Fukuoka Farms in Oregon?

Hi Larry,

I knew nothing about Fukuoka before reading the interview with you on your website. I am now very interested in learning more about him and his philosophy / methods! I am very new to permaculture, and I just relocated to Central Oregon. Do you know of any farms in this area that have implemented Fukuoka techniques?

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Hi John, Boy, it's really hard to say what a "Fukuoka farm" is, actually. Natural farming is at it's core a way of seeing the world. When the farmer or gardener "gets it" they generally know just what to do. Most of the natural farmers I know seem to enjoy flying under the radar. There is no Institute of Natural Farming or anything like that. The closest I have seen both refer to themselves as permaculture/biodynamic farms, but they are gradually heading in the direction of Fukuoka's way. One is Don Tipping's Seven Seeds Farm in Williams, OR and another is Brian K's Inspiration Farm in Bellingham, WA. The reason I say they are moving in that direction has only partly to do with the techniques, although they too are evolving. I mainly guage how close a farm is to natural farming by the understanding and world outlook of the farmer. The place where natural is being embraced by a vast number of people is in India.

It's something humbling to think that we who live in "advanced" or "1st world" places have to look to those that are not considered to be in the same class for wisdom and example in things so basic as producing food. I am so happy to see more and more attention given to these almost lost arts. Thank you for helping to further our education and passion for these things!