacking some of their plants. Rather than kill the ants, they came up with a plan. They are protecting the plants using pop bottles so that the ants have difficulty getting at them. Meanwhile, they are planting other things that would attract the ants and provide food for them. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 3. Be aware of over-consumption: We must not spend and consume too much in excess. We must learn not to waste and instead to re-use, compost and recycle. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 3. Be aware of over-consumption: Water is being filtered through various substances, including gravel and sand, so that it can be re-used on the farm. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: The farm, regardless of size, should be set up in zones where you apply the principles of permaculture Parts of the farm that are needed daily are located closest to the home Things that are not needed as often are further away from the home Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone One: –Contains the home and a 50 metre radius around the home –Includes the bathroom, water tanks, vegetable garden and small animals –These are all things that are needed or must be tended to more frequently Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone One: Farm house Small animals Vegetable garden Bathroom Water storage tank Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone Two: –Contains fruit trees –Fruit can be further from the home because you don’t need to tend them everyday (unlike the vegetables in the garden) Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone Two: Fruit trees like bananas (left), durian (above right) and papaya (below right) Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone Three: –Grains, such as corn or soya, depending on what the soil allows –Larger animals that do not need to be tended to as frequently Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone Three: Grains, like cornLarger animals, like cattle Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone Four: –In Brazil, 20% of the land must be returned to its original state –This zone is left to return to native plant species –Sometimes reforestation takes place here Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 4. Set up the farm in zones: Zone Four: Zone 4 – Before revitalizationZone 4 – After revitalization Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 5. Conserve energy: The farm is set up in such a way so as to conserve energy Energy should be conserved in terms of human labour, fossil fuels and electricity Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 5. Conserve energy: Vegetables are planted in semi- circles so the farmer can stand in the middle and turn in place to irrigate, thus conserving energy. Water is collected and stored in tanks to take advantage of gravity, rather than using fuel. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 6. Everything must have at least two uses: In order to increase efficiency, everything on the farm must perform at least two functions For example, fruit trees provide both food and shade Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Demonstration Farm Principles 6. Everything must have at least two uses: Composting toilets also provide fertilizer for the farm. The “three sisters” provide food but also help each other – beans add nutrients to the soil, squash provides shade and humidity and corn provides climbers for the beans. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Other Features of the Farm “Teaching Huts” Huts have been constructed using local, available materials. These provide shade for groups, such as local farmers or students, who have come to learn about permaculture. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

A “greenhouse” is built with black perforated cloth hung over an A- frame. During the rainy season, the perforations let the rain through, without crushing the plants. The black cloth blocks out the strong rays of the sun. Other Features of the Farm “Greenhouse” Inside the “greenhouse” seedlings are started before being transplanted outside. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm

Other Features of the Farm “Fish Farm” They are experimenting with creating a fish pond and breeding fish. Common Threads IV – Demonstration Farm