#one of them needs to be farm-crop-farmer related

[rat-rosemary]

My endermam boys 💜💜💜

[heartfullofleeches]

Quick descriptions of my milk cow hybrid yans since it's been a while-

Eggnog [They/them] - Seamstress who lives in the attic/walls of the old farmer's house reader lives in in majority of fics. Steals clothing reader no longer uses to make into outfits for their stuffed rabbit/use as pillow cases. Timid, afraid of loud noises. The tallest of the hybrids and most soft spoken mainly due to damage to their vocal cords. Sings to reader from the attic when they upset

Cotton Candy Milk [they/them] - Town Jester. Silly and carefree, but serious about their crafts. Creates paints with their milk they use to paint portraits of reader.

Screamsicle [they/them] - Formerly known as creamsicle, Screamsicle has a love for all these spooky (and reader). Wears a pumpkin mask they never take off after an incident with humans that resulted in injury. Carrie's around a skeleton with a different name every other week and tells it secrets they'd take to the grave

Rootbeer Milk [he/him] - Cowboy cow. Tries to impress with his sharp shooting, but his aim is rather dull due to needing glasses and refusing to wear them because he thinks they're for dorks (unless reader wears them). Related to Ginger Milk

Ginger Milk [she/her] - Mechanic and owner of the junkyard in town. Loud mouthed and hot tempered, but means well. Works daily in her shop on to impress/improve reader's life and only bugs half of them

Peach Milk [she/her] - Token mean girl, but loves to spoil reader regardless. Makes creams and body scrubs for herself and reader with her milk. Older twin sister to Apricot

Apricot [he/him] - Lifeguard and the sweetheart to his sister's bitterness. Spends all his time at the lake, writing love letters he'll never send. Younger Twin brother to Peach

Milk Tea [he/him] - Town Therapist few actually go to. Stickler for rules, life of the party when wasted. Insists most of reader's problems come from having so many people around them and that they should talk to him alone

Spice Milk [he/they] - Bar owner and the shoulder most go to cry on. Offers the same kindness to reader and prays they don't mind if he does the same.

Apple Milk [They/Them] - Town Doctor. Easily and constantly stressed with work who just wants to crawl into reader's bed and never leave

Mint Milk [They/Them] - Pothead. Makes edibles with their milk they dump off on reader and others. Laid back, though extremely possessive

Vanilla Milk [she/her] - Baker. Acts holier than thou, but a freak behind closed doors.

Cherry Milk [she/they] - Skater girl. Never removes her helmet and pads as she's constantly trying to one up previous stunts and to hide her broken horn. One of the weakest hybrids, but carries a spiked bat

Strawberry Milk [he/they] - Heavylifter and caretaker of the farm/crops. Refuses to let reader use their feet when he's around and carries them around on his shoulders

Chocolate Milk [he/him] - Sherriff. Stoic and easy to anger by everyone except reader. Working on a safe room/apartment for reader in his basement. Has never been milked and refuses to be so which is part of his problem

Licorice Milk [he/him] - Probably the reason there's a need for a sheriff in the first place. Also why many human tourists never make it to their final destination. Offers to cook for reader - they'd be wise not to even drink the water/milk he gives them. Rarely speaks unless it's over the phone. Leaves reader messages that range from slightly cute to cute but only through the eyes of a cannibal cowman

Banana [she/they] - Abrasive tech wiz. Hates being touched/bothered by others - reader being their only exception. Often fixes little kinks in Ginger Milk's machinery and replaces her spyware for their own. Wants to be more open with reader, but struggles to express herself

Oat Milk [she/her] - Nun/gardener. Most avoid her, Eggnog is terrified of her. The only hybrid without a tail or horns. Plants her crops outside reader's window. They smell so sweet and speak even sweeter during full moons

[snadom]

Mudwing Headcanons

I think about them too much. My favorite tribe. Some of these are dumb.

- Mudwing sibling troops often have ‘family names’ that are often just the name of the bigwings. Yes, this means bigwings have a “Mario Mario” type situation going on. The main exception to this are royal mudwings, which often have a last name relating to some virtue they embody that makes them ‘better’ than lower-class mudwings

- Mudwing eggs start out porous and sticky and harden over the course of about half an hour. This ‘glues’ eggs of the same clutch together, making it hard to separate them.

- Separating an egg from it’s clutch is extremely taboo in mudwing society, because it’s robbing that dragon of their troop and vise versa. This is also hard to do after the eggs have glued themselves together, and can often kill the eggs in question.

- Because of the different in clutch sizes (Mudwing clutches seem to average at least 6, normal clutches are 1-2, maybe 3) Mudwing hybrids are often unsibs by default, if raised in mudwing society. It’s not a uncommon practice to ‘plant’ these eggs into another clutch (or split between multiple clutches) so that they won’t be alone. Troops will treat this ‘cuckoo’ sibling like any other, but may receive scorn from other mudwings

- Only-child mudwings are considered cursed by other mudwings, and naturally assumed to be violent, amoral, and/or unsympathetic, or things of that nature. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

- Typically, mudwing dragonets are taught by mainly older dragonets, rather than grown dragons. Sometimes ‘seedling villages’ will occur, where younger dragons will start their own village rather than joining with a pre-existing one. These have varying success.

- Relating to this, ‘respect your elders’ isn’t really a thing in mudwing society. They DO care for those too old to care for themselves, obviously, but respect purely on the basis of age is not a thing.

- Farming is a huge thing in mudwing society, with produce making up most of their exports. Rice is a major crop, and most mudwing dishes feature rice. Pigs and goats are the most common livestock. Cows are high-valued but only do well in the grasslands and are thus more uncommon. Chickens and Waterfowl aren’t considered ‘worth it’ to farm by many due to their size, but are often favored by young troops. It also isn’t uncommon for villages to have half-feral flocks of birds that are picked at as needed.

- Contrary to popular belief, The Diamond Spray Delta is a huge centre of farming activity and therefore population. It got it’s reputation from traders who were disdainful of ‘low-born’ farmers, and the fact it fell into disarray during the war, when many farmers were unable to tend to their crops.

- Blood-red eggs aren’t genetic, but rather caused by an egg reacting to certain factors both inside and outside of the womb. Curiously, it is extremely uncommon for multiple blood-red eggs to occur in a single clutch.

[script-a-world]

Submitted via Google Form:

In the rural farming communities of my world, I'm thinking about a potential plot related reason that would cause it to culturally be common to have small familes of 1-3 children. But I've noticed that across the world such communities generally welcome a whole ton of children because they work on the farm. When I remove that part... how could it affect my farming community? Technologically, these communities hover between 19-20th century tech.

Tex: Less children dying from things like starvation, illness, and untreatable injuries, and also a whole lot of self-owned, effective, easy to repair machines that can do the work of several people in a fraction of the time. The nineteenth century, or 1800s, had a lot of social upheaval and the beginnings of scientific progress in understanding what diseases were (Wikipedia). The twentieth century, or 1900s, had an exponential increase in knowledge compared to the 1800s, as well as a corresponding population boom (Wikipedia). To wit, one billion overall population was recorded in 1800 (Wikipedia).

Compared to previous centuries, those two hundred years were the most advanced in human history in terms of medical development and accessibility to education. It was, also compared to previous centuries, some of the most polluted and war-riddled that lead to new methods for the stark impoverishment of the global population. Women being strongly encouraged through many means - many less acknowledging of individual freedoms than others - to bear as many children as possible over their lifetime is due to high child mortality rates, where playing the game of statistics meant that you would possibly get a handful of children reaching adulthood that could take over the family farm (or other estate or inheritances) and ostensibly take care of their parents when life has run them over roughshod too much to work anymore. The development of pensions has done much to alleviate that societal, generational woe, and shift the perception of children in their social role from live-in workers to additional members of one’s family. This is, of course, not a uniform movement, as poverty will perpetuate the ideas of large families and responsibilities for inheritance (and thus situations such as arranged marriages, etc), which is still ongoing today in many, many parts of the world regardless of a country’s GDP. For the time period of 1800-2000, farmers having 1-3 children depends entirely on how much money they already make, have inherited themselves, and how little they can spend on producing agricultural products. This will include such “cost-cutting” measures as:

the cheapest labor available (see: immigrants, or prison workers, as seasonal labor when slavery was given a different legal definition in countries like the U.S.),

chemical agriculture,

genetically modified crops,

vehicles such as tractors, and 

a lot of very good marketing

So, generally, the richer your family already was, the less you needed to have a dozen or two children born per generation to use as labor, because you could spend your plethora of money on new and cutting-edge technologies that would turn agriculture into a passive money-making business for you. This is the same for non-agricultural industries of the time, especially with the post-WWII price-fixing measures and before the introduction of modern credit cards, credit scores, etc, where money generally had more purchasing power and the average person had more disposable income that would have been otherwise allocated to things like food, medicine, replacing worn-out clothing/shoes, transportation costs, and putting a roof over one’s head.

Notably, after the mid-2000s, there has been a decrease in the average person’s disposable income, so what was true for 1800-2000 will not necessarily be broadly applicable after that period in time.

Utuabzu: One place you can look to for a real world example of this is France, which hit an average of approximately 3 children per woman in 1871, and had long had a lower birth rate than the rest of Europe. A major reason for this was the Salic inheritance system, which saw land divided equally among all sons. This was a serious disincentive for a family to have more than one son, since over time it resulted in farms that were divided into ever smaller and less viable plots. And since a daughter would require a dowry to be married, they weren’t much more desirable. So farmers in France had significant motivation to limit the number of children in their families - though as Tex mentions above, this was counterbalanced by the need to have spare kids to account for the relatively high childhood mortality rate. This resulted in the French population remaining essentially stable at around 20 million between the mid 15th (after it recovered from the Black Death) and mid 18th (when medicine started to be an actual science) Centuries, while the populations of other European regions expanded significantly.

So, it’s perfectly possible for a pre-modern largely rural society to have a low birth rate, so long as there are appropriate legal and technological conditions. Extra farm labour is great and all, but not worth it if the end result is the family being left destitute after the landholder’s death because the farm got divided into unviable fractions.

Licorice: families welcoming a whole lot of children might be overstating the case. Before reliable birth control, families endured a whole lot of children because there was no way to prevent them. It is pretty much universally true to say that wherever women have control over their own fertility, the birth rate goes down. Very few women actually want to give birth to eight or ten children over the course of their reproductive life, though there are always outliers, of course.

A woman’s control over her fertility is determined by two main factors

Access to reliable contraception

Her freedom to choose whether to use contraception

Some women may live in societies where they are allowed to make decisions about their own bodies, but don’t have access to the birth control they need; in other societies, the birth control may be available, but the woman may not be the one making the decision. 

In all societies throughout history means have been devised to deal with the arrival of children who were surplus to requirements. These included

Infanticide, whether state-endorsed (e.g. in ancient Sparta) or illegal (e.g. in 19th century Europe)

Adoption

Foundlings and foundling hospitals

Selling the child into slavery

Some societies historically have set such a high premium on male children that “excess” girl children would be routinely killed at birth. Even if allowed to live, if a food insecurity situation arose, the available food would go to the brothers and the sisters would be allowed to starve. In general, societies that set a high premium on male children are those where the girl children are “given away” to another family when they marry, while the boy children are expected to take care of their parents in their old age. 

Sparta is an interesting example of a patriarchal, militaristic society where it was easier for a girl child to survive than a boy child. Physically imperfect baby boys were killed, whereas physically imperfect girls were often allowed to live on the grounds that Sparta needed all the Spartan-breeding wombs it could muster.

Utuabzu has already spoken about the correlation between land available for farming and population levels. When a society over-produces children, and insufficient land is available on which these children can raise families of their own, their options included:

Migrate: the seemingly endless swathes of so-called “empty” land available in the West encouraged large families in 19th century USA. Greek cities in the 8th century sent their surplus population to establish colonies all around the Med and the Black Sea

Enter a religious order 

Move to the city and take up a trade or profession

Fraternal polyandry or “wife-sharing”

Join the army

Make war on neighbouring societies to acquire their land for your own group

Human societies seem to have perpetually poised between two equally perilous situations: having too many children, and not having enough. We have been equally ingenious in devising solutions!

