Shumei — Natural Agriculture

Natural Agriculture stems from the teachings of Mokichi Okada, a Japanese philosopher and farming pioneer who lived in the early years of the 20th century. Responding to the sense of alienation in the modern world, Okada encouraged a reconnection with nature, and a focus on the aspects of life that foster goodwill between people: compassion, respect and love. A cornerstone of his philosophy was the need for humanity to restore its relationship with nature. By recognizing our interdependence with other living beings, he believed, we would rediscover cooperation and gratitude, the foundations of a peaceful society.

That act of reconnecting with nature through food is what Okada called Natural Agriculture. In the 21st century, it is practiced throughout the world, by people from many traditions and different faiths – from Japan and the Philippines, to the United States, the European Union, Brazil, Turkey and Zambia. It encompasses vegetable farms and consumer run Community Support Agriculture programs. It is helping to revive rural communities and teaching sustainability.