Join us for an enlightening discussion with Chris as we uncover the hidden complexities and unexpected realities of starting a farm business. Chris shares his unique journey, which began under the grim assumption of a limited lifespan due to health issues. This led him to neglect a detailed business plan initially, resulting in a steep learning curve. He emphasizes the crucial role of solid business foundations such as capital, labor, and clear goals, highlighting that the hands-on, visible aspects of farming are just a small fraction of what makes a farm successful. Chris candidly contrasts romanticized visions of farming with the logistical and strategic challenges faced in reality.

We then shift focus to the broader challenges of being an entrepreneur, especially for those transitioning from technical roles to management positions. Chris discusses the pitfalls of such transitions, drawing parallels between middle managers and entrepreneurs overwhelmed by their new roles. Our conversation explores Blackbird and Sylvan Aquin's innovative approach to creating a sustainable business model that pays living wages by integrating agribusiness and agriculture. This approach helps offset the low margins in farming by leveraging higher-margin agribusiness activities, aiming to create a system where individuals don't have to be entrepreneurs to succeed.

In the latter part of our episode, we tackle the larger socio-political implications of ethical business growth and the role of social entrepreneurship in challenging capitalism. Chris provides insights into the need for practical business acumen and realistic goals to achieve political and ethical objectives. We also discuss the importance of creating businesses that ethically redistribute wealth, building economic centers that can drive political change. Listen in as we explore the necessity of understanding business fundamentals, maintaining community accountability, and creating a culture of fairness to achieve meaningful progress and sustainable change.

Purchase meat and eggs from the Blackbird Coop here: https://blackbirdcoop.com/

Check out Chris's book First Generation farming here: https://stan.store/sylvanaquafarms/p/first-generation-farming

For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com

For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Key Words:

Farm Business, Ethics, Profitability, Entrepreneurship, Blackbird, Sylvanaqua, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Capital, Labor, Business Plan, Logistical Challenges, Strategic Realities, Romanticized Visions, Solid Business Foundations, Middle Managers, Technical Roles, Management, Sustainable Model, Living Wages, Capitalist Structures, Socio-Political Implications, Social Entrepreneurship, Political Change, Historical Successes, Modern Challenges, Community Accountability, Culture of Fairness, Left-Wing Politics, Ethical Business Choices, Economic Change, Equitable Societal Outcomes

Join us as we welcome Dr. Maria Rusca, a senior lecturer in global development at the University of Manchester, who brings her extensive research on urban inequalities and environmental governance to our discussion. Maria will illuminate the pressing issues of gendered access to water and sanitation services in sub-Saharan African cities, with a poignant case study of Cape Town's severe drought from 2015 to 2018. Understand how socioeconomic disparities shape the vulnerabilities and resilience of different communities during extreme climate events, and why equitable urban planning is essential for future sustainability.

Our conversation then shifts to the intricate challenges of water management, both in Cape Town and globally, including the United States. We uncover how merely increasing water supply is insufficient without addressing the underlying socioeconomic inequalities that impact water consumption and access. Maria's insights urge us to reconsider societal priorities and the role of sustainable consumption and climate justice in effective climate adaptation strategies. This episode critiques the limitations of technocratic fixes and advocates for more holistic, structural changes.

Finally, we spotlight the remarkable advocacy efforts of Shack Dwellers International (SDI) in improving water and sanitation services in informal settlements. Discover how SDI’s innovative use of saving groups and data collection campaigns bring affordable, high-quality services to low-income residents, who often pay more for inferior water services. The episode also extends the discussion to developed nations, examining the broader implications of climate change and the need for resilience and equity in our responses. Maria shares inspiring examples of human adaptability, encouraging listeners to remain hopeful and proactive in confronting the challenges ahead.

For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com

For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Key words:

Urban Inequalities, Environmental Governance, Gendered Access, Water and Sanitation Services, Sub-Saharan African Cities, Cape Town, Drought, Socioeconomic Disparities, Climate Events, Urban Planning, Water Management, United States, Sustainable Consumption, Climate Justice, Technocratic Fixes, Structural Changes, Shack Dwellers International, Informal Settlements, Saving Groups, Data Collection, Climate Change, Resilience, Equitable Advocacy, Oppressive Measures, Hurricane Harvey, Marginalized Communities, Water Shortages, Inaccessibility, Human Resilience, Adaptability, Hope, Atlantic Current

Get ready for an enlightening discussion with Lyndsie Bourgon as we unpack the complex world of illegal timber harvesting on the West Coast. Bourgon, whose fascination with the topic began with a 2012 news story about stolen old-growth cedar in British Columbia, provides a fresh perspective on tree poaching. We go beyond the black-and-white narrative of "bad people doing bad things" to reveal the deep economic, cultural, and historical roots that drive individuals to engage in this illicit activity.

In the final segment, we delve into the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in tree poaching, the environmental damage caused by rushed harvesting, and the specialized skills that poachers take pride in. Borgon also shares her insights into current research on community forest management, highlighting inspiring stories from Scotland's Land Reform Act. This episode challenges conventional thinking and seeks comprehensive, empathetic solutions to the multifaceted issues of illegal timber harvesting. Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation that offers a deeper understanding of the socio-economic complexities at play.

Check Out Lyndsie's work at: https://www.lyndsiebourgon.com/ and on social media at @LyndsieBourgon

For sources and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com

For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Key Words: Illegal Timber Harvesting, West Coast, Economic Development, Rural Communities, Environmental Ethics, Community Land Management, Timber Wars, Redwoods National Park, Logging, Conservation, Socio-Historical Context, Empathy, Sustainable Practices, Drug Use, Methamphetamine, Scotland, Land Reform Act, Law Enforcement, Research Process