[nerves-nebula]

what are some hanheppi holidays? do they have festivals? hm. with their whole creation thing going on... would a farmers market hold religious significance for them? do they count growing plants as creation? just- on that topic, how narrow is their idea of 'creation'? are there specific things that dont count? is there theological arguments about that?

the concept of there having been a holy war about, like, whether the plants or the farmers are the creators in the gardening process is very funny to me

sorry if this is a lot of questions for one ask 😅

See i don't think i can get into developing holidays or festivals until I figure out like. The very basic core points of this religion, y’know? I’m sure they have them but like. idk. 

Anyway I think that (and this isn't a unique concept at all) Hanheppi people consider the entire earth sacred, cuz everything is constantly creating and supporting the creation of each other.

Farming is creation the way that making a child is creation, it’s backbreaking labor that yields a precious, potentially life-giving product, and you can’t do it alone. A person on their own can't make a child, and a person on their own can’t grow a plant from nothing. For a kid you need another person. For crops you need good dirt and seeds and water and proper weather.

and of course the earth can grow its own stuff but not in the same way or volume that it can with people's help. so farming is like making love with the earth :) and yes some people have a sexual fascination about that. Some people probably religiously marry the earth and or the saints related to farming. There’s probably a major saint of farming/agriculture plus a ton of minor plant-centric saints but I haven't figured that all out yet. 

There are absolutely arguments about what counts as creation and if there’s a hierarchy of creation and all that fun stuff.

But I can't get into all that until I answer basic questions like “What Is The Earth.” Is it a person? Is it a god? Is something made and maintained by a god? I dunno yet I haven't figured that out. 

And obviously i wanna get into different sects/conflicting religious beliefs but i need this Thang to be more fleshed out before i get into that too :P

[dailyanarchistposts]

Against Agriculture: Sowing the Seeds of Resistance

For those of us conscious about the way our food choices affect others, the basic act of cutting out meat and/or dairy products, or eating only organic, feels like a huge step and is often as far as we can manage to take our concerns. But the politics of food go far beyond veganism and organics. Economic and social factors like the conditions of migrant farmworkers, or the low labor standards in most Agriculture in the global south, rarely influence our cultures’ purchasing decisions. Even organic farming often reproduces many of the same ecological and economic dynamics at work in commercial farming. What about the soil erosion from over-farming huge fields, even if crops are organic? (According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, topsoil is lost on average 17 times faster than it is formed, and it takes at least 100 years to form one inch of topsoil). The use of Slaughterhouse byproducts to replace the soil lost from heavy tilling, and the overuse of “biological” fungicides and herbicides, undoubtedly maintains an imbalance in the give and take relationship that forms the basis of ecological values.

The trends toward “natural food” and “organic” are quickly being co-opted, as green businesses consolidate their power and corner markets, gobbling up profits as they go. Consequently, these concepts are losing their meaning altogether. The notion of “sustainability” has been colonized by the profit-hungry. The biotechnology industry touts the term whenever they get the chance. Of course, what they are talking about is the sustainability of profits and the dependence of farmers on them, not sustainability of ecological systems and social bonds. So when we examine the idea of sustainability we should always define what ft is we are trying to sustain. If we are thinking of ecology and cultural survival, then we must remove the factors that contradict those: industrialism and capitalism, to start with.

To be against agriculture does not require advocating mass starvation or a return to an exclusively primitive or foraging existence, and it doesn’t lave to mean eradicating cultivated food altogether. We need to make a distinction between “agriculture” and other plant (aid possibly animal, although the ethics of the domestication of animals should be viewed with suspicion) “cultivation” methods that have been, and are continuously being developed by people around the world. The problem of agriculture is largely related to the scale. “Horticulture” refers to garden-scale cultivation rather than field-scale, as in the prefix “agri”. For example, permaculture is a specific cultivation method that aims to integrate die garden system into the wild ecosystem around it. Industrial farming (even organic) places the “field” — the monocrop — outside of our immediate surroundings, removing our social lives from the polycultural, intimacy of “the garden”. Subsistence horticulture doesn’t depend on industrial systems or take more than they give back ecologically, or even require specialization of labor, or long monotonous work hours. The most effective methods have always been diversified community efforts, which cut down on work hours as well as monotony.

When farmers in India plant a seed they pray for its endurance. But the “gene giants” have their sights trained on “terminator” technologies that break the seed’s reproductive cycle. Hybrid seeds produced in laboratory conditions are usually bred to retain certain characteristics patented by the breeder. If saved and replanted they will not show the same traits, and may turn out to be something weird and unpalatable. Open-pollinated seeds defy this controlled approach. When replanted for generations they adapt to local climate conditions, and develop a bioregionally distinct immunity. When saved for many generations they become Heirloom Seeds. For example, we have seeds that have been in circulation since Cherokee gardeners first grew and saved them hundreds of years ago, and took them on the Trail of Tears. They made their way back to the Southeast and to this day are still being passed around. The more they’re grown out, the more decentralized the seed becomes. These seeds are crucial to maintaining plant biodiversity. The reduction in varieties that comes with industrialization and capitalism has created a massive loss of genetic diversity (75% in the last century, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization), which weakens the plant’s insect blight and disease resistance, and their adaptability to changing growing conditions. The Irish potato famine was a direct result of the dependence on one variety. Breeders had to go back to the Andes to find a potato that would resist the blight. In the face of the elimination of ancient varieties in favor of more uniform crops that ship and store more efficiently, heirloom seeds are truly Seeds of Resistance. Check out Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth for detailed instructions on seed saving.

Humanure and Greywater are traditionally used methods intended to keep nutrients in the garden ecosystem, thereby closing the circuit rather than requiring imported materials. As these methods are inherently non-capitalist and non-industrial, it would not be possible to adopt these practices (or to return to them, depending on how we look at it) beyond just a small privileged minority, within the capitalist market or the industrial model. True sustainability actually requires the subversion of those institutions.

On a personal level, we can take steps to re-establish foodways in our cultures by learning about our food, discovering what foods grow where and in what season — and where those foods originated. We should know where our food comes from and seek out food grown locally. We can seek out those with traditional knowledge, learn how to cook with whole foods, then teach others. We can learn about the wild edible plants that grow around us, and about the ancestral people who ate and propagated those foods. This knowledge provides us with an essential missing component that early horticultuialists combined with cultivation. (A great reference is the work of Steve Brill, an urban wild plant forager in New York City: www.wildmanstevebrill.com). Challenge your taste buds to appreciate foods in their natural state, and replace the junk foods you crave with natural sweets and snacks.

Reconnecting with our food goes beyond the personal. Taking food out of the capitalist market means reintegrating ourselves with the processes of growing food — whether that means getting to know local farmers and buying from them, getting involved in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) or a food co-op, going to farmers markets, or even better — growing your own. These options increase the security of our access to healthy food, lessening our dependence on the market. In urban areas this can be much more challenging, but all the more rewarding if you can challenge the obstacles. For some inspiring examples of urban food security check out Www.foodsecurity.org. The Hartford Food System in Hartford, CT (www.hartfordfood.org) and The Food Project in Massachusetts (www.thefoodproject.org) are amazing examples of urban food security ] that truly challenge the class structures that keep people dependent on Agriculture.

The challenge of feeding ourselves ! sustainably might be the fundamental question for our future survival. There is not one path forward out of this mess, but many possible options, and we’ll have to make up a lot of it as we go. But our paths will be totally new and unique. Learning from the mistakes and the successes of the past is crucial to bringing the modern world back in direct relationship with nature, and the life-support systems on which we depend. We should celebrate the opportunity we have to examine and analyze what has worked and what has compromised our freedoms and our health, and move toward post-industrial and post-capitalist models of sustenance. Rather than an afterthought of social revolution, reclaiming truly sustainable foodways could itself be a catalyst for challenging the deep alienation of our modern world.

[deni-means-flor]

Stardew Valley but you're at a Mexican Rancho

The Playlist

And here you have it friends, the cursed playlist that started it all. Every time I played the game during my first playthrough, there were some character plotlines or in-game events that reminded me of ranchero, regional mexicano, or banda songs from my country, and the fact that all those songs are linked to the idealized culture of rural areas of my country, and that Stardew is basically a farming game, made sense to my weird neurodivergent brain. So here you go, the playlist and which songs I relate to each character.

The list is ordered as follows:

Song title - Artist

Character/Event I relate the song to and why.

If you have any questions/comments, feel free to jump to the end of this playlist for my Author's Note

WARNING: THIS PLAYLIST DESCRIPTION CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR IN-GAME / HEART EVENTS.

Los Agachados - Maldita Vecindad y los Hijos del 5to Patio

Character/Event: You know when we meet our main character and they are stuck in their routine, in a crowded city working a job that they don't like, 9 to 5? Well that happens too often down here, but in Mexico, for as long as we can remember, all that tediousness is alleviated by hanging out with our buddies and eating with our families or friends. The golden age of Mexican cinema reflects that enduring part of our history. This song is a homage to Tin-Tán Valdez's movies.

2. Mi Ciudad - Guadalupe Trigo

Character/Event: After our MC gets the letter from their Grandpa and has the opportunity to move to Pelican Town, during their bus ride they start to say goodbye to their city, looking forward to the possibilities that the new location offers. It's not that they hate the city, they just needed to grow their roots somewhere else, so the journey is filled with gratitude.

3. Recuérdame - Carlos Rivera

Character/Event: Grandpa's message. Ah, the favorite singer of Mexican moms and abuelas, it was only natural that this song helps MC reminisce about their summers in Pelican Town and their late grandpa. Do I hate that Disney tried to trademark a national tradition? absolutely, but the soundtrack from Coco slaps, especially in Spanish.

4. Árboles de la Barranca - Antonio Aguilar

Character/Event: The Farm. This one is self-explanatory for Spanish speakers. After MC's (now Farmer) arrival on the farm, they look at the condition of everything. "Árboles de la barranca, ¿Por qué no han enverdecido?" (Translation: Trees of the ravine, why haven't you gone green again?) and look at all the work they have ahead of them.

5. Soy de Rancho - El Komander

Character/Event: This is when MC becomes the Farmer. Maybe after their first Spring in Pelican Town or selling their first successful crops, the Farmer is getting the hang of things and are fully taking pride in the progress they've made.

6. La Granja - Los Tigres del Norte

Character/Event: The Community Center / The Barn / Lewis / Joja Co. Los Tigres del Norte are almost ubiquitous in representing Mexican culture all over the world, and it's only natural that this song (one of their hardest critiques to corruption) appears here. After managing to get a barn and their first animals through their hard effort, meeting the Junimos at the community center, and getting tasked by Lewis with the repair of the building, the Farmer begins to think that maybe the city and Pelican Town aren't so different in terms of the lack of care from their representatives. Lewis isn't necessarily bad, he's a nice man who cares about his community... but he has enough money to buy truffle oil and create a golden statue of himself while the community center has been abandoned and JojaMart is messing with local businesses. The problem isn't the lack of resources, but the greed and hunger of a few (which the Tigres del Norte song addresses directly)

Author's Note: Thanks for reading this first part of the playlist and feel free to leave me your comments/questions/asks. In the next post, due to the length of this one, I'll talk more about the other songs in the playlist and what they mean for the universe in my playthrough, especially, the ones I gave to the romanceable characters.

[botanical-journal]

Alternative Disease Control in Organic Agriculture

The text discusses the growing concern within society regarding the environmental impacts of agriculture, particularly related to the use of pesticides and contamination of the food chain. This concern has led to significant changes in the agricultural landscape. In recent years, market segments have begun to demand differentiated products, such as those cultivated without pesticides or those that carry certification seals ensuring sustainable practices. This societal pressure has resulted in the development of more sustainable farming systems that aim to reduce reliance on chemical products

The concept of sustainable agriculture is highlighted as promoting responsible management of natural resources, meeting the needs of present and future generations without degrading the environment. This approach shifts the priorities of traditional agricultural systems, seeking a balance between food production and environmental preservation. It encourages the use of biological processes and a reduction in the consumption of energy inputs. Alternative agricultural systems are presented as a viable option to conventional methods, focusing on natural interactions. They emphasize the management of biological relationships, such as the interactions between pests and their predators, as well as natural processes like biological nitrogen fixation, rather than relying solely on chemical products. The goal is to strengthen the essential biological interactions for agricultural production instead of simplifying them. The text also mentions one of the main challenges of sustainable agriculture: the control of diseases, pests, and invasive plants.

