Beginning Monday November 23rd... with E.F. Schumacher's Small is Beautiful
Mondays at 7 PM (with an option to join us at 6PM for a simple Soup, Salad, and Bread Potluck Supper)
" And what is my case? Simply that our most important task is to get off our present collision course. And who is there to tackle such a task? I think every one of us, whether old or young, powerful or powerless, rich or poor, influential or uninfluential. To talk about the future is useful only if it leads to action now."
-E.F. Schumacher, Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered
I started rereading this book a few weeks back when the rains came and slowed down our Thursday markets in New Bedford. With the continued uncertainty about the future of our economy I thought it might be nice to reflect back on a rather seminal work that has provided insight and inspiration to many folk. The book must have been mentioned on at least 3 different occasions during this past weekend's Bioneers by the Bay and it made me think - perhaps we have time to get into delve into some thought regarding economics here in the late fall, many of you are likely aware its something that I spend a fair bit of time contemplating... We were originally planning to wait to begin our study groups until January, but instead will start on Monday Nov 23rd. with Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered.
The second selection, which will start in mid-January will take us to a more traditional selection focusing on sustainable agriculture - as we'll read Francis Chaboussou's Healthy Crops: A New Agricultural Revolution. Originally published in the mid-80's in France this book focuses on Chaboussou's research into his theory of trophobiosis: which "...is a commonsense and essentially simple biochemical argument: that most pest and disease organisms depend for their growth on free amino acids and reducing sugars in solution in the plant's cell sap." Given the severe impact late blight had on our tomato crop in the northeast I reckoned it would be worthwhile to spend a bit of time considering plant health and disease resistance in greater detail this winter.
If you are interested in joining us for one or both of the study groups, please let me know and I'll add your name to the list. Schumacher's book is widely available new and used through local booksellers. Chabbousou's book is available through Acres USA or Lancaster Ag if your local book seller has trouble tracking it down. If the cost of either book is a barrier please know that scholarships are available.
Winter Study 2009/2010 Mondays at 7 PM (with an option to join us at 6PM for a simple Soup, Salad, and Bread Potluck Supper)
Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered - Monday November 23rd through approx. January 4th/11th
Healthy Crops: A New Agricultural Revolution - Jan 25th through approx. Feb 22nd/March 1st
We'll plan on gathering for 6 evenings for each book, leaving a little room in the schedule for any weather related cancellations.
To register for the either Winter Study (registration is free) please contact Derek Christianson at 508-992-1868 or via email.
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