The stroll at the Chinese bookshop this afternoon was rather nostalgic for me, as I came across three related new titles all dealing with Leisure / Hobby / Weekend farming :
I first came across “Half-Farmer, Half-X” (synch with HelpX) back in 2009. Mr. Naoki Shiomi, is the originator of the "Half-Farmer, Half-X" (半農半X) Concept and authored the book carrying the same title, and founded the "Half-Farmer, Half-X Research Center” at Ayabe, Kyoto, Japan. Half-Farming, Half-X Research Center Official Website http://www.towanoe.jp/xseed/
The said new titles brought back fond memories as I was operating my own UFA (Urban Fringe Agriculture) back then, in the form of Agro-Forestry (combing fruit orchard with teak wood planting), very much in the spirit of Permaculture (permanent agriculture: see below).
The phrase, "Half-Farmer, Half-X" is drawing much attention as the new key phrase for a lifestyle, a way of life, for the 21st century. "Half-Farmer" refers to "a lifestyle with a touch of farming," and the X in "Half-X" refers to an individual's profession / passion / purpose or social mission or natural calling. The synergy is inspiring / enlightening to the individual’s pursuit of wealth / health / happiness, while making real contributions to the world.
Due to its transformational nature of the alliance, I would prefer to call those joining in the movement as TransFarmers ….. transforming themselves, the earth and the world.
This concept can form an excellent alliance with Permaculture (the most famous Australian cultural export, courtesy of Bill Mollison etc.). By the way, someone once said, to the effect, that if you do not know anything about Permaculture, it is high time you get interested, in the coming convergence of three crises: Food / Fuel / Finance!
Combining Permaculture and TransFarming is exactly what I plan to do as part of the Property Chain project (using blockchain technology), adding agricultural properties into the mix of residential and commercial properties. I am extending invitation to selected and enlightened individuals to join me in this endeavor in the New Year (2018).
Here is the Slideshare presentation on "Half-Farmer Half-X": https://www.slideshare.net/erico47/peraculture-transfarmers-presentation
I could be reached by mobile / Whatsapp: +60122134968 (Eric).