Veganic Standards

Veganic Horticultural Standards
Veganic Horticultural Standards
by Davied Israel, O:N:E:
0. Introduction The human mammal, in his rise to ascendancy over nature, has oft exploited the natural world in a cruel and unnecessary way. This exploitation has now reached a harsh crescendo, and whole ecosystems are threatened with extinction. It is high time for wise and rational human beings to rethink their relationship with the natural world, and their deep dependency on it. Veganic Agriculture seeks to define this relationship, and to harmoniously poise humanity both within and above her.

1. Principles Veganic Agriculture is a philosophy of working with and for nature, not against her. Veganic Agriculture does not delegate humanity to a mere passive observer and recipient of nature’s bounty, but as an active, albeit wise, manipulator of her in her most sublime aspects. The interaction of human and plant world is completely natural. It has not always been done with wisdom, but it has always been done and is a necessary component of human survivability on this planet. The wiser this interaction, the greater the benefits for both. It is as natural, needful, and beautiful for humans to build natural shelters as it is for other nest and den creating creatures of our world. As the beaver cuts down trees and builds damns and homes that benefit many, so humans have the responsibility to use wood and stone to control life giving moisture and to erect shelters and shrines as well. As gophers and moles plough through the soil, so may man. As squirrels store nuts, so the fully naturalized human stores up the bounty of the earth for future need. As birds and animals transport seeds to distant locales, so humanity is justified in doing likewise. As bees and insects cross pollinate various plants, so humans share the right to do so in even more thoughtful ways. Humanity has the right to work with and improve nature whenever possible, but she also has the responsibility to do so with great wisdom and foresight into future consequences of all such acts both great and small. Veganic Agriculture does not include the conscious use of farm animals and their manures to create food and fiber. Veganic Agriculture eschews the refuse of the slaughterhouse for fertilizer, and avoids the chemical concoctions of modern industry. It bears a heavy responsibility to adjust, end or innovate any practice that does not contribute to greater overall health and vitality of the farm and its surrounding environments. It seeks to enhance the overall life and vibrance of the locale and is wiling to make temporary and calculated sacrifices that assure this ascendancy.

2. The Veganic Farm Veganic Agriculture seeks to define the relationship of the Veganic farm to nature, and to the non Veganic worlds beyond her borders. It recognizes the interrelationship between vineyard, orchard, field, cultivar, soil, microclimate, seasonal rhythm and a host of other subtle and not so subtle factors. It recognizes necessary imports and exports to that which lies beyond its borders, yet ever seeking greater self sufficiency whenever possible. It sees each factor not as an isolated phenomenon, but as components of a living wholistic system. The synthesis of all these factors creates a unique produce producing environment, To the raw components of this unique environment of local soils, water and weather, are added other factors such as well chosen cultivars, individualistic horticultural practices, specific planting schedules based upon the rhythms of the cosmos. The subtle ambiance of various regions and soils has long been acknowledged in various wine growing regions. Veganic Agriculture seeks to broaden this appreciation of appellations to all food and fiber crops and add to it various inputs of a more esoteric nature, such as the subtle effects of astrological planting and unique combinations of herbal teas and composts to accentuate unique flavors and appearances. As the dominion and horticultural expertise of humanity has broadened, so has her ability to go beyond basic survival and enter thoughtfully the world of higher horticulture. Thoughtful pioneers like Cato, Manihiya, Rudolf Steiner, Masuoba Fukuoka, and others have contributed to this evolutionary process, but much work, experimenting and innovation still needs to be accomplished. The higher horticulture of the future is yet dependent on the thoughtful, watchful and kind innovation of those committed to improving yet further the relationship and beauty that exists between humanity and the natural and supernatural world around us.

3. The 5 Rings The Veganic horticultural environ can be viewed as five leveled. The immediate and fully controlled ecosystem of sheltered, partially shielded and open growing environs, the partially controlled windbreak and compost producing areas of the occupied land, and the surrounding farms and distant places beyond her borders. The proper relationship between each of these five rings is important.

