Whilst large-scale monocultures have presented economic solutions to food production, it is clear that not all costs have been factored into production, and new environmental and social challenges have been created. New agricultural systems must meet environmental and ecological objectives as well as economic ones, and work within social and cultural frameworks. An analysis of existing alternative systems aims to suggest future opportunities in our food production.

Commercial farming enterprises open to transforming their practices in accordance with permaculture principles may sensibly invest in such practices only if a benefit can be shown through documented and compelling evidence. Field data drawn from a first assessment using the FAO SAFA Tool (SAFA: Sustainability Assessment for Food and Agriculture Systems) on a farm in Southern Spain are presented as a case study.

My presentation will be based on outlining the concept of “arable permaculture” and will also include a brief introduction to my field work at New Gokul Farm.