I would say instead that the human race is immature. In the wild, and animal takes while it can because there is no guarantee of another meal. We have had the same behavior. But, with our abilities, we are too good at this, so much so that we can cause ourselves and the ecosystem harm. So, we have to learn how to look at the long term impact, instead of focusing on how to get while we can. A good example of this is the high percentage of overeating among people who have more than enough food. Though we know it is bad for us, we don't seem to be able to control ourselves as a species. It is just how we are wired - if food is available, eat it. It is possible we might actually see an evolutionary shift in mankind in the future - at least I hope so. Those with the wisdom to look at the long term consequences will thrive - and those who live hand to mouth will not. Only time will tell.
The thread is very interesting! There are many political statements. That you save the earth need less money etc. Tam had a very practical statement: hard labour and tiring. this brings the things a bit down to earth. Normal people, maybe with family can't buy whatever acreage out of the pocket - hence they will pay mortgage, if you start farming you need material tools ..., you have to pay school uniforms, council rates, maybe even a permaculture design course.....you need a bit of money. You can achieve this either working elsewhere (and harming the environment by long car travels) or trying really to live from the land. I think that is what IntensiveGardener Tam and others do. Maybe their farms are not 100% permaculture. I would like to know a bit more about these practabilities, did you star your farm with permaculture principles in mind? What crops do you plant on how many acres? Do you still use permaculture or what parts did you abandon? The political statements about our society are OK, you may live in that manner if you are young, fit and have no kids. I think it is definitively not a question of getting rich, but about getting you bills payed (the internet access you're writing your posts), a telephone, some sort of transportation...and I don't feel capitalistic thinking of these expenses.
Zydeco, It is probably not what you asked but where you asked it. To ask that question on a computer based forum already means that the respondents are involved in the money cycle. There are any number of permie farmers who are doing just fine. Graziers, dairy farmers, grain farmers. Tagari always was intended to be a 'display' property to show off the various elements of permaculture and whilst I didnt ever visit I do believe that it did that very well. Permaculture doesnt embrace the concept of economic denialism ie ''head for the hills and live in caves''. So there are none and never will be, not if they are permaculturists.
Re: Is permaculture ECONOMICALLY sustainable? If you want to keep abreast of the new superfoods and plant products hitting the market, keep an eye on https://www.rawfood.com/ David scourers the world looking for the hottest new thing. Also if you wanted an export product, you might consider a Kiwi Bush Moodlift (Antidepressant) tea comprising of 'Kawakawa - Pepper Tree and gorse flowers etc... The gorse has an immediate mood lift effect. Since the idea of NZ tends to make people happy anyway...packaged with Kiwi flare, this would be a great success...esp. marketed through Wholefoods and Trader Joes companies.
