Tools and Techniques

As far as possible we mimic natural systems and processes, whilst achieving a healthy crop. For this purpose we are developing a range of “tools” which fit the UK climate. Although listed below as different tools, they are all part of a holistic approach. They are tweaks and adjustments for individual situations.

It is important to get a base of skills and understanding of these tools so the farmer and grower has autonomy and understanding to make their own preparations, empowering the farmer and reaching a broader scale. We are not selling products off the shelf, we are happier to run courses to explain the principles. 

For instance biofertiliser, an anaerobic ferment is good for chelating minerals so they are more available to plants. However aerobic tea, made by bubbling air through microbes in solution, is great for building more biology into the system. Native microbes can be propagated aerobically like this, or through the Native Microbe preparation outlined below. Lastly, we can measure the integration of these techniques and their effect on soil structure using Chromatography. 

  • 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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