Many techniques used to minimize phytosanitary damage can, paradoxically, lead to environmental contamination or generate changes that compromise the sustainability of the agroecosystem, highlighting the complexity and challenges involved in transitioning to more sustainable practices.

- Alternative Products Produced or Obtained in the Brazilian Market.

Initially, before the widespread availability of pesticides, farmers used natural products sourced from their surroundings or extracted from their own land. These traditional methods, which include more natural and localized techniques, have been almost completely abandoned with the popularization of pesticides, which became the norm for pest and disease control.

Today, with the growing awareness of the negative effects of pesticides on the environment and health, society is demanding a reduction in their use. This has encouraged research into more sustainable alternatives, many of which are methods that farmers employed decades ago. The text provides examples of products and techniques that can be used as alternatives to pesticides, such as:

Raw milk - for controlling powdery mildew (a fungal disease).

Biofertilizers - to prevent plant diseases.

Salts - for controlling powdery mildew.

Soil solarization - which uses solar heat to eliminate soil pathogens.

Solar collectors - for disinfecting substrates used in seedling production.

These practices aim to recover and value agricultural methods that are less harmful to the environment, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable agriculture.

- Alternative Products: Future Adoption!

Despite the existence of environmental legislation focused on eco-development, there are still significant limitations in promoting alternative and ecologically sustainable agricultural practices. Although there are many technical and scientific contributions on methods such as biological pest control, crop rotation, use of crop residues, genetic improvement, intercropping, physical control, and the use of natural products, government support to encourage these practices remains insufficient. Initiatives are considered limited, which restricts the adoption of more sustainable approaches.

Additionally, the text mentions that the increased use of alternative techniques, including pesticides, which have been part of the modernization of Brazilian agriculture since the 1960s, depends on effective public policies that promote these more sustainable practices. In summary, the author criticizes the lack of a robust agricultural policy that genuinely encourages the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.

The text highlights that, in many situations, farmers do not apply the true philosophy of IPM (Integrated Pest Management), which advocates for the combination of different control methods (such as biological, cultural, and physical). Research on IPM began in the 1970s in Brazil, resulting in promising discoveries. However, despite these advances, IPM is still not widely adopted by farmers. In some cases, alternative practices are used to control certain pests and diseases, but not in a consistent or integrated manner. Instead, many still opt to use various types of pesticides, which goes against the principle of an integrated and sustainable approach. This suggests a resistance or difficulty in transitioning to practices that truly integrate different management strategies.

The text explains why the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and alternative methods is limited among farmers. Three main factors are highlighted:

Cultural Practices of Farmers: Many farmers predominantly use pesticides due to their ease of use and effectiveness, combined with a lack of efficient public assistance for implementing IPM.

Training of Agricultural Technicians: The training of agricultural extension technicians often focuses on recommending pesticides as solutions, rather than addressing the underlying causes of pest and disease outbreaks or exploring existing alternatives.

Influence of the Pesticide Industry: The pesticide industry plays a significant role in providing technical assistance to farmers who adopt modern agricultural practices. Their representatives often promote pesticide use rather than integrated methods, reinforcing a culture of dependency on chemical products.

These factors collectively hinder the widespread implementation of IPM and sustainable practices in agriculture.

In the end, the text discusses the responsibility of research institutions and funding agencies in the low adoption of alternative techniques for controlling phytosanitary problems. A survey of articles published in the journals Summa Phytopathologica and Fitopatologia Brasileira revealed that alternative control practices, such as biological, physical, and cultural methods, represent only 9% and 5% of the articles, respectively. These figures, which consider 28 volumes of the first journal and 27 of the second, indicate that there is still a very small number of plant pathologists in Brazil focusing on alternative control.

The author argues that it is necessary to increase the number of specialists in this area so that plant pathology can make a more significant contribution to the environmental and social sustainability of agriculture in Brazil. The text also emphasizes that simply replacing fungicides with alternatives is not enough to ensure more sustainable agriculture. It is essential to understand the structure and functioning of the agroecosystem as a whole and to redesign production systems to make them truly sustainable. The author notes that various examples of sustainable practices have been presented to the agricultural community, suggesting that education and awareness are key to promoting effective changes.az

[randogirlo-fando-main]

Nothing New-Shane Stardew Valley x Reader

Warnings: Swearing, over drinking, depressive and intrusive thoughts, this shit is kinda sad fluff

Story Plots: Strangers to kinda friends, might make a part 2 if this does good where they friends to lovers (lot less sad than this part), sad fluff, just Shane taking care of our sweet farmer, gender-neutral pronouns, inspired by the lyrics of Nothing New (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift Ft. Phoebe Bridgers

Summary: Life seems to have gotten more complicated for this fresh start they took over a year ago and a night at the saloon makes them open up to the town drunk.

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The crisp fall breeze runs through the young farmer's hair as the trees hum a small rustle. The chill strangely welcome as it cools the puff in their cheeks and eyes. As the season comes to an end, all the work it took to be able to keep afloat during the winter has taken a toll. The emotional wreckage of the last month made throwing themselves at the farm work at hand fairly easy, not wanting much social interaction while in the funk known as "Seasonal depression". More like the entire 360 of cubicle job to running a farm (y/n) thought. They have been in the valley a little over a year and the farm has been harder than ever to keep up with. thinking back to when they last talked to Harvey. Just running into him (literally) trying to catch up to the chicken who had somehow made it all the way to town during the chase. After helping each other up and the string of apologies from both sides, took the time to take in the state of the young person in front of him.

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"(y/n), are you taking care of yourself?" The question took the farmer by surprise, someone noticing the bags under their eyes with bruises and scrapes all over. The doctor sighs, pushing his glasses back in place with his index finger.

"Just the usual, trying to get enough of an income before winter when I can't plant as many crops."

"Remember to take time for yourself, the farm is hard work, and you need to be able to take care of yourself too." He bids you a goodbye, walking back to the clinic to open up. After that, it took the farmer a moment to remember the task at hand. Find that chicken. Before they can even start the search there's a voice behind them.

"How dumb do you have to be to let a chicken get this far from home?" The gruff in the voice made the poor farmer's whole body feel like a bonfire.

"Excuse you?" Snapping around to the man holding mischievous Dotty. You take her out of his grasp, watching as she nuzzles into their arms. Before the farmer can get too worked up the man walks away, muttering something about being reckless

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God that guy gets on your nerves. Learning he is Marnie's nephew had the farmer confused on how such an amazing woman could be related to that ass. As they finally reach their destination for the night, the air starts to have a bite to it. Pulling the saloon doors open and slipping in as fast as possible, the warmth is inviting. A smile pulls on Emily's face as she sees who has entered her workplace.

"(Y/n)! I have this new liquor for you to try, I've been saving it for you." The farmer gives the girl a small smile before sitting in front of her.

"Lay it on me and keep it coming." The strain in (Y/n)'s voice made Emily pause before pouring the pink liquid. Before she could even help the next customer she heard the glass hit the wood of the bar, seeing it was already empty. Giving the farmer a cautious look before pouring a slightly larger pour.

After about an hour or so, the bar was full and the farmer realizes they came out on the one night everyone and their parents are here. They move to a booth, Emily bringing a glass of water before the next round. The talking and laughing drowns out as they play with their hair out of habit. Every so often someone would come to say hi and make small talk before moving towards their respective groups. (Y/n), finally getting a break from the interruptions lays their head down on the table with a sigh.

"I can hear you breathing you know?" The farmer declares, hearing a choked chuckle across the way.

"Thought if I sit with ya, we both won't get bothered." The voice emotionless and slightly spiked with annoyance. When Emily brings another drink the farmer downs it in one go, now seven drinks in.

"What will happen when I lose my novelty?" the farmer says, back to laying with their heading in their arms. Shane;s breathing hitches, eyes wide with confusion for a split second before going back to unfazed. The silence is deafening but with one look up from their arms, (Y/n) sees an unrecognizable emotion in his eyes as he darts back to people watching. Something tells them to continue sharing, that the silence will stay and the word vomit will just linger there for closure. Maybe that's the pink drink talking the farmer sighs at their altered brain.

"I wake up in the middle of the night and I can feel time moving. I went from a cubicle job I've had since straight out of highschool to running a goddamn farm all on my own. How the hell did my grandpa think that this-" They gesture towards the direction of the farm, wildly over expressing from the alcohol in their system.

"- would work? He could've given it to my brother! Or my cousin! Or literally anyone else. My cheeks are tired from smiling at every fucking person just so they like me. Even Alex and he just wants to get in my pants!" Suddenly there is a hand over your mouth, a hushed shh coming from Shane.

"You can vent and shit but stop screaming." He slowly moves his hand and the small movement distracts from the fact that he's moved closer to the farmer, giving his undivided attention before sipping his beer.

"How can I know everything at 18, taking that shit joja job while living with my now ex-boyfriend, but nothing at 22. 4 years shouldn't make a difference. And now that I've been here a year no one even bats an eyes anymore. It's like the excitement of a newcomer is gone and I'm invisible..." (Y/n)'s eyes shift to their fingers, picking at the hang nails. Shane's look of understanding missed, as he pushes another round to the farmer. They chug it before regretting it instantly. Emotions are heightened from the inebriation and soon tears welp up, getting pushed back as much as possible.

"shooold've -xpected it. They alwayys git bor'd of me" Despite the drunken speech, Shane caught it all. Including the sniffle as a tear falls off the person in front of him. (Y/n) can't stop the cries anymore, hiding their face in their hands before feeling an arm wrap around their shoulders and help them up from the booth. Hands still on their face, they follow the lead of Shane as he opens the door for them. The colder wind hits their faces and starts to sober them both up as he holds the farmer up, walking her home. They quietly cry in their hands for what feels like an hour, still being led home.

"How do I go from growing up to breaking down like this." The farmer half-jokes, sniffling while trying to slow their breath. The farmer catches Shane's eyes, his switching between their tear stained face and the path in front of him as he leads her through.

"Glad to know you're a person and not a ball of pep." The only words the man has spoken since the saloon. (Y/n) scoffs, before the tears come back. Shane stops the two of them abruptly before holding the farmer by the shoulders, trying to find their eyes.

"Hey hey hey hey, you said it yourself all those smiles around town were fake did I say something?" His voice slightly frazzled at the crumbling person in front of him.

"Just reminded me of stuff..." As the two of them reach the farmhouse porch, Shane tries to pull away from the farmer before their grip tightens on his shirt.

"My brain won't turn off please stay." The still drunk (Y/n) quickly blurts, almost falling over. A sequence of confusion, contemplation, and caution go through Shane as he treads lightly around the hammered person in front of him. He sighs before walking them towards the door and taking the keys from the farmer's hand. He unlocks the door and turns on the lights before walking (Y/n) to the bed and making them lay down.

"Ya can't hold your alcohol lay down." A monotony of his voice the farmer is all too familiar with, usually when the man before them is trying to not care. He walks out of the bedroom into the kitchen, the sound of the sink coming seconds later. Once it's off he comes back in with a cup of water.

"Does this make us friends?" Shane couldn't help but chuckle at the exhausted person laying in front of him.

"I don't know why you'd want to be but sure, whatever." He turns around to turn off the light.

"Get some sleep." Before he can leave (Y/n) stops him with a gag. He instinctively runs to the bathroom, assuming there would be a trash can in there, and bringing it to the farmer. After a few seconds, nothing comes up and they sigh before leaning back in the bed.

"I'll be on the couch if you need anything, Marnie will kill me if I leave without making sure you won't die." The farmers eyes are barely open, drifting back and forth from sleep. A slight nod comes from them before Shane rubs their head gently and goes into the living room. (Y/n) almost instantly falls asleep, still in their clothes from running errands and such.

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I hope ya'll like this! I haven't written in a while and while this isn't something I write a lot I just kept seeing this every time I listened to the song. It was always Shane listening to me and realizing how someone else also struggles with similar emotions. I'm going through it right now if you can't tell lol

[achitka]

Doors: Chapter 42

Tío José

There are some curious folks headed toward the Encanto. Camilo does more recon, Mirabel is stuck on a cart, Antonio does not like writing, Isabela doesn't know her own strength, Bubo finally wakes up and stay away from Miguel… he's creepier than I anticipated. No, really they're gonna make it back to town soon, I swear.

