Our agroecology values
We are guided by the ethics and principles of Permaculture, and the 13 principles of Agroecology:
1. Recycling
- Incorporate the design and development of effective closed loop systems in the garden whilst reusing and recycling as many materials as possible.
- Avoid crop and food waste with crops sold, sent to food hubs, or given to the community.
- Our green waste is managed using bokashi, vermiculture (worm farming), and other forms of composting.
- The use of new timber is kept to a minimum with timber reused or sourced second hand.
2. Input reduction
- Make as many homegrown and low impact inputs as possible including worm compost, plant teas, and other amendments.
- Continuously work to prioritise and improve rainwater harvesting as our main water source.
- We are strictly opposed to the use of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, poisons, bleaches or any other damaging agricultural chemicals.
- No product such as RoundUp! (glyphosate) or synthetic fertiliser such as MiracleGro is used or can be on site.
- We promote chemical free approaches including biodynamics and organics.
- Hose pipes are used to fill water butts and other water storage tanks if needed, rather than sprayed directly onto garden beds.
3. Soil health
- We recognise that healthy soil plays a fundamental role in the health of ecosystems and people, composting and organic amendments help our soils instead of synthetic fertilisers.
- We take a no dig approach in our growing areas to restore and create happy healthy soils through building microbial activity and life.
- Externally sourced composts, manure, or other organic matter must be peat free, organic, or from a reliable local manure source that does not use aminopyralid.
4. Animal health
- We love birds, hedgehogs, bees, bugs great and small! Our garden supports local bird populations and respects nesting sites, whilst working to encourage other local wildlife on site.
- Natural pest control methods minimise harm to all wildlife.
- We are strictly opposed to the use of slug pellets, rat poisons, or any similar product that affects wildlife.
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The use of heavy machinery is avoided and kept to a minimum, with clearing done by hand to protect the land and wildlife in it.
5. Biodiversity
- Our activities support and promote biodiverse ecosystems predominately through cultivating a diverse range of plants.
- We work to maintain seed and crop diversity, recognising this as a fundamental for food sovereignty.
- Seed, crop, and tree varieties are sourced as organic, biodynamic, open-pollinated, heritage, heirloom, or local - we do not source seed from corporates or agrochemical owned seed companies.
- We are strictly opposed to the use of gene-editing and other forms of genetic modification.
- Planting schemes are designed to encourage beneficial insects and interactions for natural pest control, no invasive plant or wildlife species should ever be planted or released in the garden.
6. Synergy
- Work to enhance positive ecological interactions between all elements of agroecology in the garden, and recognise the importance of working in partnership, collaboratively, cooperatively and responsibly.
- Encourage collaborative projects and initiatives, sharing resources and expertise.
7. Economic diversification
- The garden will have greater financial independence from grant funding and be able to sustain its future through diversifying income streams whilst creating opportunities for others.
- We work to support local markets and other related food system developments to enhance the local economy.
8. Co-creation of knowledge
- Facilitate regular knowledge sharing experiences for our community and other stakeholders.
- Consistent promotion and support of concepts, methods, businesses, organisations and individuals related to agroecology, food sovereignty, biodynamic farming, permaculture, circular economy, and human rights.
9. Social values and diets
- Building a better local food system is a key priority for us! (see 11. Connectivity)
- Growing fresh food that is healthy, diverse, seasonal, and of local cultural importance, we would also love to create space that can host communal meals and shared food experiences.
10. Fairness
- Ensure fair and equitable use of and access to the garden.
- We support the development of dignified livelihoods for all landworkers and other workers in the greater food system.
- Money raised is never banked or invested with companies that have holdings in arms and defence, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, tobacco, and other harmful sectors.
- We do not seek or accept funding from companies and organisations that do not align with our values.
- We do not make any purchases from Amazon, agrochemical companies, fast food companies, and any company listed on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions.
11. Connectivity
- Know your farmer, know your food... developing short food chains helps build small and local economies, this is a key priority for us.
- Collaborate with businesses, institutions, and organisations to develop a shared vision for our food system, both locally and nationwide.
- Celebrate local food and cultural practices with each other as a community.
- We reognise that we are working as part of a greater network of agroecological landworkers, growers, farmers, educators and activists to help create a resilient food system!
12. Land and natural resource governance
- We support the interests of food producers and guardians of natural resources worldwide, and source our materials in line with this ethos (see 10. Fairness).
- Clear guidelines for the use of the communal space and resources are established.
13. Participation
- Our aim is to foster community and collaboration in the local area with individuals and organisations.
- We will support the evolution of the garden based on shared experiences and feedback.
- Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome, and encouraged to contribute their thoughts and ideas.
- Let’s recognise and celebrate our wonderful village, community, and garden!
Is there something missing that we haven’t thought about but you’d like to see? Let us know! You can email us at cropwell@honeybeefarmacy.com or speak with us at the garden.