Harvesting the Sun - an important video from Ragmans Farm 

 

 

The first video in English of Jairo Restrepo, a world expert in Biofertilisers and soil regeneration, filmed at Ragmans Lane Farm. 

Jairo talks about the wonders of cow manure, soil microbes, trace elements, and their link with increased soil, plant and human health. 

He describes industrial agriculture as a 'dishonest agriculture' robbing us of our health and proposes an alternative productive approach harnessing the power of biological mineral ferments which will allow all of us to grow cheap organic food through enhanced photosynthesis -  by Harvesting the Sun.

We made this video because we believe that the work of Jairo Restrepo, long recognised in South America, is relatively unknown in the UK.  There is plenty of material on the internet of him teaching in Spanish, but very little in other languages, so we filmed an interview with him last summer and have edited it down for release. 

He is a leading teacher and practitioner in the application of technologies such as bokashi, biofertilser, native microbe ferments and the use of trace elements for soil bioremediation. These enable farmers at any scale to produce the fertility they need within their own farms and gardens. He teaches at Ragmans once a year in the summer, leading students through the science of his techniques, and also making about 15 different preparations.

His book The ABC of Organic Agriculture is a classic and has recently been translated into English, and is available through the website.

We believe that mineral and biological ferments could have a enormous impact in revitalising our soils and consequently our health. Juanfran Lopez researched the use of these products at Ragmans.  Further information about this work can be found here in the section describing our approach to Organic Agriculture. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Applied Agroecology Workshop

    - A day with Jairo Restrepo - a one day workshop on the 24th July 2015

    Jairo Restrepo is a passionate educator and activist in the field of sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty. He campaigns for a return of self determination, knowledge and autonomy to the farmer away from the power of agribusiness. He offers education, agronomy and consultancy around the world. His background is in Latin America and recently he has been touring in Europe and Australia. Jairo is consultant to the UN, Unesco, and the International Labour Organisation.

    Jairo’s teaching style is practical. He offers tools and inspiration for farmers, smallholders and activists. An agronomist with a rebellious character, he has a passionate belief in people power, in local rural culture, food sovereignty, and the desire to transmit the indigenous knowledge and experience gathered from over 20 years work across all continents. 

    We will cover a brief history of Jairo’s work, and where this has taken him. After lunch we will walk around the farm orchards to give Jairo an opportunity to demonstrate various agroecological approaches and low cost technologies such as mineral brews, wild microbes, biofertilisers, and compost tea.

    Jairo Restrepo has extensive experience of implementing these techniques at different scales through his teaching work and consultation. These Agroecological technologies are increasingly recognised as holding the key to the future of farming and climate change, and so we are excited to be able to offer his expert knowledge at Ragmans.

    "this guy is a genius and a tour de force of the first order!" Darren Doherty

    Who should attend:
    Farmers and independent small-scale growers, food producers, food retailers, campaigners for food sovereignty and students.

    Jairo will also be teaching a one day course on chromatography on Sat 25th July, and a five day course - An introduction to Regenerative Agriculture 18-22 July.

    Please note: this course will be delivered in Spanish with a translator. This is the first time that Jairo has taught in England. We would advise that you book onto the course early!

    Concessions available: please email us on info@ragmans.co.uk with details of why you would like to be considered for a concession.

    For information about Jairo's other courses and events whilst in the UK please click here


    £50.00

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