Alma sat between her daughters as the group of women discussed where and how they would house all the newcomers. There hadn’t been a group this large up to now. Usually, it was small family groups, such as Doris’s. She, Inez and the children were settling into a home that had been recently vacated. The family that lived there had moved to a larger home closer to the school. Doris was a little surprised, she was expecting they would be staying outdoors. Inez was delighted to have a roof over their heads after so long, and the children were excited at the prospect of going to school. The school had been shut down after the outbreak and was scheduled to reopen tomorrow.

Señora Aguilar was asking a question, but Alma wasn’t actually listening; her mind was on the information Dolores gave her and her daughters as she’d walked to the meeting. Dolores’s update of what was happening on the mountain, included her grandchildren’s speculation that the older woman may be related to her. She was not sure why this made her more than a little fearful and nervous. While the prospect of one of her sisters being alive was a good thing, at the same time she realized that she’d not seen anyone from her family for over fifty years.

Alma had forgotten the details of the dream that had awakened her, and she thought of the night when the magic returned. Bruno’s first sponty and how sure he was that whoever the woman he saw was; it was not her, but someone who looked a lot like her. Since the founding of the Encanto, she never thought it would be possible to find them. With three babies and a town to run, she had put that out of her mind.

She glanced out the window and saw Isabela and Tuli making their way up the road. She remembered then that Isabela was going to be working on the Jimenez farm near the edge of town. Isa had been working on strengthening the cassava crop this farmer had planted because the plants seemed off to the farmer’s wife. Tuli walked next to Isabela, holding her straw hat behind her. Skipping along, and she looked, for the moment, to be at ease. Alma had told Tuli that she could stay in the Encanto if Bubo did, she meant that. It would all come down to whether their Tío would allow it. Still, that was a worry for later and Alma was pulled out of her musings when Pepa lightly touched her hand and asked, “Mamá, you okay?”

Alma nodded and looked around. She realized she had no idea what anyone had said for the past half hour. Pepa picked up on her confusion and asked, “So you agree that the new folks will be housed on the fútbol field near the edge of town?”

Alma again nodded and added, “Yes, that would be best suited if we still have all the tents and equipment.”

“Most of those items were stored in the old shoe shop,” Sylvia Guzmán said, then turned to Julieta and asked, “How long does Dolores think it will be before they arrive in the town proper?”

“They’ve only just started back, so we’ll have at least three or four hours,” Julieta said as she rose, “Okay ladies, let’s go. The time will pass quickly, I’m sure, and we have a lot to get done,”

It made Alma happy that no one questioned Julieta's authority, as they all got up and collected the items they’d brought with them. Even the younger women were doing their part this time. Since the women outnumbered the men in the Encanto, Alma was not surprised. There were potential new unmarried men out there.

Alma put a hand on Pepa’s arm to keep her there and waited for the room to clear out. Julieta already knew what was happening because she’d spoken to the Doctor directly. She reminded Alma this morning that she needed to tell Pepa what was happening and to have a little more faith that Pepa would handle the news well. Alma had to admit a lot had changed with her middle child since the breaking. Pepa was far calmer and more in control of her Gift in a way that Alma had previously thought was not possible.

Julieta was the last one out and smiled at them encouragingly as she pulled the door closed. Alma took a deep breath, she’d put this conversation off for weeks, but it was clear to her that she needed to stop holding things in. She thought back to the time before the Gifts and how Pepa’s joy had always helped lift the shadow from her heart. Always her little ray of sunshine. Since the breaking, Pepa was once again full of joy as she watched her babies grow. Alma knew she needed to learn better to ask for help when she needed it and said, “Pepa, I’m sure you noticed that since my illness, I’ve been trying to do less these past few weeks.”

Pepa nodded and though she had already developed a cloud, there was no rain as she asked, “Is your health okay?”

“Yes,” Alma said with a smile as she took one of Pepa’s hands, “Right now I am fine, mi vida; however, I want you to be aware of what I am potentially facing and why I will be relying on you and your siblings more from now on,” There was no easy way to say this, so Alma again took a breath and said, “The Doctor says there is a problem with my heart.”

“What sort of problem?”

“He called it a heart murmur,” Alma paused when it started to drizzle. Pepa blew at the cloud, it dissipated, so Alma continued, “That means my heart does not always beat as it should, and he told me that if I wish to be around to see all of my nietos grow up, I need to take a step back from some of my usual responsibilities.”

Pepa nodded and asked as a new cloud formed, “How can I help, Mamá?”

“Well, you have been after me for quite some time to give you more stories for the family scrapbook you have been working on,” Alma paused as Pepa squeezed her hand, “now that things will be, hopefully settling down, I want to help you with that, if I can.”

“That would be wonderful, Mamá,” Pepa said and picked up the umbrella she had with her. She popped it open, and Alma heard the light rain Pepa had stopped before as it began to fall again, this time interspersed with some hail.

“To begin, I want to meet with you and your siblings at that yellow door at lunchtime tomorrow.”

“Did you remember something?” Pepa leaned in, her excitement causing a brief increase in the hail’s intensity.

The happiness Alma had felt the night before, again crept in, and she said, “Yes, but… ” and she held up a hand, “tomorrow, Pepita. I want all three of you to be there when I tell you.”

There was a quiet roll of thunder and Alma could not help but smile. Pepa shrugged as she let out a short laugh and said, “Okay, Mamá, tomorrow it is… at noon.” Her rain stopped, so she closed the umbrella, and together they got up to join the other women.

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Camilo was headed to where Bubo’s Tío was standing when he paused and nudged Mariano, who was watching the people as they started to drift toward Mira. It amazed him that Mirabel never seemed to notice it happening. Mariano looked where Camilo indicated, and he too noticed Bubo leaning against a tree with his eyes closed. He’d never seen someone able to sleep standing up like that. Camilo’s Mamí had told him why Bubo was staying over last night, and both he and Mariano had seen Bubo stumble once or twice on the trip here. It was very evident he’d just not gotten enough sleep the night before. Mariano nodded, walked over and poked Bubo awake. He took him aside, at which point Bubo yawned mightily and rubbed his eyes. Mariano then bent nearer and said something that made Bubo shake his head. Mariano poked his arm and said something else. Bubo rolled his eyes but nodded. Together, they walked over to the cart where Luisa and Mirabel were. There was a brief exchange, then Bubo climbed into the cart and if Camilo didn’t know better, fell immediately asleep.

Mariano returned and said, “Well, that was easier than expected. Anyway, Camilo, do you think Dolores would like pastries?”

“What’s a pastries?” Camilo asked as the whole group began to follow the cart Luisa had placed Mirabel on.

“Fancy French desserts,” Mariano replied.

“Oh, probably. Dolores definitely has a sweet tooth.”

Mariano nodded, then asked, “What about Isabela?”

“I have no idea. You should probably ask Luisa or Mirabel that one.”

“Yes, okay then I’ll talk to you later,” and Mariano went back over and started speaking to Luisa.

Camilo watched him go and realized the more he got to know Mariano, the more he found that he actually liked the guy. All the time he’d spent mocking him because of Isabela’s supposed relationship had left Camilo believing the stuff he’d always heard. Mariano Guzmán was a big dumb hunk. He supposed he should not be surprised that his sister easily saw past the label he’d been stuck with since school. Now that Dolores was going to marry that guy, they’d be cuñados. Antonio already thought Mariano was loads of fun, since before the magic came back he’d been quite willing to carry his little brother on his shoulders all over town when Dolores was looking after him. Probably still would, but Parce was stiff competition.

“Excuse me, Señor Madrigal, do you have a moment?” Camilo turned and was surprised to find Old Arturo next to him with another of the group of newcomers. Something weird was going on. Arturo had never referred to him as Señor anything. Read the room, he thought and responded, “Yes, Señor Sanchez, how can I help you?”

Arturo quirked a smile and said, “I’d like you to meet Señor Rodriguez. It seems he was a science teacher in Bogotá. I had mentioned that you would be working at the school. He wanted to ask you some questions regarding that.”

Camilo found that odd as well. He’d only just been accepted as an apprentice there. Arturo knew that, so Camilo nodded. Arturo moved off and, at the same time, guided Señora Vargas toward someone else. Camilo could see that Arturo was purposefully not letting that woman anywhere near them, and was having fun using the woman’s ‘properness’ to do so. He’d seen him do that with Mariano’s mother occasionally, but it was more worrisome that Arturo felt he needed to do that. Still, Camilo trusted the old man’s instincts when it came to people’s intentions. He turned back to the man and noted he was at least as tall as his Papí, thin build, middle-aged, but had a thin face and a slant to his features that was borderline ugly. Would be a challenge to get that face right, Camilo thought, and had to resist an almost overwhelming urge to shift into a copy of the man, so asked, “We are quite proud of our school, just opened a larger one. What would you like to know, Señor Rodriguez?”

“Please, call me Miguel,” he replied and looked over his shoulder, “Only my students call me that.”

“Nice to meet you, Miguel. My name is Camilo.”

The man smiled and Camilo pulled back slightly, the smile did little to improve his looks and actually made him look creepy. Undeterred, Miguel leaned closer and asked, “José says you found his sobrino, Paola, and that they are currently in your town.” Camilo only nodded, so Miguel leaned even closer and continued, “Is it true you all believe that Paola is a girl?”

Camilo was not at all sure why this man wanted this information, but didn’t really like his tone. It made Camilo wonder what his actual motivations were and responded, “I’m not sure what it is you’re asking, Señor,” Camilo said, moving slightly back and glanced at José. He was nearby, still by himself, walking alone and looking thoughtful.

“I see,” Miguel said, “but you did not answer my question.”

“Nor will I,” Camilo said. He disliked where this was going and was now feeling more than a little irritated at this person and asked pointedly, “I thought you wanted to ask about the school?”

Miguel’s expression changed from clunky charm to one of apprehension, but he quickly stowed that, smiling once again, but the mask had slipped long enough for Camilo to decide he would tell him nothing regarding Tuli or the magic. Miguel said nothing, it was more than a little disturbing. The man remained silent as they walked, then suddenly turned back to the main party. Camilo watched as he made his way through the people and began speaking with Señora Vargas, who was now seated on the other cart. Bubo’s Tío was now very nearby and likely heard the exchange, and Camilo whispered, “Dol, some of this lot is full of potential trouble.”

(…Agreed... I’ll keep an ear on them…)

Camilo quickened his pace just a little until he was right next to Bubo’s Tío. José looked over and said, “I must apologize for my companions. They are a bit much sometimes.”

Camilo nodded, then asked, “Señor Márquez, may I ask you a question?”

“Only if I can ask one of you, Señor Madrigal.”

“Fair enough,” Camilo said, then asked, “How did you end up in charge of these people?”

José raised an eyebrow as he was probably expecting questions about Tuli, but he shrugged and said, “More of an accident. We came across their camp while my own group were attempting to track down my sobrino. Turns out they were refugees from Zipaquirá. Their houses had all been burned to the ground, and they were on the run. Since she ran a boarding house, the people with her thought Señora Vargas was best suited to lead them. Others from the group said she was leading them in circles. The other unfortunate person you met, Miguel, is her son. He is an unpleasant person, at best, and I would recommend you not give him or his mother information you do not want twisted and spread.” That certainly explained a few things Camilo thought. José continued, “They were very disorganized and on the verge of starvation, having run out of food and fresh water. We felt bad for the kids, so we decided to help them, and we only planned to stay with them long enough for them to get back on track. We were actually headed in the opposite direction when we ran into this one,” he said, and paused to pull a small notebook out of his pocket. He tapped it with his finger and continued, “Bubo gave me this. He said he got it from someone named Bruno. I know this belonged to the tracker because he was unusually protective of it. Now I know why. He claimed he’d seen a group of women with several children on the mountain where he lived and could lead us to them. He seemed very eager to help us and since we were short on leads at that point, we agreed.” Camilo nodded and José said, “So now to my question.”

“If I know, I’ll be happy to answer.”

José held up Santiago’s book and asked, “Do you know where this, Bruno, the man who owned this is?”

“Bruno? Oh no, Bruno is my Tío. The man who owned this, we believe his name was Santiago.”

“Santiago… that name does sound familiar… Is he in custody?”

“No, he’s dead, actually.”

José paled and said, “How? Did your Tío Bruno kill him? Is that how he got this book?”

Camilo held up his hands and shook his head. “No no no, Santiago died on the mountain.”

