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Permaculture
"Perma" - Permanent : "Culture" - Agriculture
What is Permaculture? Why choose Permaculture?
Giggling Goat Farms strives to incorporate Permaculture into every aspect of the organization. The primary ethical focuses are: People Care + Earth Care + Fair Share.
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"It is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people, providing their food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way." - Bill Mollison
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Below are our guiding principles, adapted from Bill Mollison & David Holmgren, two founders of the Permaculture concept.
Our Guiding Principles
Observe & Interact
We must continually observe our surroundings in order to live in harmony with the land. GGFs monitors sun exposure, rainfall, temperature and other environmental factors. We then utilize this information to inform how we interact with the land.
Catch & Store Energy
GGFs is currently studying how to harness the sunlight, water and other energies that exist on the farm, including energy produced from the animals (food)!
We also utilize energy provided by our community to grow.
Obtain a Yield
GGFs is working to increase yields, therefor, proving accessibility for fresh foods throughout our region.
Apply Self Regulation &
Accept Feedback
There is no one right way to do anything on our farm. We must learn from things that do not go as we expect and receive feedback not only from our community but from the land and animals we work with.
Use & Value Renewable
Resources & Services
GGFs utilizes solar panels on the property for energy and we are also exploring other ways to value the many sources of renewable resources and services available to us.
Produce NO Waste
While this can be a lofty goal, GGFs prioritizes minimizing waste. Our compost system, chickens and goats play valuable roles in reducing waste... and so do each and every one of us!
Stacking Functions
Every element should have three functions and every function should be supported by at least three elements. GGFs is working on this through companion planting, crop rotation, animal rotation and grazing, and more.
Design from Pattern to Details
GGFs is working with nature instead of against it. By observing natural patterns native to our region, we can begin to mimic nature. Nature always knows best.
Integrate Rather than Separate
By integrating our animals, compost systems, growing areas and open spaces, GGFs is able to maximize productivity, health and happiness on the farm. Work smarter, not harder.
Slow & Small Solutions
At GGFs, we envision solutions not problems. Sometimes the solution is right in front of us, and sometimes we have to be patient. We are starting small and taking one step at a time.
Use & Value Diversity
All living organisms play an integral role in their ecosystem. We value all organisms, whether they are helping hands on the farm, birds, critters, deer or microbes, we need them all!
Use Edges & Value the Marginal
Even spaces that may not seem like productive growing spaces have a role in ecosystem health. The forest, downed wood, grasses, seeds, they all play their part, and we must learn to utilize their strengths.
Creatively Use & Respond
to Change
While change can often feel like an unwanted disturbance, it is the natural way of life. GGFs is learning something new every single day and as we adapt to the changing seasons and changing world, we will continue to learn and grow.
The Problem is the Solution
We must reframe how we approach problems or challenges... look beyond the problem itself and see what we can learn in the face of challenge.
Think Globally Act Locally
Communities around the world are facing climate change impacts at a rapid rate, and while our actions may not have a direct affect on them, we can take action close to home.
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"To the world you may be one person (or one farm), but to one person (or farm), you may be the world." - Dr. Seuss