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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • One Day Practical Biofertiliser & Fermenting Course (May)

    A one day course with Juanfran Lopez and Matt Dunwell  

    19th May    9.30 - 4.30

    A chance to learn how to regenerate farm and garden systems using home produced Biofertiliser, Native micro organisms, Aerobic and Anaerobic compost teas and  ‘Apichi’ for natural pest control. 

    Over the course of the day we will be collecting native microbes to make cheap but effective natural fertilisers and tonics for the plant and soil. 

    The day will be practically orientated although there will be a chance to discuss and learn some principles, objectives and strategies of Regenerative Agriculture.

    By the end of the day you will have the practical knowledge to make your own preparations at home, and a ‘starter kit’ of resources to take home with you including a fresh and mature batch of native microbes and a bottle of Apichi 'natural pesticide', biofertiliser for diluted use. 

    "Good mix between technical and practical; science and simple!"

    Juanfran Lopez has studied with the Columbian Jairo Restrepo, one of the leading teachers of microbialpreparations for healthy biological systems. Juanfran has also travelled through South America and Spain specializing in regenerative agriculture, learning and teaching as he travels. He runs the research into Regenerative Agriculture at Ragmans Farm, and has completed our first year of field trials.  Analysis and discussion of these trials including a chance to see soil dynamics under a microscope, will also be available on the course.

    Who should attend: Gardeners and small scale growers and farmers.

     "I have a good basis now on how to and what use can be applied. Excited to try"

    I feel much bolder about it all and also how it links into the wider system"

    "Great environment with practical demonstrations, as well as academic. Enjoyed it and learnt loads"

    "Can't wait to get started"

    Special Offer - Book onto this Bio Fertiliser course and the Regenerative Agriculture & Chromatography couse in June, and we will refund you the Bio Fertiiser course fee - so you get to attend for FREE!

     Tea and coffee included, please bring a packed lunch


    £75.00

    • Our Approach to Soil Fertility and System Health ~ by Matt Dunwell

    Added: February 15th 2017, Ragmans Farm

    Ragmans Farm is a 60 acre organic farm in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. We use farming practices that regenerate the land, using permaculture as a guiding design principle. Between the three main enterprises at the farm – Ragmans Lane Farm, the Willow Bank and Ragmans Market Garden, we provide emplo... read more

     


    Added: May 13th 2016, Ragmans Farm

    Aerobic or Anaerobic? By Juanfran Lopez Microbes  - Drawn by Miriam, age 4   I would like to introduce this thought with a simple and easy question comparing two different well known similar tools, but with different final purposes, just to put this article in context... it would be something like th... read more

     


    An interview with Jairo Restrepo

    Added: June 23rd 2015, Ragmans Farm

    Columbian champion of Organic Farming and for the rights of small holder farmers. "my dream is to construct a being, an ideal state of a being, so that I shall not be the ideal being of the State". Jairo Restrepo is a passionate educator and activist in the field of sustainable agriculture and food s... read more

     


    Added: March 23rd 2015, Ragmans Farm

    A Wonderful Time at Ragmans by Yanthe Oosthoek - Student Summer 2014 Being back in Holland made me realise how amazing my time at Ragmans had been. While cycling through the Dutch landscape (which is not very impressive compared to the beautiful Wye Valley Ragmans is surrounded by) I notice myself pointing out diff... read more

     


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