“Then you met him as well?”

“Ummm, not exactly. I can’t really give you the whole story here. Like you said, something's are better discussed in private, and my Papí would be a much better source of information.”

José looked around and nodded, then asked in a lowered voice, “One more thing, can I ask how you know Bubo?”

“I actually only just met your sobrino yesterday at a town meeting. He’s more a friend of Mariano’s,” Camilo said and pointed to him. He was now speaking with Miguel, and Camilo hoped Dolores had warned him about that one. “I know Mariano because he’s my sister’s fiancé. Anyway, the only reason it was yesterday is that Bubo hasn’t been around much since he’s been leading the group that’s been keeping watch on the outskirts of our town.”

“It would be like him to do something like that. I wondered why he had not returned, I had hoped he would come back six months ago,” José said, “Thank you, Señor Madrigal I need to speak with the others of my own group, how much further do we have to go?”

“It will be a few more hours of steady walking before we get to the town.”

José nodded, then moved toward a group of men that were staying together near the back of the line of people. Camilo looked toward the front and saw Mirabel was still sitting with her arms crossed on the cart, so Camilo went to cheer up his prima.

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Antonio was sitting at the desk in his room with a stack of paper and a pencil, writing out:

‘ No usaré mi super jaguar volador para abalanzarme sobre Abuela.’

He was supposed to write that twenty times in his best handwriting. Twice his Papí had crossed off one or two of the lines because he said it was ‘illegible’ whatever that meant. Antonio had lost track of how many times he’d written the sentence and was seriously bored with it. Parce was asleep nearby and had not moved a centimeter since his Papí told the big cat he best not move from that spot until Antonio had completed his punishment. The jaguar had simply chuffed and closed his eyes.

Chipsi came over, and she whistled to see if he was hungry and Antonio smiled, “No, I can’t eat grass, but thanks for asking.” This made Antonio realize he’d missed out on lunch when his stomach growled. He threw back his head and said, “Ugh... I’m gonna starve to death.” Antonio sighed and looked at the papers. He began to count the lines. He ticked off each one, skipping the crossed off lines, and started to get excited when he realized he only had one more to go. He picked up his pencil and started to write really fast. Chipsi let out a chirp and Parce chuffed. Antonio looked at the line... he couldn’t really read what he wrote, and decided this must be what illegible meant. He sighed, crossed it out and began the last line again. This time he made sure to make his letters extra neat. He was just finishing up when his father appeared next to him. Antonio handed him the last two pages. His father looked at his work and nodded as he said, “Okay Toni, you can go have some lunch, but if we have to do this again, it will be forty times.”

Antonio shuddered and thought, forty would take forever and said, “Okay, Papí. I won’t do it again.”

His father smiled then sighed and said, “Off you go, but don’t leave Casita by yourself. There are a lot of new people on their way here that we know nothing about. Why don’t you take your sister some lunch for me? She’s in Mira’s room. It’s on the counter in the kitchen.”

Antonio nodded and went downstairs with Parce in tow. There was a basket with some wrapped sandwiches and some fruit. Antonio took the basket and went up to Mirabel’s room. He found his Tío Bruno sitting on the floor with his sister and he must have been telling her jokes because she was laughing.

“Hey Toni, I see you’ve finished your punishment,” Tío Bruno said as he came in the room.

Antonio nodded and said, “Yeah, and Papí asked me to bring Dolores some lunch.”

“Excellent,” he said, getting up, “Well, I’ll leave you to it then Toni. Dol, let me know when they all get here... I gotta do a thing, then maybe a nap.”

“Okay, Tío. Thanks for the company.”

“You’re welcome,” he said and walked out the door.

Antonio set down the basket as Parce laid near Abuela’s door. He pulled off the towel and Dolores put it in her lap. Antonio pulled out two of the sandwiches and some fruit. He sniffed the wrapping and smiled, recognizing the smell of one of his favorites.

“So, what did you bring me, Toni?” Dolores asked as she settled her hands on the towel in her lap.

“Pickled potato sandwiches,” Antonio said and handed her one.

“Oh, nice,” his sister said, “Mamí is really getting good at that one.”

Antonio nodded and while she was unwrapping it, his sister squeaked then laid a finger down and said, “Mariano, mi vida, be careful not to say too much to that one. Definitely nothing about Tuli or the Gifts.” 

She refocused on Antonio as he asked, “Doli, are these people bad?”

“Not so much bad, as snooping about things they have no business knowing,” Dolores said, and took another bite of her sandwich.

Antonio looked at all the lights swirling around on the floor. He could see they were following Luisa and Mirabel and said, “Papí says there were a lot of new people coming. Do you know how many?”

“Yes, thirty-two.”

“Wow, that is a lot. Any kids?”

“Yes, quite a few, actually.”

“Oh, how many?”

“Eleven, but most of them are still not old enough to go to school.”

Antonio looked over at Parce and asked, “You think they’ll be afraid of my friends?”

“Maybe at first. Parce is a really big jaguar.”

“Yeah,” Antonio said as he finished his second sandwich.

“You might want to slow down there, hermanito, you’re gonna get a tummy ache.”

“But they’re so delicious.”

Dolores took another bite of hers and said, “Can’t argue with that.”

Sitting with his sister was nice, but Antonio wanted to go out and play but since he couldn’t go out alone he asked, “Dolores?”

“Yeah, Toni?”

“Where did Tuli go?”

“She went with Isa to do some farm work at the Jimenez place.”

Antonio gave himself a shake and asked, “On purpose?”

Dolores smiled and said, “Not everyone gets to play all day.”

“I helped today,” Antonio said with a small pout.

“True, it’s a good thing Isa sent you into town to find me. No donkeys were loose, but those chickens would have taken forever to round up without you.” They ate in silence for a bit, then Dolores asked, “So little brother, you looking forward to being the star of Milo’s play?”

“Kinda, it is fun to put on costumes and stuff, but I don’t know if I can do it in front of a bunch of people.”

“Just pretend you’re doing it in front of your animal friends.”

“That’s a great idea Doli,” Antonio said, then looked over to the door when he heard a squeak. It was Tino and Antonio had to focus hard. Tino was talking too fast, and he said, “Tino, slow down a little bit...” The rat did, and Antonio's eyes went wide, and he said, “Oh my gosh. Doli, Tío Bruno needs help. Tino says Tío isn’t waking up and that his eyes...” Antonio was up and so was Parce.

“Hold on,” Dolores said and put her finger on her their Papí’s light. She relayed what Antonio told her and said to Antonio. “Toni, can you go get Tío Gus? He’s in the back garden.”

Antonio nodded and scooped up the rat, then hopped on Parce. They ran out the door, then down the stairs and out the back door. He reached the garden and found his Tío raking in between a row of squash plants.

“Tío Gus! Tío Gus! Tío Bruno needs your help!” Antonio shouted as Parce skidded to a halt.

His Tío set aside the rake and asked as he leaned in to listen, “Tell me what’s happening, Toni.”

Antonio did, and his Tío asked, “Did Dolores let your Papí know?”

“Yes,” Antonio replied.

His Tío nodded and started toward the back door. He stopped and said, “Toni, I’m going to need you to wait by the door. Dol probably called your Mamí too, so can you wait for her to get back and tell her what you told me?”

Antonio nodded and followed his Tío into the house. Toni and Parce went across the courtyard, but before they passed the stairs he said to Tino, “Find out what’s happening, Tino and let me know, okay?” The rat squeaked in the affirmative and ran up the stairs. Casita opened the front door, so Antonio sat nearby to wait for his Mamí.

-------------------------------

Agustín took the stairs two at a time and met Félix at Bruno’s door. It was glowing very brightly, and the cuñados exchanged looks as they went into his room. Bruno was not there nor in the nearby alcove, and Agustín glanced back at the falling sand on the other side of the room and Agustín thought, oh no, and nudged Félix. They both rushed over to it, and ducked as the sand enveloped them. They pushed through and found Bruno on his knees in front of several shattered vision tablets. It had always been rare for Bruno to subject himself to creating this many visions in such a short time. The sand dome started to collapse, so they knelt in front of him and called to him, but Bruno did not respond. His eyes were darting all over the place, almost as if he were searching for an answer he was not finding.

Pepa came in and asked Félix to collect Antonio from the other room. Félix nodded, and Pepa glanced at the broken tablets as she knelt in front of her brother. Her brow furrowed, and a cloud formed as she put a gentle hand on his cheek and said, “Bruno, it’s going to be okay. We’re here to help. I know we’ll find a way through. Come back to us, hermanito.”

Bruno finally blinked and as he did an emerald tablet coalesced and dropped into the sand in front of him. He didn’t look at it, just stepped on it, causing it to crack. “I need a nap,” was all he said before allowing his sister to help him leave. Pepa looked back before she followed Bruno into the sand, her concern was clear and Agustin pushed the vision tablet pieces back together and frowned as he thought, one more complication to an already complicated problem.

-------------------------------

Isabela and Tuli reached the Jimenez farm in good time, and they talked to Juanita Jimenez, the farmer’s heavily pregnant wife, for a little bit about how the crops were doing. She joined them as they headed out to the new cassava field while telling Isa what she thought the problem with the crop was. Isabela listened carefully, the goal was to see if she could just help the plants along without interrupting their normal growth, and the farmer’s wife held many answers. Juanita had come to the Encanto from her family’s cassava farm with the same group as Bubo with little else beyond the clothes on her back and a sack full of cassava cuttings. She’d met and married John Jimenez within a month of her arrival. The rumor mill had gone wild with speculation that she’d gotten pregnant just so John would have to marry her, and he didn’t really care for her at all. Juanita called to her husband, and he came in to greet them.

He smiled at his wife, and she tilted her head and smiled back, then turned and walked back to the house. Screw what the gossips in town said. Isabela recognized that look, John Jimenez loved his farm wife. He turned his attention back to her and said, “Thank you for coming, Señorita Isabela. I did as you said and cut off all the spotty leaves and burned them. Most of the plants appear to be bouncing back. I did not think cassava was so finicky.”

Isabela nodded, but did not mention that it was in fact Juanita that had told him he needed to do that. That’s why Isa made a point of speaking with her whenever she came by.

“Who is this lovely young lady with you?” John asked.

“This is Señorita Márquez, she volunteered to help me today.”

The farmer laughed, “Oh, a volunteer weeder. Good on you, Señorita.”

“Where do you need us to start?” Isabela asked.

“I’m working on that end,” he said and pointed, “If you could start on that side, hopefully, we’ll meet in the middle.”

Isabela nodded as she and Tuli walked toward the end of the field. Isabela hummed as she brushed her hands along the tops of the plants. Leaves vibrated and most deepened in color. The ones that did not were already dead and broke off. Isabela knew she could just grow the cassavas, but it was important to her that she focus on helping them be a little healthier. Trying to grow an entire field would likely knock her out for days. So, after tying up her shoes as well as her and Tuli’s skirts, she pointed out which plants needed to go, and they got to work.

Isabela was impressed, Tuli worked diligently and without complaint for the entire time. They actually caught up with John much sooner than Isabela expected. He complimented them on their hard work and asked if they wanted to stay for supper.

Isabela declined, saying she was expected to be home this evening. The farmer nodded and asked if Isa would be available the following week. Isabela nodded and wished the farmer well, and she and Tuli started back toward Casita.

“That was kinda fun,” Tuli said and skipped ahead of her. When they were halfway home, Tuli stopped as she looked up the road. From where they were, they could see the line of people coming down and Tuli went very still as she put a hand on her locket and asked, “Isabela, is it alright if I… change my clothes before my Tío comes? I want to stay, and I think I’ll just make him angry... if he sees me... like this. Then we’ll have a fight and I’ll end up... ”

Isabela noticed Tuli’s look of almost panic as she took her hand. “If that’s what you want to do, of course. You know your Tío better than anyone. It’ll all work out Tuli.”

“How can you be sure?” Tuli asked, her other hand firmly grasping her locket.

“You know, I just am,” Isabela said and lifted Tuli’s chin.

Tuli smiled then kissed the locket. She looked back up the road and whispered to the people in the distance, “Eu acredito em você, Bubo.”

“Tuli what language was that? I know it’s not French.”

“Oh, it’s Portuguese, I learned some of it from my abuela and Bubo. He used to live in Brazil. That’s where he came from before he went to live with our abuelos.”

