Reviews

Reviews of Deep Agroecology
“…deep agroecology is more than the promotion of another growing system. It represents a fundamental change in the perceptions of humans about the choices they make in planting, harvesting, and eating food…The result is a hard hitting, powerful survey that takes the food system ideal a step further…”  – Diane C. Donovan for Midwest Book Review, Nov. 2019

“…Because deep agroecology draws on a combination of science and ancient wisdom, it also highlights how many indigenous cultures have, for centuries, recognized the importance of strong, healthy communities, and how they’re dependent on the planet on which they live…An enlightening work of ecological thought.”  ~ Kirkus Reviews, Nov. 2019

“McFadden (The Call of the Land) asserts that the evolution of human civilization is dependent on centering agroecology, a comprehensive approach to agriculture that is “clean, sustainable, humane, egalitarian, and just…McFadden indexes and connects a large number of ideas and philosophical snippets from farmers, scientific and global impact studies, biodynamics experts, and indigenous peoples…McFadden brings research-driven passion, infectious enthusiasm, and a syncretist’s mind to this topic. He’s clearly driven by dozens of conversations and direct experience as both a narrative journalist and a spiritual seeker, and his work is grounded in deep respect for the colleagues and teachers he has encountered.” ~ Booklife Reviews, April 2020

Endorsements for Deep Agroecology: Farms, Food, and Our Future
“Thank you, Steven McFadden, for rich and moving clarity, as you weave for us the many threads of ‘deep agroecology.’ The vision you capture is not a choice, for in this dire moment for our Earth, it is life’s only possibility forward.” ~ Frances Moore Lappé, author, Diet for a Small Planet and cofounder of Food First and the Small Planet Institute

“Deep Agroecology is an engaging encyclopedia of why ecological farming is the roadmap to human and planetary health. McFadden challenges us to work within the interconnectedness of all life. Concepts as far ranging as modern physics, microbiology, spirituality, and social networks are woven together, leaving the reader with a new world view. A must-read for students of the good food movement…It did change the way I perceive the world — in a way that didn’t leave me running for the hills (as the scientist in me often does when scientific and spiritual worlds merge).” – Linley Dixon, Ph.D., Associate Director, The Real Organic Project

“Steven McFadden uses the words of farmers, scientists, philosopher, and indigenous elders to convey a deeper concept of agroecology that cannot be coopted by corporate agribusiness. Deep Agroecology roots the melding of agriculture and ecology in integral philosophy and indigenous wisdom to create a food system that is guided by purpose rather than driven by profits. Indigenous wisdom tell us the purpose of humanity is to care for each other and to care for all the other living and nonliving things of the earth. Only by caring for others can we truly care for ourselves. The future of humanity depends on our heeding the wisdom or deep agroecology.” – John Ikerd, agricultural economist and author of Crisis and Opportunity: Sustainability in American Agriculture.

“First of all, let me just say that it is such a pleasure to read your writing, and I cannot say that about many people. You actually know how to write, which in truth means to pour spirit and meaning into earthly language. Everything I read was beautiful and felt true…This book is a little gem and very much needed right now.” – Robert Karp, former Director Practical Farmers of Iowa, and the Biodynamic Association

“I found this book is a compilation of summary of many issues interrelated among different fields/disciplines. Range from food, agriculture, economic globalization, agro-industry, sustainable agriculture movement, health, spirituality and many more. As summary, it was written beautifully and concise, so we can grasp the most important message.” –  Any Sulistyowati, Director of KAIL, Indonesia

“Steven McFadden’s Deep Agroecology is a passionate sermon preaching a gospel of healthy, regenerative CSA farms and the necessity of grafting agroecology onto the rootstock of Native American knowings.”  – Elizabeth Henderson, author, Sharing the Harvest: A Citizen’s Guide to Community Supported Agriculture

“Your many ideas are like lovely jewels, strung together.” – Alice Bennet-Groh, Temple-Wilton Community Farm

“A transformation of agriculture practices is essential for a sustainable future. In this well researched book Steven McFadden provides compelling information that is required reading for those who are invested in a better future for the planet and humanity.” –  John Thompson: Eco-psychologist and founder of The Nature Code

“Steven McFadden, in his Deep Agroecology: Farms, Food and Our Future, beckons the reader to wake up to the cries of our wounded planet and our suffering farms. If we cannot heal our farms, our civilization has no future. Steven offers a way forward, by blending indigenous agrarian wisdom with contemporary tools of sustainability. Deep Ecology implores us to put into action our love for the planet.” – John Peterson, The Real Dirt on Farmer John

Links to formal Reviews – The Call of the Land

Responses to The Call of the Land

“This book is just terrific…McFadden is dealing with sacred science, the sort of wisdom we require for our survival.”  —LARRY DOSSEY, M.D.,author of Healing Words and The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things

“The Call of the Land provides an incredibly thorough guide for all who are interested in discovering or further understanding the changes taking shape across the country. In this surprisingly compact book, the author manages to assemble a meticulous overview of the people, places, and concepts in what he coins the ‘Agrarian Renewal.’ You will be amazed by the diversity and vision embodied in the movement so thoroughly and vividly described by Steven McFadden.” —ANA SOFIA JOANES, director of the film FRESH

