This is not a typical Christmas tale. It's a turkey of a tale about raising turkeys and how the tail end affected the ACÁ Eco Training Center.
Many years ago Papa, the patriarch of our rafter of turkeys, arrived in the trunk of a car as a generous and unexpected donation from "Paul, the turkey man." It was an eye opener for us and the local youngsters we worked with at the time to observe Papa navigating his new habitat: he was content to strut through our small garden, gobbling down insects without noticing the lettuce we were growing. Recognizing Papa's inherent skill, we found him a wife and a few other companions to keep the insects under control.
Yet for Marie Pruden, the co-founder of ACÁ, the turning point with the turkeys came when a group of over sixty farmers came from all over Mexico to visit the garden. Though they thought the model of composting, poultry production and diversifying crops were interesting ideas, they couldn't quite see it applied to them as growers. Marie's experience with these growers turned out to be quite important in guiding the direction of ACÁ ‘s development: it was a sign to make steps to share agro-ecology with a wider audience, to teach the principles of natural resource management, water conservation, soil enrichment and integrated pest control-by showing the principles in action. Thus, the Eco Training Center was conceived, a suitable rental property was located, and we opened the doors for more students and farmers from all over Mexico, a place to come and learn and witness sustainable agriculture in action.
Clearing the land was a daunting job; it took a long, hard six weeks just so we could start growing. The first day was like a scene right out of one of those cheesy midnight horror movies. The weeds were taller than we were, and each swipe of the machete sent literally hundreds of big-as-your-thumb grasshoppers flying up at us from the weeds. It was such a harrowing experience, we knew we had to call in reinforcements. So, drawing on Marie's flair for resourcefullness, out came the "Turkey Train"; Papa and his whole family came to our rescue. With all those turkeys gobbling up bugs, in short order the grasshopper invasion was handled. The turkeys have since grown to be a valuable part of the insect-control team as they were in our first ACÁ garden in Jocotepec. The poultry project, although unfunded, has grown to include developing safe-feed options for the chickens and ducks, all of whom are a part of diversified organic-food production system at the Eco Training Center.
ACA's Eco Training Center is all about developing integrated models of growing and producing food, and poultry production is a big part of this. Other than pest control, poultry are clearly useful for their eggs and meat, as well as an added bonus of nitrogen-rich natural fertilizer for the organic vegetables. Raising organic turkeys, chickens and ducks is one small part of the Eco Training Center, but it's a big part of teaching "Integrated Pest, Poultry and Plant Management System" (IPPPM). IPPPM is a fascinating science now being widely used in United Nations agriculture programs, and it serves a greater purpose than the high-quality turkey it produces. The turkeys, however, are a pretty tasty perk of IPPPM. Because they get more exercise and have a more varied diet than industrial turkeys and because they are allowed more months of life to develop a layer of fat that commercial turkeys can't, these turkeys taste better and are less dry.
So the tail end of this paltry tale is our poultry project has the potential to be another great agro-ecology demonstration model, to educate and to get funds from farm operations to use for ACÁ programs
No wonder everyone keeps asking if she can get an organic bird for holiday feasts! Once ACÁ has a deep freezer (one of the items on our "wish list"), we do plan to offer organic poultry, including turkey. In the meantime, ACA can benefit local Mexican communities by offering turkeys as charitable gifts to Mexican families.
It's a gift that keeps on giving: until Three Kings Day ACÁ will deliver a young turkey couple with "family plans" to each Mexican family you name, or let us pick a family for you! It's so easy; your gift can provide food and potential income for a Mexican family for years to come. Just provide us with the name and address of a Mexican family or let us pick one. We'll deliver the turkeys, a starter food supply, instructions and a gift card from you. You'll receive a receipt with the name of the Mexican family, and a photo of them receiving it. Proceeds help fund ACA's mission of creating sustainable agriculture for poor Mexican families.
In addition to organic poultry, people know ACA for the range of fresh, organically-grown vegetables and fruits produced at the Center, specialties you can't find elsewhere in the Lakeside area. As a result of these inquiries, we identify with the emerging demand and need for organic and ecologically sound agriculture training. ACA is working more than ever in the community to connect organic farmers with markets for their crops. Marie says, "I make sure there's a demand. Then I go to the participating farmers and say ‘here's a market for you.'"
This opens opportunities for communities and area farmers to grow new diversified crops, which also satisfy the appetites of the under-supplied market of locally grown organics for new expatriates settling here. Not only are eco-safe techniques being used and circulated, but also the local economy is benefiting. Helping introduce new crops is an integral part of our mission, because new crops give farmers an edge in the market, and crop diversity is a healthy agricultural practice. "There's not a lot of competition in growing specialty crops, and people are willing to pay good prices for the produce," says Marie. "Locally, there aren't a lot of these crops being grown, so there's a wide-open market right now."
Reducing the risk farmers face when growing new crops is key. "We design with limited resources, just as small-to-medium-size farmers would. We figure things out, give the information to the farmers, and then we let them take the lead," says Marie. "Growers are not risk averse; growing crazy new crops they don't even know how to pronounce (like Okra) and I cannot say in Spanish, and it doesn't sound like such a great idea unless they know there's no great risk."