So that was the source of his accent. It hadn’t occurred to Isa that Bubo’s parents might not be around. She wondered how old he’d been when he came to Colombia. Maybe she’d ask later… maybe that was too personal for a first date… maybe she could ask Tuli. Isabela dismissed that idea since it was not necessarily something Tuli would know. Isa let out a yelp when she stubbed her toe. She looked down to realize her shoes were, once again, missing. She quickly reached behind herself and sighed with relief when she found they were hanging on her belt. She and Tuli left the path and walked on the soft grass. Isa stopped as she brushed at the dirt she’d gotten on her clothes, it didn’t help. Tuli looked down at her own skirt and wiggled her toes, “Weeding sure does get you dirty.”

“Yeah, but it’s so satisfying to yank those troublemakers out of the ground,” Isabela said and laughed as she pretended to violently pull an imaginary weed. Both she and Tuli took a step back as a large oak tree sprouted and rapidly grew near the edge of the forest. It was almost as large as the one in the plaza.

Tuli whispered, “Oh my gosh, do you think that’s a guardian tree… I’ve never thought I see one get born before… I wonder who it’s for… ”

Isa wondered what Tuli was talking about but put her hands firmly at her sides. No more using her gift today if she actually wanted to go on that date, that was for sure, and asked, “Tuli, why would you call that ...?” Isabela realized that Tuli was gone. She was running toward the tree. Isabela followed and stopped with Tuli in front of it. Tuli ran her hand over the bark as she stared at the tree with a hopeful smile on her face. Isabela decided it was a question that could be answered later as she too looked up into the branches. The tree was still filling out as its leaves were still unfurling near the top. She put a hand on it and heard quite plainly ‘anselmo’. Startled, Isa pulled her hand back. Tuli was now hugging the tree and whispering something that almost sounded like a prayer. Isa wiggled the fingers of the hand she’d touched the tree with. They were tingling, and she thought, that’s just weird, and she decided she would figure that out another time. She poked Tuli’s arm and said, “Come on, let’s get cleaned up before Bubo and your Tío get back.” Tuli nodded and reluctantly left the tree behind to follow Isabela toward Casita.

-------------------------------

Mirabel sighed as she watched the road ahead. She knew they were only a few kilometers out of town now. Luisa was again talking to Osvaldo about his donkey, and Camilo had told her to stay put when he jumped off the cart. Still, he’d sat with her for the past two hours, telling her the most random jokes. He was now walking with Old Arturo, who was telling him something that made Camilo glance over at the other cart where Señora Vargas was sitting. She had her head together with the man she’d noticed Camilo speaking to earlier.

The cart bounced when they hit a stone in the road hard enough that Mirabel had to adjust her glasses. The kids in the cart all squealed and were giggling. Mirabel looked back and saw that Bubo was now awake. He looked at the seat beside her, and she motioned for him to join her.

“Feel better?” Mirabel asked as Bubo climbed up.

“Yes, didn’t realize I was that tired,” Bubo said as he rubbed his knees rather nervously. He was quiet for a time, then looked at her and said, “Thank you, Mirabel.”

“For what? I didn’t actually do anything,” Mirabel said.

Bubo shook his head and said, “You underestimate yourself, Mirabel Madrigal. You have an unusually calming presence about you. You also, once again, stopped me from doing something incredibly foolish, and I’m sure my outburst didn’t help Tuli’s situation.”

“I don’t know, Bubo. You care a great deal for your prima and throw a little personal guilt and exhaustion into the mix and voilà, instant anger.”

“Ugh, I feel so stupid. I see now why your Mamá asked that I bring you and your sister along on this journey.”

“My Mamá?” Mirabel was perplexed, then remembered her attitude when she was told she wasn’t going with her mother and sisters to retrieve the folks on the mountain. She thought she’d hid her disappointment better. Clearly she did not, but maybe that was not a bad thing. Too much of what had happened before the breaking was because no one was willing to let certain parts of themselves show.

“She said you wanted to help. You did, so again, thank you,” Bubo said, then fell silent for a while. He was looking down the road. You could just make out the tops of the houses in town from here. Mirabel noticed the tree line had changed since this morning. There was another great tree poking above it. It was large enough that you couldn’t see Casita from here anymore. Isabela must be responsible for that, she thought. But why grow it there? She looked over and noticed Bubo was, once again, rubbing his knees and he said, “I’m not sure how I’m going to talk to my Tío about this rationally. We’ve already had arguments in the past regarding him calling Tuli, Paola. Now add into that the other and… ”

“I’m no expert, but maybe you should try to see the situation from your Tío’s perspective. He obviously cares what happens to the both of you. Who’s to say what’s motivating him if you don’t ask.”

“While I see your point, I’ll be honest, I am not convinced that will be effective.”

“Well, just give it some thought, Bubo. People can be surprising. So, did Mariano fill you in as to what you’re doing tonight?”

“No, but as long as I’m sitting here, can you give me something to talk to your sister about... besides insects, that is.”

“Well, Isa loves music and dancing. She plays the piano and sings really good too. When I was little, she would take me ‘flying’. She was an awesome big sister then.” Mirabel realized what she’d said and glanced at Bubo. He hopefully missed that, so started hurriedly naming random Isa likes. “Ummm, she likes to experiment with recipes... She’s actually really good at cooking, but doesn’t want anyone to know that. She likes her coffee with milk. She thinks everyone should love cacti. She wants a cat, either striped or maybe a black one. She thinks dogs smell funny, and she doesn’t like when they dig up plants. She used to have potatoes in her room that she would talk to and dress up in clothes...” Bubo tilted his head, and Mirabel paused and cleared her throat. “Sorry, just forget I said that.”

Bubo chuckled as he nodded and said, “É engraçado, I promise I didn’t hear a thing.”

Mirabel tilted her head and asked, “Bubo, you speak Portuguese?”

“Yes, I was born in Brasil. I only learned Spanish when I came to Colombia.”

“Oh, how did you come to be living here?” There was a pause and Mirabel thought maybe that was an uncomfortable question and added, “Sorry, I don’t mean to be nosy.”

“No, no, it’s alright. Just something I’ve not thought about for a long time,” Bubo said, then looked off toward the town. Though Mirabel was curious, she just sat and waited for Bubo to find his words and he asked, “Do you know what a bus is?”

Mirabel shook her head then remembered seeing a picture of one in a magazine that one of the newcomers had brought, so she said, “I’ve seen a picture. They look a bit frightening.”

Bubo shrugged. “Not really. Anyway, buses are usually pretty safe, and you can move quickly from one city to another. When I was about eight years old, my parents and I went on a bus trip to Brasile’s capital, Manaus. Spent the day looking at all the historical buildings. Overall, it was a good day, the time got away from us, and we ended up boarding the last bus back to our town very late. I’m not completely sure what happened because I fell asleep pretty quickly once we were on the road. I woke up in the hospital. I knew something wasn’t right because my abuelos were there instead of my parents. I was told that the weather had turned bad, there was an accident and that both of my parents were killed. I survived, but only just. There were a lot of things I had to relearn, like how to walk, feed myself, it’s a long list. Since I did not have any relatives in São Joaquim, where we lived, I came to live with my Abuelos in Aracataca once I was released from the hospital. My Tío was already living there on and off, and he helped me get back on my feet, so to speak.”

“I’m sorry about your parents, Bubo.”

“Thank you, I think my only regret is that I’ve never been able to visit their graves. Someday though.”

Mirabel nodded and realized they were almost to the town plaza and could see her Abuela and Mama, along with the rest of the town council, waiting to greet them. Camilo came up to them and said, “Hey, Bubo, your Tío was asking for you.”

Bubo nodded and hopped down from the cart and began walking toward the back of the group. Camilo climbed up and plopped into the seat next to her. He elbowed her twice and started talking without looking at her. Camilo used to do this when they were little, and they were busy planning some pointless prank. It was always more fun to do that in a conspiratorial way. No jokes this time though, he was instead giving her a run-down of all the things he noticed happening with the new group. It felt weird that her primo felt he needed to do that. But again she realized that she really did need to know these things. Most concerning was José’s warning that they not share extra information with Señora Vargas or her son Miguel. She could see that Luisa was also paying attention and Mirabel glanced back and saw that most of the kids were asleep, so she wasn’t overly concerned they were listening. Camilo wondered then how Abuela was going to explain the magic to these people. Mirabel looked over at Casita and smiled when she noticed the house waving. She waved back and thought, It’ll all work out. I just know it.

-------------------------------

Bubo joined his Tío, and his uncle introduced him to the others of his original group that had joined him on his search. A few of them Bubo knew since they were from the same area as his abuelos. He nodded to each and decided to let his Tío know about the magic and what to expect. His Abuela had often told them stories about the fantastical things that could only happen in Columbia and after seeing the magic of the Encanto, Bubo believed every one of them. His uncle was even more so. Though he had studied to be a lawyer, he’d given that up to be a journalist and writer. He was always looking for stories to explore and Bubo had enjoyed all of his published works, so he said as they walked, “Tío, there’s a story attached to this place and the people that live here that I want to tell you before we get there. So you know what to expect.”

His Tío was clearly intrigued because he slowed a little and let the group move ahead without them and said, “Okay Bubo, let’s have it then.”

Bubo then told him what he knew of what had happened here over fifty years ago at the beginning of the thousand days war. That the leader of the town, Doña Alma Madrigal, received a miracle after the death of her husband and father of their newborn triplets. It was this event that was the impetus that ultimately protected and saved the original inhabitants from the marauders that ransacked theirs and other nearby villages. He told him about La Candela and Casita, the living house that helped look after and protect the Madrigal family. When he got to the part regarding the Madrigal family Gifts, he paused and his Tío said, “You can’t stop now, Bubo.”

“Sorry, I’m just trying to find the best way to describe what came next,” Bubo said, then one by one told him about each of the family’s Gifts as described to him by Mariano.

“You left one out,” his Tío said. “What Gift does Señorita Mirabel have?”

“Mirabel does not have a magical Gift,” Bubo said.

“How unusual. You’re sure?”

“Yes, she told me so herself,” Bubo replied.

His Tío nodded and said, “You look as though there is more to this story to tell.”

Bubo nodded and said, “Yes. When I arrived here, almost a year ago now, Casita had fallen and there were no magical Gifts.”

“But you didn’t use past tense when you were describing them.”

“That’s where Mirabel comes into it. After La Candela went out and the original Casita fell, a new Casita was built for the family by the townsfolk. Mariano said it was quite the thing to see because on the day they were to move back in, the family gave Mirabel the very last piece of it to put in place. A doorknob to be precise. When she did, Mariano said a new miracle was born and Casita and the Gifts returned.”

“You did not see any of that?”

“No, at that time I was patrolling the area near the river at that time. I found out about it when I came into town to resupply.”

“You didn’t go look?”

“Tío, I was responsible for a patrol, and only in town for a day before I headed back out.”

“Right, so Mirabel is now the... the miracle bringer?”

“She is an extraordinary young woman. I'm guessing she’ll lead this town one day.”

“I think I would like to see this Casita.”

“It’s likely you will, since Tuli is staying at the Madrigal home.”

As they crested the final hill, Bubo’s Tío put a hand on his shoulder, bringing Bubo to a halt. Only one of his uncle’s companions noticed they’d stopped. That one just nodded and continued on. Bubo was now feeling very nervous.

“Now that you’re a little more rested, I need to ask Bubo, honestly, do you believe Tuli when he tells you he’s a girl?”

Bubo strangely did not feel he needed to hesitate and said, “Yes, at her core she has the soul of a girl.”

“But don’t you see how much more difficult Tuli’s life will be if we allow them to continue with this?”

“Her life is already painfully difficult, to the point that she fled our family with a person of questionable character. She’s already paid a high enough price for that mistake. Honestly, do you not see how alone and isolated she already is? She doesn’t want to go back to that. Who would? I’ll say it again, I accept that Tuli is exactly who she believes herself to be. She wants to remain in the Encanto, make it her home. Also, the Madrigals are all aware that Tuli is not physically a girl, and they do not have an issue with that. In fact, Doña Madrigal said Tuli would be welcome to stay... if you gave her permission to do so and if I agreed to stay as well.”

“And do you?”

“Yes. I’ve grown fond of the people here. Made some good friends. Met a nice girl.”

