Transition Food Production Model

The Cuban Model

The model has many parallels to successful Cuban community agriculture projects. Cuba adapted to the longstanding blockade of agricultural chemicals by switching to organic production and is now a world leader in sustainable agriculture. Typical community plots (huertas) are around 1,000 square metres and they feed millions of mouths. In some Cuban cities 80% of the food requirements are grown within the confines of the city and the Cuban model is spreading fast throughout Latin America. Transition Farming has particular relevance for urban farming situations and to the Transition Towns’ movement which is investigating sustainable ways to feed the UK’s urban populations in the future.

When Elin Jones the Welsh Minister of Rural Affairs visited she said that the Primrose gardens reminded her of the productivity she had seen in Cuba.

The Primrose Transition Food Model

Biomimicry

Primrose Farm is an outstanding example of people-centred low impact agriculture, with little or no reliance on intensive energy. It is a flagship for sustainable food and the model at the heart of the proposed new Centre for Sustainable Food. The farm is a holistic ecological system, which operates in balance with nature. Teachings from nature have demonstrated ways to use nature’s abundant renewable resources in preference to fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources of the Earth. This is an excellent example of Biomimicry, which is incorporating natural ecological models, organic methods and permaculture design principles to create a highly sustainable operational system that is intensively productive and actively supports biodiversity.

Paul studied conventional agriculture as well as organic husbandry and ecology and has a doctorate in aspects of farm animal behaviour. Combining this solid scientific background with his direct experience of developing Primrose Farm, he is developing the Transition Farming model to demonstrate how to transform any piece of conventional pastureland into as productive an organic system as his own, within a five-year plan.

Permaculture Design & Principles

Primrose Farm has been managed ecologically since 1990. Over the last few years, permaculture principles have been introduced. Not only has this considerably added to the sustainability of the holding, but has created new habitats and tranquil settings which are of great benefit to wildlife and people. The 0.5-acre forest garden is probably the largest that is commercially operating in this country and contains around 95 different varieties of fruit and nut trees.

There is a distinct quality of peace in this area, partly created through its sustainable and minimal maintenance system. 6 ponds have been created, a bog garden has been developed and a 0.5-acre native woodland has been planted for coppicing.

Priority need for the Transition Farming model

Primrose Farm provides a blueprint model for Transition Farming which is a very low carbon input system incorporating high biodiversity, powered by people and encouraging wildlife and operating in total balance with nature.

There is a growing recognition that how we grow, distribute, store, sell and consume food makes a significant contribution to one of the greatest sustainability threats of all – climate changing greenhouse gas emissions. A major EU wide study puts the contribution of the food life cycle from seed to plate at 31 per cent of all EU greenhouse gas emissions. 10-15% of our carbon dioxide emissions are attributed to the actual production processes, so the need for low impact healthy food production is more critical now than ever before.

Primrose Farm near Hay-on-Wye offers a solution through providing a model of effective and productive carbon neutral farming on possibly the most productive acre and a half in Europe.

“The most sustainable farming system I have ever seen. Paul Benham is from a scientific background and the systems are based on sound science and a genuine belief in sustainablity.” Huw Thomas, Agri-Food Manager Welsh Assembly Government, 2007.

The Primrose model demonstrates the potential for the Cuban model operating successfully in the UK temperate climate. This model is very appropriate to the Transition Town movement that is brainstorming how to feed our urban populations in a post cheap oil era. The model could also be incorporated as a diversification element within larger agricultural units.

Project to document the Transition Food Model

At the ground and community level there is a sudden and dramatic awareness of the need to change our food production systems to create future food security. A wide range of initiatives such as Transition Towns, the Permaculture Low Carbon Farming Project, CSA’s, urban gardening, reconnecting people with land and food, and therapeutic gardening and Care Farming are presently developing. The presence of a blueprint model of the unique Primrose Transition Farming system would provide an invaluable support to the successful development of these new initiatives.

The project will also document the processes on at least one sustainable cereal production unit, since cereals are an important component to food supply that are not present in the Primrose model.

MEASUREMENTS
• Assess all energy inputs both direct and embodied
• Assess benefits of carbon sinks on the farm
• Assess people time inputs
• Assess outputs of food in quantity and value
• Assess health benefits
  - Responses of people working in this farming system
  - Mineral content of produce
  - Vital energy of produce.

OUTPUTS
1. Hard copy of manual produced including at least 200 photos that documents all the practical processes throughout the year plus the underlying sustainable principles that incorporate the elements of high biodiversity, people involvement and low carbon footprint to produce the unique model. This will be available on a print by order basis.
2. Digital version of the manual available.
3. A short 15-20 minute video made that captures the essence and incredible value of this system with its great abundance and positive relationship with the environment and wildlife. This could be used with a wide range of audiences including consumers to inspire and encourage away from total supermarket dependence.
4. A calendar of practical processes throughout the year that will be available month by month on the website.
5. A 5-year plan made to show the development of the Transition food system from a bare field of grass within this time period.

Month by month Calendar of Activities for Transition Food

To begin in Jan 2010

5 Year plan to develop the Transition Model from a bare field

To be available in 2010

 

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