Micro Eco-Farming: Prospering from Backyard to Small Acreage In Partnership with the Earth [Paperback]

Barbara Berst Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

There is a quiet revolution happening in our time: the emergence of microfarms on tiny acreages that achieve astounding yields of organic produce and provide a better-tasting alternative to the products of big agri-business. Micro eco-farmers across the nation are profiting from small acreages to small-town backyards. Their livelihoods restore the planet while creating an abundance of healthy products produced in very small spaces. Micro Eco-Farming details how the new micro eco-farmers succeed on mini-farms of from one to five acres, how they start with nothing, what traits they share, and what secrets they know. In addition to presenting close-ups of those who are actually earning a full-time income for at least one adult, Micro Eco-Farming also provides a treasury of what you can grow, what farming methods you can use, and how the farmers reach their markets in surprisingly creative, new ways. The book outlines the emerging new sustainable production methods and distills the methods that have increased production on small ground from double to up to 40 times that of conventional growing. Hundreds of real-life examples are presented with ideas, resources and methods for all who aspire to create their own micro eco-farm: from backyard gourmet restaurant gardens, homegrown organic spa products, u-gather nut groves, front-yard cut-flower stands, heritage rose farms, children's and holiday farms, urban greenhouses, farm and cottage industry partnerships, herbs and flowers for healing, connoisseur apple orchards, ethnic personal chef gardens, old-fashioned farm festivals, native and wild edible farms, to mail-order farm crafts and more. Finally, although the new micro eco-farmers usually achieve their dreams of economic independence, there is also the understanding as well that success includes something greater than financial profits. Micro Eco-Farming invites you share the eco-farmers' dream of prosperity and fullfillment, in partnership with the earth, and it gives you the inspiration and practical tools to live the dream.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: New World Publishing (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963281437
• ISBN-13: 978-0963281432
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.5 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara Adams hosts the Center for the Micro Eco-Farming Movement (www.MicroEcoFarming.com) for those planning, creating or operating micro eco-farms from urban rooftops to small town backyards to small rural acreages of 1 to 20 or so. Growing up in a family rooted in generations of farming, ranching, and horticulture, she has managed a number of micro eco-farm projects, and is currently restoring Island Meadow Farm in Washington State with her husband. She has traveled to South Africa, Europe, Mexico and across North America to study the micro eco-farming movement and hear the real voices of those who are succeeding. Her readers include generational farmers reinventing their home businesses, USA and Canadian university students entering the field, Permaculturists restoring sustainable agriculture in South Africa, USA families, couples and singles looking for nature-based backyard home businesses, citizens involved in creating children's school and community mini-farms, Europeans involved in the local food revival, North American planning committee members uplifting their regional economy to include new micro eco-farms, university researchers, and quite often, home gardeners and modern homesteaders exploring the changes and discoveries of this new century that allow very small acreage and even backyard gardens to earn income again.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 89 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Creatively Farming With Small Plots September 23, 2004

By Lois G. Lenz

Format:Paperback

This is a creative work of art, as well as a practical explanation of various methods of eco-farming. Barbara Berst
Adams has a glorious ability to live close to the earth while
being highly articulate and spiritual. It reminds me of my childhood during the depression when we would have starved had it not been for our gardens, chickens and cows! At least we knew what real food tasted like, and when it was recommended that we not eat eggs, I never stopped eating eggs. This book is not only timely, practical and educational. It is delightfully written with the heart of a poet! You will encounter many varieties of eco-farms with interesting and successful concepts in producing and marketing on surprisingly small acreages. I loved this book!

Lois Gates Lenz
Norman, Oklahoma

72 of 72 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Make your dream come true October 25, 2006

By J. DeCourtney

Format:Paperback

It has been my long-time dream to have a house in a rural place with a few acres and a cash crop. With this dream in mind, I read

"Micro Eco-Farming" by Barbara Berst Adams. It is a wonderful book. Besides great suggestions for types of small farm or backyard businesses that lend themself to success, the many real examples bring the possibilities to life. But, there is much more. The book describes how to go about setting up a small eco-business, why and how each one works, and how the benefits of such an endeavour go far beyond just cash. Of special interest to me is practical ways to make the most of a very small gardening plot or space. I don't have land yet (I'm still in a condo in a small city), but there was one tip that I used immediately. It was using trace minerals to help plants flourish, with sometimes dramatic results. I use trace minerals for my personal health, but never thought about my houseplants needing the same. This makes total sense, and I have just started adding trace minerals to their water! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Barbara's delightful book and can hardly wait until I get my

own small plot of land to make use of the wisdom she conveys through her own experience and that of others. I could almost taste the strawberries, smell the hay, and hear the sounds of the birds as I read her book. Ahhh.

70 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! A must for people who are dreaming of small scale farming! May 27, 2006

By Mary

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book makes me want to stop everything I'm doing and start farming full-time. It has inspired me to have a small farm-stand outside my apartment this summer. (I have a small city garden) Her writing was full of hope and wonder for the natural world. It wasn't a simple 1, 2, 3 steps for farming, although she did cover various sustainable farming techniques. (not in full - but it gives the reader the freedom to pursue what works for them. Included is an awesome "Resources and Networking" Appendix so the reader can do more research.)

Barbara actually dives into connection with the earth, connection with community, and even connection with her children. It was very personal, but I could relate to everything she covered. I actually wrote down various quotes that I loved from the book. This is one of my favs:

"We don't need corporate agribusiness to save us from starvation. Food is our excuse to co-create with nature instead of being passive recipients; to reach across species; to mingle with other humans; and to listen to an earthly rhythm."