• SHELTERED: greenhouse, shelters and solariums
• SHEILDED: Hoophouses, grow tunnels, cold frames, etc.
• CULTIVATED: Open Field, orchard, vineyard, briar, pond, stream, etc.
• WINDBREAK: Compost, fuel and fiber producing windbreaks, partially influenced borders
• INDIRECT: Neighboring farms and wilds, nearby water bodies, mountains, distant lands.
Veganic horticultural defines what is proper within the working dynamics of the sheltered, shielded, cultivated and windbreak of the individual farm, and also seeks to regulate and apply correct Veganic ethical standards to what is imported or exported beyond this cultivated environment into the local or distant worlds beyond its borders. Thoughtful design in every level of management is necessary to retain the careful balance of nutrients and production within a primarily closed and semi self-sufficient system worked without farm animals or heavy reliance on large machinery. The efficiency of large machinery is outweighed by its inefficiency in light of the overall damage to the ecosystem created by the political, industrial, and financial complex necessary to create, fund, maintain, fuel and recycle its remains. These, and other factors, mandate a more simple approach to farming based more on thoughtful use of hand tools, natural strategies, and no-till farming practices, and less on large, noisy, soil compacting and polluting machinery of modern agribusiness.
4. Farm Size & Establishment Veganic horticulture is firmly based on the premise that small is better. Large modern farms are too complex and too dependent on large machinery and emotionally disconnected employees. Veganic farms, in opposition, need to be of manageable size so that one family, or one extended family or fraternity, can manage them in a thoughtful, caring and constructive manner. Careful consideration and contemplation on various factors and interdependencies during all seasons and phases of farm life is necessary for successful Veganic farming. This mandates direct personal and thoughtful interaction between the human living on a farm, and the farm itself. A small paid off farm is preferred to a larger one where monthly payments might tempt one toward more economic but less wholistic practices. Inasmuch as all successful farming endeavors require extensive labor inputs from time to time, it is all the more better when farming enterprises can be inaugurated or expanded to include several friends or relatives dedicated to working together for the common good of the group and the land itself. As a diverse ecosystem is always preferred to a mono crop, so an extended blood or philosophical family working unitedly the preferred paradigm to the individual, couple, or nuclear family unit.

5. Farm Revenue Whether owned free and clear or mortgages, every Veganic farm should seek to maintain a fivefold revenue producing base. Reliance on only one source of income, as so astutely articulated by the ancient Roman Cato, is not a wise approach. These five areas of overflow should include:

• Produce produced beyond the needs of resident humans: Sold or traded in the form of fresh produce, processed, preserved, or fermented drinks and foods, and fresh baked or cooked foods and prepared beverages. A certain amount of excess produce of any successful operation should also be set aside for the gratis use of the poor and hungry. Also extensively preserved goods such as fermented wines, aged vinegars or other aged products designed for long term storage.
• Production of herbal medicines, tinctures, salves and other natural remedies over and above the present needs of residents. For sale, trade and free distribution to those in dire need.
• The creation of crafts, non food items, and works of beauty, utility and art from various fibers, foods and raw materials available on the land and created above the needs of the residents. Willow baskets, fiber ropes, cotton clothing, reed footwear, natural fiber filled bedding, wood and cane furniture, natural papers, inks, and dyes, and other similar items.
• Extra air layered, grafted, and seedling trees, brambles and vines, vegetable seeds, Veganic composts, compost teas, and other items needed by other Veganic farms and gardens.
• Information, seminars, hands on training, publications, lectures and other forms of dissemination of pertinent information that serves humankind in an uplifting and progressive manner.
As the farm grows more successful, self regulating and self-sufficient, more and more of these revenue producing surpluses can be offered to the needy without charge or required recompense. An ideal of the true Veganic farmer should be to eventually offer their surplus to the world in the same spirit of generosity in which the earth offers its bounty to those who work with it.
6. Initial Improvements When working with arid, marginal, or even semi-fertile land, it is sometimes necessary to kick start the local ecosystem by the careful import of certain raw materials and additives. The use of imports should be minimized as soon as feasible. All things being equal, preference should always be given to local rather than distant imports due to the laws of efficiency of transport. But according to these same natural laws, the most useful and efficient imports for the long range success of the farm should be sought after and acquired.( Major imports are only allowed for the first three stars of Veganic Certification, and most should be accomplished before the second star/year.) These include:

