With the interest in small scale, local food farm production continuing to expand, Compact Farms speaks to the many new farmers who want to make a living on a small plot of land, with 15 detailed plans adapted from actual, successful farms - ranging from .25 to 5 acres in both rural and urban locations.
Josh Volk is the best-selling author of Compact Farms and the proprietor of Slow Hand Farm in Portland, Oregon. He has been working on and managing small farms around the country for the last 20 years, studying the systems that make them efficient. He travels in the United States and abroad, consulting with farmers and researchers, teaching farm apprentices and new farmers, presenting workshops at agricultural conferences, and writing articles for publications, including Growing for Market magazine.
"Volk pushes back against the "get big or get out" narrative,
making a strong case for how smaller farms can, and do, contribute
to our nation and planet's health and livelihood." -- The
Huffington Post
"A very nuts-and-bolts look at successful small farms, which every
farmer regardless of skill level and experience will enjoy." --
Hobby Farms "With both the business analysis and schematics of
these small agricultural operations, this book is truly
"human-scaled." Josh Volk reveals that there is an alternative to
the hype of get big or get out. This is a must read for anyone
serious about making it work on a small plot of land." -- Richard
McCarthy, Slow Food USA executive director "Here is a clear path
for getting started in the most noble of all careers: growing food
for your community. This is essential inspiration for anyone
thinking of getting into farming or wanting to scale back a larger
farm. Small really is beautiful!" -- Lynn Byczynski, publisher,
Growing for Market "A trove of inspiration and practical advice for
the next wave of young farmers. Even experienced farmers will glean
new wisdom from the thoughtful tools and careful techniques in this
book." -- Lindsey Lusher Shute, National Young Farmers Coalition
executive director and co-founder "A huge proponent of small-scale
agriculture, Oregon farmer Josh Volk outlines 15 case studies --
real-life operations on five acres or less -- that prove it's
possible to make a living off very little land." -- Modern Farmer
"If you're an aspiring small farmer -- or you just want to feel
optimistic about the future of farming -- Compact Farms is one of
those things to celebrate." -- SlowFoodUSA.org
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