Hi. I have a few questions that I would like to ask, one that has come up elsewhere recently.
Without writing a book about it, which is probably there to be written ... ;-),
a) How would you define the relationship between Fukuoka's natural farming method and permaculture? For example, are they two different circles which interact at a certain point or is natural farming one potential within the broader permaculture?
b) You've undoubtably done more than anyone to bring to the world's attention Fukuoka's work, 40 years how much of an effect do you think it has had, and how and where (where not so much geographically but socially)?
c) To what do you ascribe the difference in the 'success' and spread of permaculture in comparison to natural farming? It is interesting that you yourself, in essence, market (if I may use such a vulgar concept) yourself as a permaculturalist now, rather than a natural farmer.
d) Looking back over the 30/40 years since you translated 'One Straw Revolution' how successful do you think it has been communicating Fukuoka's ideas, how complete a picture do you think it gives, would you have done it a different way if you were to do it today?
e) Are there any limitations to the ability to carry out natural farming be and what might they be, e.g. I am thinking quality of land, climate, financial background and land resources etc?
f) Is there any such thing as a "natural farming movement", how do you see it and how has it changed over the decades?
I appreciate that the last question might be a little too sensitive, or you might not want to offend or upset anyone by being too direct, so please allow me to do so. What I have seen or experience is a correlation between the natural farming "consciousness" (I find it hard to see anything as cohesive as a movement), and the macrobiotic movement; that is to say, in its early period of expansion into the West it became a little bit extreme and cult-ish even but that it is broadening and mellowing out a bit. Unfortunately, unlike the macrobiotic movement, there have never really been any businesses or school to promote it, nor 'Kushis' to Fukuoka's Oshawa.
g) Have you visited any of the Indian natural farmers or have any knowledge of how the movement is doing over there?
h) What do you think Fukuoka's final most important legacy to this world will be, or indeed the most important part to his message?
Thank you.
(FYI, or rather the information of the forum guard dogs ... although 'dun' means brown, the name is one for the Roger Waters fans)
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