The One-Straw Revolution

An Introduction to Natural Farming

Edited by Masanobu Fukuoka foreword by Frances Moore Lappé Buy Now

With an introduction by Frances, The One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka presents a radical challenge to the global systems we rely on for our food. At the same time, it is a spiritual memoir of a man whose innovative system of cultivating the earth reflects a deep faith in the wholeness and balance of the natural world. As Wendell Berry writes in his preface, the book "is valuable to us because it is at once practical and philosophical. It is an inspiring, necessary book about agriculture because it is not just about agriculture." Trained as a scientist, Fukuoka rejected both modern agribusiness and centuries of agricultural practice, deciding instead that the best forms of cultivation mirror nature's own laws. Over the next three decades he perfected his so-called "do-nothing" technique: commonsense, sustainable practices that all but eliminate the use of pesticides, fertilizer, tillage, and perhaps most significantly, wasteful effort. Whether you're a guerrilla gardener or a kitchen gardener, dedicated to slow food or simply looking to live a healthier life, you will find something here. You may even be moved to start a revolution of your own.

ISBN 9781590173138

Responses to The One-Straw Revolution

The One-Straw Revolution is one of the founding documents of the alternative food movement, and indispensable to anyone hoping to understand the future of food and agriculture."

—Michael Pollan
Author, Food Rules

With no ploughing, weeding, fertilizers, external compost, pruning or chemicals, his minimalist approach reduces labour time to a fifth of more conventional practices. Yet his success in yields is comparable to more resource-intensive methods…The method is now being widely adopted to vegetate arid areas. His books, such as The One-Straw Revolution, have been inspirational to cultivators the world over.”

—New Internationalist

Table of Contents

Introduction by Frances Moore Lappé
Preface by Partap Aggarwal
Editor's Introduction
Notes on Translation

PART I
Look at This Grain

PART II
Four Principles of Natural Farming

PART III
One Farmer Speaks Out

PART IV
Confusion About Food

PART V
Foolishness Comes Out Looking Smart

To My Readers