• Soil mineral amendments (Gypsum, sand, clay, perlite, vermiculite, rock phosphate, azomite, etc.)
• Organic amendments (Kelp, organic hay, sustainable peat, forest compost, alfalfa meal, etc.) These, because of their possible dubious origins, should be used in a special area to grow green manures and compost additives that will be directly used on the producing areas of the farm.
• Vegan fertilizers (Molasses, etc.) These too should be used to create the raw materials the farm needs to make its own compost teas and vegan fertilizers and sprays.
• Seeds & plants (These should be acquired from organic sources when feasible, and any non vegan potting soils should be removed from potted plants before planting.) The use of genetically modified seed and propagation material is forbidden.
• Tools necessary to build the structures, work the farm and preserve its produce. Preference toward simple natural tools and containers should be given.
• Raw wood, glass, stone or other natural building materials needed to build homes, reservoirs and growing areas.
7. Annual Imports & Exports Once established, a developing farm should minimize its imports of soil amendments and other commodities as much as is feasible, seeking always after self sufficiency when achievable without the sacrifice of utility, beauty, or quality of life. Allowable annual imports for the first three levels include:
• Raw wood, glass, stone or other natural building materials needed to repair or expand the shelter or greenhouse base.
• Additional naturally occurring soil amendments needed on a temporary basis.
• Seabird and bat guano from non domesticated species, and kelp gathered from the seashore.
• Organic food, clothing and natural medicine, necessary to insure the survival and health of the farm inhabitants.
• Hand tools necessary to work the farm.
Once established, a developing farm should balance its imports and exports so that soil depletion does not occur from heavy export of produce.
8. Creatures The first priority of a vegan farm is to provide for its human inhabitants. First to those who work the farm, and second to those in need beyond its borders. The inadvertent providence to local animals, birds and other creatures should not be directly sought after but is an added blessing of a successful farm. Even though a Veganic farming operation seeks to have a harmonious relationship with the animal world, this does not entail the conscious use of domesticated farm animals or their manures to work the farm. Creating conditions that facilitate the presence of useful creatures near or on the farms edges, such as the planting of certain trees that encourage over wintering of beneficial insects, pollinating bees or rodent eating owls, is permissible. The use of animals as an intricate and necessary component of farm life, as advocated by Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic farming system, is rejected in Veganic horticulture which leans almost exclusively on the human element acting in enlightened harmony with the plant and mineral worlds to make the farm successful. Not only is the use of animals for plowing and other such activities prohibited, but so is the use of their manures and body parts for fertilizer. This frees the farm from dependence on outside sources of energy. Not only does this alleviate the moral and ethical problems associated with use of slaughterhouse residues from the meat, fish, dairy and poultry industries, but it removes the farm from direct dangers of contamination from diseases and toxins known to coexist with these industries. Use of a pet dog to scare away deer, a pet cat to hunt gophers, or a pet monkey trained to pick fruit are all less than perfect situations on a fully veganic farm. Droppings that occur naturally need not be removed from the field or garden, unless they are from a carnivorous animal or human. Carcasses of larger creatures should be removed off site when discovered, or be burned or buried in a non tillage area.

9. Pests & Rodents Veganic horticulture entails protecting the crop and ecosystem from devastation by rodents, foraging wildlife, or destructive insects. This is accomplished without resorting to the slaughter of deer and other large wildlife, and without sterilizing the land so that no insect can survive. Predatory insects are encouraged and natural controls are employed such as the use of molasses to relocate fire ants, or gopher plants to discourage gophers. When these controls fail, compassionate relocation is the second alternative. Elaborate fencing or bird netting can be resorted to when other methods fail. The following methods are acceptable:

• 12’-18” buried wire for gophers
• Deer fencing or garlic for deer
• Wood Ash
• Metal Tree girders for tree borers
• Codling moth gallon jug traps with molasses to 100 parts water
• pyrethrum plant
• Vegan Soap for aphids
• Introduction of predator nematodes, mites, praying mantis, or ladybugs.
10. Fungus, Bacteria, Scabs Veganic horticulture uses natural means to regulate problems associated with crop production. Cultivars with disease resistance are sought out such as scab resistant apples, and very limited spaying with natural substances is allowable when all other measures have failed to secure the survival of the crop. Some crop loss should be expected and accepted before resorting to sprays and other measures that alter the delicate eco-balance of the orchard or plot. Allowable sprays to prevent long term damage to the orchard are acceptable, such as: garlic sprays, hot-pepper-wax, Azomite spray, Vegan Compost Folier Spray, mineral oil, Lime Sulphur, etc.
11. Fertilizers & Ammendments Veganic horticulture uses primarily Veganic fertilizers derived from plant materials or naturally occurring minerals. Limited or temporary use of imported vegan fertilizers, seabird and bat guano, worm castings or vegan humanure is also allowable on the first three levels but ideally should be restricted to the creation of compost crops in a special isolated area of the farm. Allowable fertilizers include:


