Occupy A Genetix Test Site May 23/24
Spring is coming so let's have some fun!!
At the current time agriculture is taking a big leap forward into the world of genetic engineering. It's where the money, power and Nobel prizes are. For a number of reasons many people are unhappy about the risks involved with changing both our diet and our countryside in a way unseen since the green revolution. Science seems to be yet again creating a tunnel vision for agricultural research, leaving no money for work on organic and alternative farming techniques.
Under the spurious argument of sustainable agriculture we have seen the development of herbicide tolerant crops (obviously these varieties will bring back our topsoil, hedgerows, jobs..??). It would seem that the idea of sustainable agriculture has been twisted by the Multinational Corporations. At a time when the British government is discussing how they can back organic farming and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is under review, we need to question the often made presumption that genetic engineering is a necessary part of progress and is therefore inevitable.
An idea has formed to create, for one month, a site which demonstrates our disdain at the current direction of agriculture and puts forward sensible alternatives. In order to do this lots of people, tat, workshops, singing and tidiness are needed. The tidiness issue has been discussed and it was felt that the site must put forward a positive image which will not alienate people but make them say "oh, isn't that a good idea". The location of this site is at present confidential but the ideas around what will happen there are open for discussion.
What Could The Site Be Like?
The current idea is to create a site which is clean, tidy and has areas that show the many examples of sustainable agriculture and living. Some examples are areas of intercropping vegetables with herbs; areas showing methods of maintaining ground cover for the entire year; how to make compost; how to use wind and solar power and there may be a full permaculture design course running. These are some ideas, all will be shown clearly with info boards to explain them. Some will need people to run workshops, others may jsut need to be set up.
Some ground rules have been laid down to give a good feel to the site. It will not be a holiday camp, though it is hoped that people will enjoy it. So far the idea of no drinking before dark has been discussed and limiting the number of vehicles on site. Only vehicles which have a definite role on site that cannot be filled any other way are wanted. This may include a catering van for example. All vehicles should be by prior arrangement NOW. If you have a vehicle which you think may be useful get in touch right away. There will be communal sleeping space and an area for people to put up their own tents, benders, etc. The site should be big enough for about 100 - 200 people.
To create this haven of sensibility help is needed. Below is a wish list. If you can help with any of the items on it get in touch. They can be picked up - once a van is acquired!
It is essential for now for people to grow seedlings and young plants to create instant gardens. Herbs and vegetables are a priority but flowers (especially those with medicinal properties) will give the site a good feel.
Jobs/Roles
If you want to help in these areas get in touch:
* catering
* helping design the site and thinking about how a permaculture course could be run there
* legal eviction challenging
* skills to design/build a section of the site
* looking after kids
* looking after adults
* producing professional display boards
* growing seedlings *
The Wish List
All these things are needed and can be picked up
* money, money, money!
* van - either to buy or lend for a few months
* tarps
* benders, yurts, etc
* poles (willow and scaff)
* kitchen tat
* oil drums
* gas bottles
* wood burners
* flue pipe
* drain pipes
* cement, sand and aggregate
* fairy lights
* lanterns
* solar and wind generators
* garden stuff - wheelbarrows, spades, hoes, rakes, trowels, mulch - old carpet, rotted leaves
* DIY stuff - saws, hammers, drills, nails, screws, paint and paint brushes
* straw bales
* tyres
* stuff to make a bender look/feel nice - carpets, blankets, cushions
* water butts
* brew kegs
* crumpets
* video camera
* blue water pipe
* tressel tables
* compost loos
* wood off cuts
* planks of wood
* and generally things to make the site work well and feel comfortable.
If you can contribute please contact: Box EF! The Greenhouse, 42-46 Bethel Street, Norwich NR2 1NR 01603 768235