“What about school?”

“I’ll find time for that one day.”

“I do not believe that.”

“Said my almost lawyer Tío.”

His Tío smiled and said, “Good answer, Bubo. And if I take Tuli back to Bogotá?”

Bubo sighed and said, “Then this was a pointless conversation because I do not believe she would be able to bear it. We will lose her forever the next time she runs, and you know that she will,” Bubo said “Tío, when I found out yesterday just what Tuli had been through, I was ready to go out and do something I would never be able to take back. But I was reminded that of all the places Tuli could have ended up, she ended up here where her family is. Tuli’s found the sanctuary she’s been searching for since her mother was killed, and her father went missing. This place where she can be who she was meant to be. This place where miraculous things happen daily.”

His Tío did not answer, so Bubo started down the hill. He paused and turned back when his Tío said, “I can’t make any promises, Bubo, but I will consider what you’ve said.”

“Thank you, Tío,” Bubo said with a small smile, “That’s all I can ask for.”

Notes:

If you were wondering: ‘No usaré mi super jaguar volador para abalanzarme sobre Abuela.’ translates to: I won't use my flying super jaguar to pounce on Grandma Kids

Next Chapter... Hopefully nearby?

Last Chapter:

[kp777]

By Cara Korte

CBS

April 6, 2023

How we grow food, consume it and waste it may play a big role in whether the world can avert a climate catastrophe, environmentalists and climate change analysts say. One big obstacle to changing the most damaging practices is that many of them are in fact encouraged and financially incentivized by countries — including the U.S. — possibly pushing us faster toward a world that's too dangerously warm.

"If we do everything right — if we reduce energy-related emissions [and] transportation-related emissions as much as we all need, and we don't address emissions from agriculture, we are still not going to avoid a climate catastrophe," said Scott Faber, senior vice president for government affairs at the nonprofit Environmental Working Group.

The global food system — the growing, processing, transporting, distributing, consumption and disposal of food — makes up a third of greenhouse gas emissions every year. From cutting down trees for grazing cattle, to food waste in landfills, each stage of the food system creates greenhouse gases: a study published in March estimated that emissions from food production and waste alone could push global temperatures up by as much as 1.1 degrees Celsius (1.98 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century. 

Methane is the second biggest greenhouse gas producer after carbon dioxide, and it's 25 times as powerful as CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere. Overall, high-methane foods are on track to make up more than 80% of food-related warming by 2100. Livestock and agriculture are big methane producers — particularly cattle and rice. Manure and gas from cows is rich in methane, as are rice paddies, which emit the gas after they're flooded. 

In the U.S., perhaps the most influential factor in agriculture policy affecting climate change is the farm bill, a massive, contentious measure that sets agriculture policies and regulations. It's passed by Congress every five years and is up for renewal this year. 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) published an analysis of U.S. agriculture spending from 2017-2020, a period during which the environmental quality incentives program of the farm bill provided more than $3.6 billion of funding to farmer. But EWG found that just 23% of incentive payments "were for practices that mitigate climate change," according to the Agriculture Department's own list of "climate-smart practices and enhancements."

Some of those climate-smart practices include converting manure into organic fertilizer, improving soil health by increasing plant diversity and minimizing soil disturbance. 

But implementing new and climate-friendly practices may be costly and adversely affect yield, cutting into farmers' bottom lines and making their crops or herds less attractive to investors and buyers. That reality, according to the World Economic Forum, has resulted in a cycle in the U.S. that rewards "the systems that are least regenerative, emit the most greenhouse gases, and result in the most land degradation." These damaging systems, the World Economic Forum said, "are the most likely to have access to capital."

The EWG analysis found that the majority of environmental quality incentives program practices funded by the farm bill were for structures, equipment or facilities that were not even on the department's "climate-smart" list, and further some of the items receiving the most funding, like waste storage facilities, which are used for manure, actually increase methane emissions, a point that has been acknowledged by the Agriculture Department. The department has a list of climate-friendly alternatives for managing cattle waste, among them, the use of microbes to anaerobically digest manure or composting, but all of these approaches come with attendant costs or labor.

Read more.

[coochiequeens]

Good news for women 

On Sept. 30, 1993, at 3:56 a.m., a deadly earthquake shook Latur and Osmanabad, districts in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It killed 10,000 people and demolished 52 villages. 

While many nongovernmental organizations were involved in the immediate rescue and relief work, there was one group that worked a little differently. It focused on efforts that engaged with women from affected communities and aimed to ensure their long-term wellbeing. The Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), established four years later, began its journey by going door-to-door after the earthquake, meeting thousands of women. The group trained the women to become farmers and entrepreneurs, enabling them to become financially independent and rise above the adversity and loss they'd encountered. 

Today, Swayam Shikshan Prayog is one of four winners of the Local Adaptation Champions Awards, organized by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), that is being announced at the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. 

The awards recognize community-led efforts to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. Winners will receive €15,000 to help their further their work. In an interview with NPR, SSP Director Upmanyu Patil shares significant moments from his journey.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

You've helped around 300,000 rural women from across India adapt to climate change. How did your journey begin? 

It began with our relief efforts during the Latur earthquake.

Prema Gopalan was the founder of SSP, but unfortunately we lost her last March. I've been working with Prema and the team since 1993. I took over operations after she passed away. In those early days, we worked largely with disasters — the Gujarat Earthquake [2001], the Tamil Nadu tsunami [2004], floods in Bihar [2007] and in Kerala [2018]. We're working more extensively in three Indian states now — Kerala, Bihar and Maharashtra. 

What do you focus on during the aftermath of a climate disaster?

Our focus is on restoration of livelihoods, especially for women. While relief efforts are needed in the immediate aftermath, long-term rehabilitation is our goal. We support them financially, so they can revive any business ventures that were lost as a result of these disasters. In some cases, we provide training so they can gain more skills that will help them set up entrepreneurial ventures. We are actively engaged with communities 3 to 4 years after a disaster, and even post that we continue to work with communities, helping local women generate more income.

Why did you start working on climate-resilient agriculture initiatives?

There were many farmer suicides in Marathwada [in the western Indian state of Maharashtra] when we worked there in 2012-15. When we surveyed the area, we realized that farmers there were planting only a single cash crop like sugar cane or cotton [crops produced only for their commercial value]. This was a problem, because if there was a climate-related disaster and the crop failed, they could not sell it and neither would they have money to buy food. We realized that there were mounting losses in the process, and that was causing great distress [to farmers]. What they needed most was food security. Being an organization with a mission to empower women to take on decision-making roles in their families and communities, we knew that this could come only with economic empowerment, because a breadwinner is a decision-maker. So we began to speak with these families, suggesting that they allocate a piece of their land — say about one-fourth or a fifth — for women to cultivate food crops. We provided training in organic farming, helping them sow pulses, grains, vegetables, fruits. 

Did farmers always cultivate a single cash crop in this area? 

No, they didn't. If you go back 25 years ago, people sowed multiple crops, ensuring food for their families and communities. Things changed when farming became commercialized, driven by market forces instead of primary needs. India's green revolution of the 1960's, which ushered in pesticides and fertilizers for greater yields, did a lot of damage too. We're trying to get communities to go back to traditional practices. We are mining the knowledge of elderly people in these communities, checking with agricultural departments at local universities to see if these traditional practices are backed by science and if they can come back. For instance, practices such as sowing seeds from native plants around your own home, creating your own compost from agricultural waste, and creating bio-fertilizer by using leaves. 

Was it hard to make that transition to food crops and convince families to give away that land? 

Initially it was, but we tell them that it's for their own food security. They can do whatever they want with the rest of the land. We ask them to involve women in growing their food. We've faced challenges in two areas. Many don't believe that organic farming can give you the same yields as farming with the use of chemical fertilizers. And many men don't think women can farm efficiently, even though women do a lot of manual labor on farms. They don't believe that she can take charge of the sowing or be a decision-maker. 

How did you go about changing mindsets?

It takes time, but we reason with them. We show them how organic farming costs far less, when compared to the high costs of chemical fertilizers. And with 2 to 3 years of training, we prove that women can build their capabilities and take lead in their agricultural sector, just as they have done in sanitation and health. Getting [communities] to believe in this is a challenge in the initial phase. 

Once women grow food for their families, what's the next step? 

Once they secure food for their families and they have excess, the next challenge is finding a place to sell their extra produce. We link them to markets, and try to secure better prices for them. It's a challenge too, because traditional marketing methods require packaging, certification [and] branding or you won't get premium prices. The women work hard to produce organic food crops, but because of this, they often can't sell at the prices that justify that effort. They are unhappy about that. 

Is there anything you do to ensure that they get fair prices? 

We have started women farmer producer companies [where women farmers are partners, a system with collective ownership and joint investment]. They are involved in cultivating grains and pulses, but also in selling dairy [and] poultry. These allied activities ensure their incomes. 

How does climate change affect their daily lives and their farming? 

There are a lot of weather-related changes that we're seeing in recent years. For instance, earlier, the rains would come in mid-June, and remain till mid-October. People do their sowing and harvesting at this time. By February, it's time to sow the summer crop. But now, the rains come only in mid-July, and these are torrential, heavy rains. Then they stop abruptly, and farmers lose their crops. Farming is their only source of income and it is threatened by climate change. It's very distressing and women are especially vulnerable. Climate change has an impact on everything — health, economic conditions, water sources and food security. 

You encourage "clean energy initiatives" in local communities. What does that involve? 

In 2005, British Petroleum wanted to understand the energy needs in rural markets. So we partnered with them in that research. We found that cooking energy is a primary need in rural households. Together, we created a product — a "clean" cooking stove run on biomass pellets.

In 2012, we got funding from USAID to help create 1,000 women entrepreneurs, setting them up financially to be able to sell these stoves and other clean energy products [like solar panels] and services to 200,000 families in their communities. 

How do these stoves that run on biomass work?

It works with cow dung. Every family has 3 to 4 cattle. They collect the cow dung every day. They feed this into a "bio-digester" — it's a machine that 

converts cow dung into cooking gas and slurry. The process takes 6 to 8 hours. We use the slurry as organic fertilizer. And the biogas is piped to power the stove. This is safer than burning cow dung directly, which is a practice in many rural homes. It's also safer than LPG–compressed liquified petroleum gas, which is usually piped in for cooking. Each farmer owns their own biomass machine.

How do you intend to use the prize money from the award? 

We would like to expand our scope and see if we can get more women involved. 

What are the biggest changes you've seen after all these years of working with rural communities? 

One of the biggest changes is in the attitudes of men. Earlier, men didn't like it when we met with women exclusively and they were not involved. They were wary and suspicious. But now, they actually welcome us, because they've seen how our helping women helps their children in turn, and improves the families' quality of life. There's more appreciation now replacing the snarky comments that we got earlier! This is a major change we've seen over the last 30 years. 

It just goes to show that by empowering women, we can empower everyone. 

Kamala Thiagarajan is a freelance journalist based in Madurai, Southern India. She reports on global health, science, and development, and her work has been published in the New York Times, The British Medical Journal, BBC, The Guardian and other outlets. You can find her on twitter @kamal_t

[harborfoodmart]

Farm Fresh Produce Near Me: The Benefits of Buying Local (Harbor Foodmart)

In recent years, there's been a growing interest in knowing where our food comes from and how it's produced. Whether you're concerned about health, the environment, or supporting local economies, buying farm-fresh produce from nearby farms is an excellent choice. Searching for Farm Fresh Produce near you can connect you with local markets, farms, and stands offering a bounty of seasonal, high-quality fruits and vegetables. But what exactly are the benefits of buying local farm-fresh produce? Let’s explore.

1. Better Taste and Nutrition

One of the most significant advantages of purchasing farm-fresh produce is the taste. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are harvested at their peak ripeness, ensuring the best flavor and nutritional content. Produce that has traveled long distances often needs to be picked before it's fully ripe, which can affect both taste and nutrient levels. Farm-fresh tomatoes, for example, are more flavorful and nutrient-rich compared to those that have been picked early and ripened in a truck on the way to a grocery store.

Fresher produce also retains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthier option. When you buy directly from local farms, you're consuming food that was likely harvested within 24 hours of your purchase, delivering maximum freshness and nutritional benefits.

