Masters of Health Magazine September 2023 | Page 70

back into the soil around the plants.  Plus, I use worm castings instead of fertilizer. 

In a rainforest or jungle, dead leaves and branches fall to nourish the soil as part of nature’s recycling system for new life to thrive.

Soil is a living organism with a microbiome.  It must have sufficient daily sunshine, carbon dioxide, water, and bioavailable nutrients (e.g., minerals) in balance to be healthy.  It must also be free of harmful chemicals and toxins, just like the body’s microbiome. 

This course also taught:

• the role of photosynthesis in farming systems;

•successful tactics for ground cover and weed management;

• soil health and nutrition principles;

•         ways to build functional biodiversity;

•         implementation and execution tactics.

Whether you are a home gardener feeding your family or a farmer growing crops, this online course provides vital knowledge and business opportunities.  Being online makes it easy to do and affordable.  For anyone interested, the next SSU/RI-RA 5-week Online Certificate Course starts on January 30, 2024. 

Another way to learn about regenerative agriculture is to read Growing Life by Professor Dr. André Leu, D.Sc., BA Com., Grad Dip Ed. and go to the Regenerative International website.  Dr. Leu is the International Director of Regeneration International and featured in the August 2022 issue of Masters of Health Magazine.  He defines regenerative as the opposite of degenerative.

“Regenerative agriculture and animal husbandry is the next and higher stage of organic food and farming, not only free from toxic pesticides, GMOs, chemical fertilizers, and factory farm production, and therefore good for human health; but also regenerative in terms of the health of the soil.”  Ronnie Cummins, Organic Consumers Association (OCA)

The book Forward by Dr. Vandana Shiva, PhD, is also a must-read, as are all her books.  Dr. Shiva was the Masters of Health Person of the Year in 2020 for many reasons.

The Attack on Food Symposium + Solutions to Fight Back.  Dr. André Leu on CHD

In the course, Dr. Leu pointed out that many governments and economists have their priorities backward when they push for corporate or factory farm food exports above the health of their citizens.  He believes governments should first focus on creating regenerative, organic agriculture to produce healthy food, which promotes healthy, productive citizens.  This would immensely lower the cost of sickness care, reduce crime, boost production and the economy, and create a demand for healthy, organic food exports.  This simple common sense is so lacking in most current leaders, many of whom are ‘industry implants.’

Benefits of Organic Regenerative Agriculture

Food grown in organic regenerated soil

•     improves the environment and nature’s ecosystems;

•         improves gut microbiome and strengthens the immune system;

•         helps to prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative diseases;

•         detoxifies and nourishes the body;

•         balances hormones and helps to maintain and elevate our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being;

•         ensures the health and survival of future generations and keeps us in harmony with nature. 

 When you buy fresh produce, each color represents different minerals, so go for variety and darker colors, richer in nutrients.  Check if it was grown at a farm that practices regenerative organic farming.  When you start looking, you will be surprised how many organic regenerative farm products are available.

Inspiring Examples of Successful Regenerative Agriculture Farms

 https://www.remineralize.org/2019/01/a-visit-to-andre-leus-regenerative-organic-fruit-farm-in-queensland/

Dr. André Leu, D.Sc., BA Com., Grad Dip Ed., D.Sc., BA Com., Grad Dip Ed. is the International Director of Regeneration International, an organization that promotes food, farming, and land use systems that regenerate and nourish the health of the planet, people, communities, culture, local economies, democracy, and peace.

From 2011-2017, Dr. André Leu was the President of IFOAM, the world change agent and umbrella body for the organic sector.  He lectures and teaches at universities, institutions, and workshops around the world. He meets with governments, industry, farmers, consumers, and NGOs on the multi-functional benefits of regenerative organic agriculture. 

Dr. Leu is the Author of Growing Life, Poisoning our Children, and The Myths of Safe Pesticides.  André and his wife, Julia, have an organic tropical fruit farm in Daintree, Australia, where Julia is also the local Mayor.

Video: “André Leu – Scaling up Regenerative Organic Agriculture can reverse environmental degradation – LSSM”

Meet Your Farmer - Mark  & Lucy Doudlah & family