“The Call of the Land is an important and timely primer on a resurgent agrarianism taking place around the nation. As the challenges of the 21st Century begin to bear down, we can take solace, and find pragmatic solutions, in the back-to-the-land work of progressive farmers, ranchers, conservationists, and many others. Hope dwells in the grassroots. This book is a great guide on where to look.”  — COURTNEY WHITE, Executive Director, the Quivira Coalition, author of Revolution on the Range: The Rise of a New Ranch in the American West

“The great value that The Call of the Land offers is the encouragement that comes from seeing what so many others are doing to revitalize America’s agrarian roots and branches…Steven McFadden has pointed the reader to hundreds of grassroots efforts to join, emulate or use as inspiration to plant our own gardens in whatever form makes the best sense for each of us. A hopeful work!”  – DEBORAH MADISON, author of Local Flavors, Cooking and Eating from America’s Farmers Markets, and Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone.

“In the face of widespread turmoil and resignation, The Call of the Land shows us that our hands, minds, and hearts, when used as one, are already healing ourselves and the planet earth. Author Steven McFadden reminds us that the seeds to a new future are being planted right now, that farms are meccas of cultural and ecological renewal, and that healthy agri-CULTURE is the sattvic incarnation of the Green Revolution. – FARMER JOHN PETERSON, Angelic Organics

“In this updated edition, Steven McFadden continues his significant work of identifying various agrarian projects where the vital link to nature is being restored. The Call of the Land serves as a valuable resource at a crucial, make-or-break juncture because there is just no ignoring Earth’s distress signals. “ – JULES DERVAES, Founder of the Urban Homesteading® Movement, Director of the film Homegrown Revolution

“We humans have lately entered into a collective techno-trance in which our primordial ties with land have been all but forgotten. Urban consumer lifestyles lead children to believe that food comes ultimately from the supermarket; that nature is merely something to be seen on dedicated cable channels. In reality, we are as dependent as ever on soil, water, weather, and biodiversity, even as we overuse, upset, and destroy these foundational elements of life. Steven McFadden helps us remember the essential, and points to the only sane path ahead–a profound emotional reconnection with the physical ground of being.” – RICHARD HEINBERG, Senior Fellow-in-Residence of the Post Carbon Institute, author of the Last Energy Crisis.

“It’s inspiring to read about all of the wonderful efforts Steven McFadden details in this book. With the dedication of Steven and all of us, we will achieve a future of healthful food, diverse farms and vibrant communities.” – TERESA OPHEIM, Executive Director, Practical Farmers of Iowa

“The Call of the Land will inspire you with page after page of innovative projects across the country that are having a positive impact on how we eat. Explore this comprehensive list of positive ideas and then implement them in your own community.” – INGRID KIRST, Community CROPS Executive Director, Lincoln, Nebraska

“McFadden’s call to action is clearly written and well referenced with a robust list of current websites and a bibliography for general reading on positive methods for resolving our food security challenge. Anyone interested in a good contemporary overview of challenges and solutions will find the book valuable.” —CHARLES FRANCIS, Director, Center for Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

“The author has been a keen observer-participant of the agricultural scene for more than 30 years and has witnessed firsthand this revolution: those who grow and consume food are speedily awakening to the perils of industrialization of food production and finding new ways … to make ‘food with the farmer’s face on it’ the norm. With his research and interviews McFadden presents hundreds of new ideas and resources … all sound and all hopeful.” —WOODY WODRASKA, author of Deep Gardening

“McFadden has assembled a collection of information that promotes the growth of locally grown, sustainable food. The Call of the Land offers… a pathway toward a 21st-century paradigm shift that many feel will be necessary for sustainable, reliable, environmentally friendly food production in the future.” — CAROL EVANS LYNCH, Master Gardener, Nature’s Companion

“…Readers new to this movement sometimes struggle to identify a primer that is accessible and grounded in real-world examples. The Call of the Land lends itself as a tool for such readers, as it not only illustrates a foundational agrarian ethos historically argued by Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson, but it also outlines a variety of practical models and approaches to inform the practice of local food system development. — KIM L. NIEWOLNY and NANCY K. FRANZ, Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development

COMMENTS ON PRESENTATIONS:
“The Call of the Land event (presented by Steven McFadden) was a great benefit to helping us achieve our mission at the Conservation District.  The effort put into the event from the organizers was demonstrated through the diverse audience that was in attendance.  The event created a forum for us to meet new individuals who want to work on improving the local food system and re-engage with stakeholders who we have worked with in the past…The event gave us the opportunity to share our strategic goals and objectives and get greater community input and feedback. ”

• Amanda Costello, District Manager, Cheshire County Conservation District,Walpole NH

“The Call of the Land event (presented by Steven McFadden) at Stonewall Farm was a great opportunity to forward our goals of producing a local, sustainable food system in our region.  During the course of the day participants, including myself, were provided a better understanding of the existing initiatives in our region and the diverse set of stakeholders that lay behind them…We were also able to identify strengths and weaknesses with our existing food system, and time to discuss new innovative ideas that would allow us to take additional steps forward. It was a meaningful day…”

– Michael Faber, General Manager of Monadnock Food Co-op, Keene, NH

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