RESOURCES FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMS

(& friends & supporters of these farmers)

This list is very much a work in progress. Please contact me with suggestions for improvements or with further ideas. 

THE LAND INSTITUTE

Research center for permaculture

Equal parts academic and agricultural practitioners, the folks at the Land Institute are perhaps at the leading edge of US attempts to move from industrial farming to sustainable agroecology. Are they farmers doing science or scientists working in actual fields? Better: they are human beings trying to make our way of life permanently livable.

NORTHEAST SARE

Sustainable Agriculture & Resource Management

Here is a site for academic, 'expert advice' manuals on a wide range of topics, from business/marketing to soil management and pest prevention without chemicals. A few clicks will also give you access to information on government grants. If this isn't your region, find your local SARE!

JOHNS HOPKINS

Center for a Livable Future

Maybe you're interested in the things I'm doing and talking about. But you may feel like: "That's not possible for me. How else can I make an impact?" Or maybe you just want to know more about how daily choices by billions of people are contributing to the destruction of the planet, and you want to begin making a difference with your own choices. This site is full of information and policy ideas, both for you and for your government to enact!

USDA

Economic Research Service

The ERS is the hub for US government information about the markets and economic factors impacting farmers. Anyone can have opinions about agriculture, ecology, and the economy. But it takes data and numbers to have a well-informed opinion! So g

MODERN FARMER

"Harness the Power of Draft Horses"

A somewhat coy take on the resurgence of draft horses over fossil-fuel burning tractors. But you could do worse from a publication that has a tractor in its logo. Not only does it cover both the pleasures and profits of putting these majestic creatures to good use, but the discussion also helpfully mentions caution and care. You don't want to make this transition in too, well, cavalier a manner.