Leslie Parsons

When we understand the history of food, we see that the plants that were gathered in ancient times have been altered by the human family, in drastic ways.  Fruit trees are probably one of the best examples.  If you want a tiny crabapple or similar fruit, plant a landrace tree.  It will be completely "natural".  If you want a sweet, juicy apple that fills your hand, you have to take advantage of thousands of years of selective breeding, and the cultivation techniques that these special plants require.  We have more pest and disease issues than they did, which make preventive cultivation systems even more important.  

I have experimented with Permaculture techniques, in my orchard, and I have determined that my results are better, if I use the vast knowledge that has come down from our ancestors.  I get much better results.  Cultivation practices in mainstream chemical agriculture today are not the same as our legacy of past techniques. I want an orchard that is easy to maintain and easy to pick.  I do not want to fight through a thicket of brush and branches to pick fruit that is not maximized for size and quality.  These practices were developed by people who needed food, not by armchair agriculturists, who buy their food at the supermarket.

As far as the welfare of the plants is concerned, they want life.  They are capable of reverting to their original form through dropping seeds.  If you desire a landrace tree, it is easy to cultivate one - just keep planting seeds and let the trees cross pollinate, instead of planting grafted trees.  I love the entire dance of fruit tree cultivation and care.  But, if I don't get food production, that tree does not stay in my orchard.