o (Worm Castings) – temporary
o (Bat Guano) - temporary
o (SeaBird Guano) – temporary
o (Humanure) – temporary, if from resident vegans
o (Human Urine) – temporary, if from resident vegans
o (Outside Organic Produce - composted) – temporary
o (Organic Hay) - temporary
• Colloidal Rock Sulphate
• Greensand
• Azomite & other rocks dusts
• Epson Salts
• Organic Boron
• Organic Zinc
• Granite Meal
• Organic Sulfur
• Lime
• Humic Acid - naturally occurring deposits, water and alkali extracts only
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Vegan Compost
• Molasses
• Kelp
• Alfalfa Meal
12. Weeds Weeds removed from a growing area should be used to create compost teas. They are as valuable as the crops themselves and should be treated accordingly. Through the study of weeds the wise veganic farmer can determine the state of the soil where they grow. Natural means, such as the introduction of barley hay to a overly green pond, or introduction of a more aggressive positive green manure, are preferred over other methods that require manual or machine removal.
13. Greenhouses & Row Covers When possible, a larger repertoire of produce should be sought after by use of greenhouses, hoophouses, and other sheltered environments. Ever more natural greenhouse structural and glazing components should be sought after. Temporary shields over outdoor crops should be used whenever possible to extend the growing season or protect the crop from insects or scalding sun. Ever more natural row covers and cold frame materials should be sought after. Vine arbors, trees, north sides of hills and structures, and other artifices should be used to create mini climates suitable for heat or sun eschewing plants like lettuces or tea. Mulchs and covers should not be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).


14. Water Natural springs should be developed if possible, and deep wells sunk when feasible so as to free up the farm from reliance on possibly tainted outside sources of water. When scarce, rainwater from greenhouses and roofs should be channeled and preserved for later use. Care should be taken to keep any bodies of open water alive and free from toxins or hostile creatures. Ducks, if allowed to roam freely, may be introduced into the ecosystem to maintain ponds and to possibly weed crops and eat insects. Ducks are not acceptable as domesticated pets or sources of feathers or down, however. Existing or created bodies of water should be used to their maximum potential, and should be sewn with wild rice, water chestnuts, or other suitable food or fiber crops. They should be kept beautiful, balanced and alive and have fish, such as koi, introduced into them to control mosquitoes and other bothersome insects. All bodies of water should be made as safe as possible for little children who could be harmed by them.

15. Orchards Orchards should be grown whenever possible and should be interplanted rather than mono-cropped. Careful selection of cultivars should be undertaken so as to insure minimal spraying. Orchard floors should not be left bare, but planted with green manures or others crops. Three or four tiered orchards are the preferred model.

16. Vineyards Grapes, Kiwis and other vines should be grown whenever possible and preference given to open head pruning techniques for grapes as a more natural appearing alternative to wire trellis systems. Vineyard floors should not be left bare, but planted with green manures or others crops.

17. Non Food Plants Plants useful for fertilizer, compost, medicine, fiber, soaps, fuel, building material or other uses should be grown whenever possible. The Veganic farm should seek after self sufficient creation of most if not all of its paper, wood, cloth, fuel and other needs. Plants like bamboo and willow have multitudes of uses, and nitrogen fixing trees like Alders can create wind and sun breaks, enrich the soil, and provide building material and firewood.

