July 1995 : the AG0439 approach ISSN 1329-8062 David Madge, Mildura

Permaculture is a concept of active design of "Permaculture is based on the observation of natural agricultural and social systems. It aims to optimise the systems, the wisdom contained in traditional farming use of all resources including natural assets, labour and systems and modern scientific and technological energy, without contributing to environmental knowledge. Although based on ecological models, degradation and while providing a worthwhile livelihood Permaculture creates a cultivated , which is for all people involved. designed to produce more human and animal than is The ethics of permaculture include Earthcare (care of the generally found in nature." (from Introduction to Earth, its inhabitants and resources) and as this implies, Permaculture). Peoplecare (care of the social and physical needs of people). These ethics would also suit the organic Objectives of permaculture who aims to produce and supply healthy, nutritious food The relevance of permaculture to organic farming (and from a sustainable farming system. in general) can be seen in the way some of its A more complete definition of this Australian-grown basic objectives relate to agricultural production: concept comes from the publication Permaculture: A Maximising stability and resilience of the system Designers Manual. An example of this is resistance to pest attack. This is "Permaculture (permanent agriculture) is the conscious achieved through the good placement and management of design and maintenance of agriculturally productive a diversity of individual components such as plants to which have the diversity, stability and support beneficial organisms, different crop types and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious varieties, shelterbelts and . This same strategy of integration of landscape and people providing their food, managing a diversity of components may also help offset energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs effects of such events as adverse climatic conditions and in a sustainable way. market fluctuations. The philosophy behind Permaculture is one of working Maximising productivity with, rather than against, nature; of protracted and This does not necessarily mean maximising production. It thoughtful observation rather than protracted and is achieved through diversity and by making most efficient thoughtless action; of looking at systems in all their use of the potential of each site, including type, water functions rather than asking only one of them; and of supply, aspect, slope and other natural features. It includes allowing systems to demonstrate their own evolution." a view to long-term productivity, using practices aimed at In a way, permaculture is nothing new. Its practical the sustainable use and development of natural resources. techniques have in some cases been used for centuries. The protection and where desirable, development of soil What is different is the approach - the deliberate and water resources is emphasised in this approach. integration, by design, of a wide range of techniques, Minimising inputs functions and physical components with the aim of Permaculture aims to minimise inputs required in the form building complex, stable and productive systems, whether of human involvement and energy to maintain the system. they be home blocks, hobby or commercial farming An example is the use of livestock or long-term enterprises. This involves recognising and fostering the versus or repeated cultivation for many relationships that can occur between the components management. A problem () may become a resource of natural and artificial systems, including climatic factors, (animal products and ) by good design and , plants, humans and their structures and other management. animals. Permaculture, like modern organic agriculture, does not Minimising adverse environmental impact of the mean a return to the pre-chemical, pre- 'good production system old days'. It involves making the best possible use of all This comes from maximising the efficiency with which any appropriate techniques and information. on- or off-farm resources are used, minimising the use

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries Page 1 Organic farming: the permaculture approach AG0439 of non-renewable resources and maximum of Green Permaculture Resource Centre nutrients and potential 'wastes'. 52 Crystal Waters A function of the permaculture approach is to pull these MS 16 and other relevant elements together so that the Maleny Qld. 4552 agricultural system and the broader environment in which Tel: (074) 944676 it sits can be visualised, planned and managed in a holistic Fax: (074) 944578 manner. In its endeavour to achieve these and other aims, the Permaculture Network South permaculture design and development process would be of c/o Global Education Centre value to any farmer. 1st Floor, 155 Pirie St. Adelaide S.A. 5000 Permaculture organisations Tel: (08) 2776056 The following organisations can provide a first point of contact for permaculture and related activities and direct Tasmanian Organic-Dynamic Producers Co-op. Ltd. growers to their nearest local permaculture group and GPO Box 351 publication sources. Hobart Tas 7001 Tel/Fax: (002) 971773 Permaculture ACT c/o Mike Smith Permaculture Melbourne 10/6 Antis St. Box 2408 Phillip ACT 2606 Kew Vic 3101 Tel: (06) 2690425 (pager) Tel/Fax: (039) 98536828

Permaculture International Permaculture Association of Western Australia Box 6039 Box 430 South Lismore NSW 2480 Subiaco W.A. 6008 Tel:(066) 220020 Tel: (09) 4172274 Fax:(066) 220579 References Madge, David, (in press) Organic agriculture: getting Permaculture Lifestyle Association of the Northern started, Melbourne: Agmedia Territory Mollison, Bill and Slay, Reny (1991) Introduction to GPO Box 2997 Permaculture, Tagari Publications. ISBN 0-908228-05-8. Darwin N.T. 0801 Mollison, Bill, (1988) Permaculture : a Designers Tel: c/o (089) 466535 Manual,Tagari Publishers. ISBN 0-908228-01-5.

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© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries Page 2