2. Environmental Sustainability

When you buy farm-fresh produce locally, you're reducing the need for long-distance transportation, which cuts down on carbon emissions. The average grocery store produce can travel thousands of miles before reaching your plate, contributing to a large carbon footprint. By choosing farm-fresh produce near you, you're supporting environmentally friendly practices that reduce energy consumption and pollution.

Additionally, local farms tend to use more sustainable farming practices. Many small-scale farms focus on organic or low-pesticide farming, crop rotation, and soil conservation techniques, which are better for the environment and public health. This means fewer harmful chemicals and a reduced impact on local ecosystems.

3. Supporting Local Farmers and Economy

Buying local farm-fresh produce helps sustain small farms and boosts the local economy. When you spend money at a farmers' market or local farm stand, a significant portion of that money stays within your community. Small farmers rely on direct sales to consumers to stay in business, and your support allows them to continue providing fresh, high-quality produce.

Moreover, local farms create jobs, not only in farming but also in related industries like transportation, local retail, and distribution. Your investment in local food supports a network of workers and businesses, strengthening the local economy as a whole.

4. Seasonal Variety and Connection to Nature

Local farms offer seasonal produce, which means you get to enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak. Eating seasonally not only offers a variety of fresh and exciting flavors throughout the year but also helps you connect with nature’s cycles. It can be rewarding to look forward to summer berries, fall squash, or spring greens.

By purchasing farm-fresh produce, you also gain a better understanding of where your food comes from and how it’s grown. Many local farms offer tours, pick-your-own opportunities, or even educational programs that allow consumers to learn more about farming practices and the food they eat. This fosters a deeper connection to the land and the people who grow your food.

5. Community and Health Benefits

Farmers' markets and local produce stands provide more than just fruits and vegetables. They also serve as gathering spots where people can meet, share ideas, and build community. Many markets feature live music, artisan goods, and family-friendly activities that make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Farm-fresh produce also encourages healthier eating habits. When you have access to vibrant, fresh vegetables and fruits, you're more likely to prepare meals that are nutritious and balanced. Eating a diet rich in fresh produce is linked to better overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Conclusion

When you search for "farm fresh produce near me," you're not just looking for fruits and vegetables – you're embracing a lifestyle that promotes health, environmental sustainability, and community. The benefits of buying local farm-fresh produce extend far beyond taste and nutrition. By supporting local farmers, reducing your carbon footprint, and enjoying seasonal variety, you contribute to a healthier planet and a more connected community. Next time you need groceries, skip the supermarket and head to a local farm – your body, community, and environment will thank you.

[biotol]

Biotol: Leading Supplier of Premium Agro Textiles and Accessories

At Biotol, we are dedicated to being a leading provider of agricultural products, catering to the diverse needs of modern farming and horticulture. Our focus on high-quality goods ensures that our customers have access to the best tools and materials for successful and efficient farming. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a new enthusiast, Biotol is your go-to source for essential agricultural supplies.

Our Extensive Product Range

Biotol offers a comprehensive selection of agricultural products, each designed to enhance your farming operations and support optimal plant growth. Here’s an overview of the main categories of products available:

Premium Shade Nets: Protecting your crops from excessive sunlight is crucial for maintaining their health and productivity. Our premium shade nets are engineered to provide effective shading while being durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. These nets help reduce heat stress on plants, control light exposure, and improve overall growing conditions.

Sun Protection Tents and Screens: Our sun protection tents and screens are ideal for shielding plants, equipment, and work areas from the intense rays of the sun. These products offer essential UV protection, helping to prevent sunburn and other sun-related issues that can affect plant health and productivity.

Agrofabric and Agronet: Agrofabric and agronet are versatile materials that play a key role in modern agriculture. These fabrics are used for a range of purposes, including weed control, soil protection, and moisture retention. They are lightweight yet strong, making them an excellent choice for improving soil conditions and enhancing crop yields.

Clips for Shade Nets: Securely installing shade nets is essential for ensuring their effectiveness. Our high-quality clips are designed to provide a firm hold, keeping your shade nets in place even in windy conditions. Easy to use and durable, these clips simplify the installation process and enhance the stability of your shade nets.

Plant Tying Twine: Proper support is vital for the healthy growth of many plants. Our plant tying twine is ideal for staking, tying, and supporting plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and vines. Made from strong, flexible materials, this twine ensures that your plants receive the support they need without causing damage.

Why Choose Biotol?

At Biotol, we are committed to providing exceptional products that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Our extensive range ensures that you can find everything you need for your agricultural operations in one place. With a focus on reliability and customer satisfaction, we strive to be your trusted partner in achieving agricultural success.

Explore our product offerings today and see how Biotol can help you enhance your farming practices with top-quality agricultural supplies.

[bagariafood963]

Top 10 Wheat Flour Manufacturers in India You Need to Know

Nowadays, suppliers of wheat flour stand at the core of the world development processes in the food industry. They ensure not only the possibility of supplying one of the most basic ingredients, but also stable amounts, so that everything—from common bread to some sort of gourmet pastry—can be made. It is to this regard that the article addresses the importance of the wheat flour suppliers, their contribution towards the production of food, and how they address the challenges of quality and consistency in the food chain.

Importance of Wheat Flour in Food Manufacturing Industry

Wheat flour is used in various food products, such as bread, pasta, cakes, and pastries. Being made from wheat, these form the staple diet of many cultures around the world. Combining such varied uses with enormous economy makes wheat flour an absolute necessity for supplying ingredients to both household kitchens and commercial food production. 

Quality and Consistency

Wheat flour suppliers ensure wheat flour is of high quality and set grades. The companies purchase raw wheat from farmers, grind them into flour and control the product's consistency to remain reliable for food manufacturers. In the elaboration of quality controls, the attention must be paid to the absence of contaminants in the flour, the proper consistency, and nutrition. In fact, it is friendly to various diets:

Today, consumers are all up for immense variety, and most have special needs regarding diet. From whole wheat or gluten-free to enriched flour, wheat flour wholesalers supply it all since the demand becomes apparent owing to the changing tastes of the consumers. Such a form of adaptability becomes quite essential for a food processing company that wants to get in touch with a diversified clientele base.

Supply Chain Management

The wheat flour suppliers need to exercise the appropriate supply chain management formulations for proper provisions. They are obligated to contact and coordinate with the farmers, transporters, and food producers regarding the smooth flow from the fields to the kitchens.

They work hand in glove with farmers regarding the supply of quality wheat. They monitor the condition of the crops, negotiate prices, and procure on time not to incur any shortage or surplus. Due to the close relation, good compensations are paid to the farmers and have its positive impacts on the market.

Logistics and Distribution

Wheat processing for flour is supported right from the very beginning through a logistic network of service distribution, starting with the suppliers themselves, who have to make transport, warehousing, and delivery arrangements to see that it reaches its destination in the best condition, further down to coordination with partners and real-time tracking of items so that delays and deterioration can be avoided.

Market Demand Management

Food is a very dynamic world, and consumer preference keeps oscillating with the market trends. There is, therefore, a need for wheat flour suppliers to be agile enough to introduce new offerings that are in tune with changes in the market. This may call for the introduction of new products, looking into sustainable means, or leveraging technologies for higher efficiencies.

Technology

Advanced technologies have actually hijacked most of the operations wheat flour suppliers used to be involved in. From precision agriculture, to the automated milling process, advanced technologies aid at enhancement of productivity and quality.

Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture embodies data and the latest technology into better farming practices. Chain flour suppliers provide the best techniques of soil analysis and weather forecast by crop monitoring and precisely finish them for superior and quality yields.

Automated Milling

Milling processes, therefore, become automated to be uniform without any human error. Advanced equipment that processes large amounts of wheat can be extremely uniform in its final product. In addition, it helps the supplier meet the high demands within the global market through the use of its integrated technology.

Data Analytics and Forecasting

This also comes from insight that comes for supply chain management. Wheat flour suppliers make use of predictive analytics for demand predictions and hence manage the inventories and plan the production schedule so as to reduce disruption. This also ensures that supplies are meeting the market demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the major role of a wheat flour supplier?

The main suppliers of wheat flour undertake procurement, processing, and delivery of quality wheat flour to the food manufacturers or retailers. Suppliers have to supply quality products in time so that the demand emerging from various sections of the global food industry can be fulfilled.

Q2. How far do the suppliers of wheat flour ensure quality wheat flour?

Quality was already ensured through stringent quality controlling methods right from procurement of raw wheat to doing the final processing. Suppliers often use texture, nutritional values along with contaminants so that the desired quality is maintained.

Q3. Why is technology adoption necessary by Wheat flour suppliers?

Technology also contributes to a dynamic shift towards better efficiency with high accuracy in operation starting right from precision agriculture towards automated milling until data analytic measures. These would all be very helpful in enabling the suppliers to meet the market needs along with enhanced product quality.

Conclusion

Wheat flour suppliers are very important appendages for the continuous supply of quality wheat flour meeting current global food industry standards. Wheat flour suppliers also have broader roles and have become very intricate, developing from simple wheat flour distributors to quality assurance, integrated supply chain management, and technological integrations. The role conceptions of wheat flour suppliers being so multidimensional, it is easy to savor the complexity and importance of this critical component in the diet of businesses and consumers.

It is then pertinent that the suppliers of wheat flour embrace a good pace with the emergence of the novelty further on in such a way that, by struggling to strike a balance with the situation on the ground, they will manage to keep the place on the market because in this way they contribute not only to the satisfaction of the current needs of the food industry but also to the creation of appropriate, sustainable work that will hence be effective.

[ukpolytunnelsrus]

Polytunnel Maintenance Is Essential

Regular maintenance of polytunnel covers and frame structures can significantly extend the lifespan and integrity, redress functionality and effectiveness to help prevent early polytunnel refurbishments. Whether, you're a large commercial grower, an independent producer or a home gardening enthusiast. Professional growers understand the importance of regular upkeep and how it relates to optimal effectiveness and cost savings, without needing to buy one or several new polytunnels, because of poor care and maintenance.

Repairing or Refurbishing Polytunnels

When most covers reach their five-year lifespan guarantee it might be time to consider replacing it.  Whereas, polytunnel refurbishments to the frame offer a longer length of service, before needing structure parts to be repaired or replaced due to weather and wear and tear or accidental damage, renewing or refurbishing, doesn't necessarily mean dismantling the entire structure. It can involve replacing weathered polytunnel covers, adding or replacing sections, improving ventilation, installing new doors, or treating old ones, and even adding guttering systems for effective water collection. These timely upgrades can enhance the polytunnel's environment and integrity, making it optimally suitable for growing varieties of plants and protecting them from the UK weather elements and environments they are placed in.

When polytunnel covers require replacing or major and minor refurbishments are due, these observations help maintain the structural integrity of the polytunnel, adapting and extending it to new gardening goals or crop requirements. If you are planning to grow plants or crops that require specific conditions or deciding to change crop types to suit current trends, this can serve as a timely reminder to either purchase a new polytunnel or for complete polytunnel refurbishments.

Worth Checking the Cost of a New Polytunnel V Insurance

Taking out an insurance policy is an area overlooked by both gardeners and independent growers. While commercial operations might already have coverage under their business policies, individual gardeners and independent growers may want to consider looking at their home insurance can often extend to cover garden structures like polytunnels or take out an excess on shed and other housings within your home and garden. This may not cover areas such as normal wear and tear on polytunnel covers or for polytunnel refurbishments when their lifespan is met, they are for accidental and environmental damage.

Insurance companies require documented proof or site inspection of damage condition and repairs for the claims processing invaluable in the event of a claim, particularly when dealing with damage from weather incidents, accidental damage or failures, before considering your claim for a new polytunnel.

For farmers who integrate livestock into their gardening or farming activities, protecting your investment is important. Animals, even small ones like chickens and goats, without proper barrier controls in place, will cause damage to polytunnel covers and structures. Implementing accessory measures such as barrier and wire fencing, or containment and reinforced patches near ground level can help mitigate potential damage.

Conclusion

Maintenance involves regular checks, clean-ups, and occasional polytunnel refurbishments or replacement of polytunnel covers. Adapt to new gardening challenges or improve existing conditions. Insurance can prove beneficial for protecting this investment, particularly against unforeseen damage that can incur significant costs such as a new polytunnel.

Read More:

Commercial Polytunnels Offer Durability and Versatility Polytunnel Cultivation for Cuttings, Bulbs, Seedlings, and Young Plants