18. Soils, Tilth & Crop Rotation Plants should be rotated and intercropped when possible so as to insure proper soil tilth and viability. The veganic farmer, like the borrowing mole, should not fear to disturb the soil because of worms and other creatures that might inadvertently be disturbed or killed. The introduction of air into the soil does more to promote greater life than does the hesitancy to disturb. Potting soils should always be vegan, and any foreign potting soil imported with a purchased plant must be discarded and returned to the world from which it came. Proper soil PH may be adjusted with the introduction of gypsum, lime or other suitable amendment of natural origin. Soil texture may be adjusted with the admixture of sand or clay, preferably from a local source within a hundred mile radius. Soil tilth should be sought after by the introduction of farm produced compost, cover crops, and other sustainable organic carbon sources. Root crops like daikon should be used to loosen hard soils, rather than annual tillage. One time deep ploughing to break up underlining hardpans are permissible. Chemically treated wood and posts are prohibited on veganic farms.

19. Propagation Plants should be propagated by seed, graft, bud, and air layering to replace old stock with more viable or microclimate adapted cultivars, to expand, or to trade, sell or give away for the establishment of other farms. All fully functioning veganic farms should be engaged in developing cultivars uniquely adapted to local conditions and climate. To this end a portion of the farm should be set aside for experimental work in this vital area.

20. Seasonal Crops Crops should be cultivated so as to provide a seasonal variety to the yearly diet and desired varieties are to be planted so that diversity of harvest is realizable. Season extending technologies should be used with wisdom and foresight so that plants are not spending inordinate amounts of energy attempting to grow in hostile conditions. On established farms care should be taken not to lean too much toward perennial bearing crops to the neglect of annuals. Farms should also cultivate beauty as well as produce, planting some flowers and ornamentals as well as food producing plants - preference being given to those flowers that are edible and those ornamentals that have other uses besides beauty.

21. Stellar Planting Crops should be propagated and harvested in auspicious times as determined by experiments which take into account the cosmic and terrestrial rhythms. Root crops and nut bearing trees as the lunar orb passes through the earth signs, leafy and watery fruit bearing vegetables and stone fruits when it passes through a water sign, legumes and pomes in air signs, and grains and citrus in the fire signs. Balance between various types of food should be maintained, with due focus on the creation of carbon crops for sustainable soil fertility, and calorie infused crops for human consumption.

22. 5-fold Conversion & Certification We propose five levels of Veganic Agriculture certification, representing various levels of conversion to full ethical and self sufficient Veganic horticulture.

• 1st Star: This level is meant to represents the first year of active Veganic agriculture and it is characterized by major imports to improve soil and introduce desirable cultivars. All chemical and animal based fertilizers and pesticides are abandoned. All byproducts of the meat, fowl, fish and dairy industry are removed.
• 2nd Star: This level is meant to represents the second year of active Veganic agriculture and the 2nd years growth of any imported trees or vines under Veganic production. Imported organic vegetable seeds are still allowed in this 2nd phase but active seed saving should be in effect. (Imports of non organic trees to the farm proper sets the farm back to the first star.)
• 3rd Star: This level is meant to represents the third year of Veganic growth of trees, & a time when 90% of all seeds, compost and liquid fertilizers are self produced. Active tree propagation should have commenced and there should be no organic tree imported less than two years before, or other tree imported less than 3 years before on the main farm. Organic Molasses and Kelp are still allowed as imports. Guanos and worm castings imports are no longer allowed after this third year. This is the highest rating possible for a farm dependent on the electrically grid to pump its water.(A small section of the farm may be designated as intermediate “1st and 2nd star” areas where imported plants and seeds can be transitioned to full Veganic status without compromising the status of the farm as a whole.)
• 4th Star: On this level the farm should be 80% self-sufficient & no longer importing any significant percentages of soil amendments or plants. Tree and vine propagation should be in full swing and significant non food plant production begun. Kelp is still allowed as an import. This is the highest rating possible for a farm completely dependent on importing solar components to pump water. Lunar Planting should be fully operational.
• 5th Star: Fully functional 95% self-sufficient Veganic Farm serving as a teaching center and example of pure Veganic lifestyles. No significant imports that determine farm viability are allowed on this final level. Although some clothing and construction materials are allowed as imports, farm grown alternatives to them should be manifesting. High Technology items, such as solar, electronics, and well pumps, are allowed as imports if it is determined that life could continue on the farm without them if need be. It must be possible for life to continue on the farm without any imports at all for a farm to abide on this 5 star rating.
Certification Goals
[NOTE: A certification board has yet to be established.]
[When seeking certification: Satisfaction must be rendered that all components of the farm have been maintained in accordance with all the above standards. Certification must be reviewed and renewed annually.]