The most satisfying part of the regenerative agriculture ACÁ promotes is integrating the models so they serve more than one market. For local farmers, who often struggle in a competitive market to sell low-priced crops like corn and chayote, growing more exotic vegetables, or incorporating proteins into the diet without much risk, is good for business.
ACÁ's link to farmers gives us the chance to focus on the hard questions about promoting sustainable natural resource management. At the same time, in field we are working to increase our own production goals for the sake of the Eco Training Center's own sustainability.
Footer : If you haven't been there yet, do come and visit us at the ACÁ Eco Training Center in Jaltepec, just 3.5 km beyond San Juan Cosala. Give your guests a heart-warming positive experience and help raise sensitivity to Mexico's environmental and social climate, as well as spread a few good words about ACÁ ‘s work here to newcomers. You cam reserve your group tour by calling 01-387-763-1568.
Tidbits of Turkey Trivia
A group of turkeys is called a rafter.
When a turkey gets excited its head changes color.
A male turkey is called a tom, a female is a hen, and a youngster is a poult.
The loose skin on a turkey's chin is called a wattle. The warts on the wattle are called the caruncles.
Because the wild turkey is quick to defend itself and fight against all predators, Ben Franklin wanted it, rather than the bald eagle, to be the symbol of the United States.
The domestic tom can weigh up to 50 pounds, the domestic hen up to 16 pounds. The wild tom can weigh up to 20 pounds, the wild hen up to 12 pounds.
The average person in the United States will eat 17 pounds of turkey this year, compared with 9 pounds for the average Canadian.
Advertisement Portion : We have great gifts at the Eco Training Center store that enable you to spread holiday cheer without leaving Mother Nature in the cold. Here are some thoughtful gifts that help the environment , the local children, families and the community:
Gg's Gourmet Gift Baskets or Certificates: Get one in your price range, $50 pesos to $1,000 pesos. Your gift can include Gg's Lemon Curd, Hummus, Antipasto, Bread Dipping Oils, Homemade Salad Dressings, and our own baked items, such as Morning Glory Muffins and Peanut Butter Cookies.
Gg's Plants: adapted for the local climate so they require less water, fertilizer, pesticides, and maintenance than exotic varieties. Visit the plant nursery for discounts on bulk purchases of ground covers, lilies and herbs.
Don't forget FREE Eco-Tours: Give your guests a heart-warming positive experience and help raise sensitivity to Mexico's environmental and social climate, as well as spread a few good words about ACÁ ‘s work here to newcomers. Reserve your welcome tour by calling 01-387-763-1568.
Kids Christmas Vacation Eco Discovery Day Camps: A Gift for the Neighbor Kids! - $300 pesos for 3 days includes all supplies. Choose December 19th, 20th, 21st or January 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Camp is held at the Eco Training Center from 10:00 to 2:00. ACÁ discovery days build environmental and cultural awareness, respect and understanding. Pre-register before December 16th. Call for more information: 01 387-763-1568.
Specialty Gardening Courses: A Gift for Gardeners! 450 pesos includes all supplies. Classes held at the Eco Training Center from 9:00 to 2:00. Choose English or Spanish.
December 16th - How to grow and use aromatic herbs
January 13th & 20th - Intro course in organic gardening.
January 27th - How to grow and use aromatic herbs
Herb planters: As a thank-you gift to ACÁ supporters and LCS members for your on-going support, ACÁ is offering a 25% discount to ACÁ Volunteers & LCS members who order a herb planter (small or large sizes available) before December 21st. It's easy - choose from over thirty herbs we have in stock!
ACÁ promotes is integrating the models so they serve more than one market. For local farmers, who often struggle in a competitive market to sell low-priced crops like corn and chayote, growing more exotic vegetables, or incorporating proteins into the diet without much risk, is good for business.
ACÁ's link to farmers gives us the chance to focus on the hard questions about promoting sustainable natural resource management. At the same time, we are working to increase our own production goals for the sake of the Eco Training Center's own sustainability.
Footer : If you haven't been there yet, do come and visit us at the ACÁ Eco Training Center in Jaltepec, just 3.5 km beyond San Juan Cosala. Give your guests a heart-warming, positive experience and help raise sensitivity to Mexico's environmental and social climate, as well as spread a few good words about ACÁ ‘s work here to newcomers. You can reserve your group tour by calling 01-387-763-1568.
Tidbits of Turkey Trivia
A group of turkeys is called a rafter.
When a turkey gets excited its head changes color.
A male turkey is called a tom, a female is a hen, and a youngster is a poult.
The loose skin on a turkey's chin is called a wattle. The warts on the wattle are called the caruncles.
Because the wild turkey is quick to defend itself and fight against all predators, Ben Franklin wanted it, rather than the bald eagle, to be the symbol of the United States.
The domestic tom can weigh up to 50 pounds, the domestic hen up to 16 pounds. The wild tom can weigh up to 20 pounds, the wild hen up to 12 pounds.
The average person in the United States will eat 17 pounds of turkey this year, compared with 9 pounds for the average Canadian.
We have great gifts at the Eco Training Center store that enable you to spread holiday cheer without leaving Mother Nature in the cold. Here are some thoughtful gifts that help the environment , the local children, families and the community:
Gg's Gourmet Gift Baskets or Certificates: Get one in your price range, $50 pesos to $1,000 pesos. Your gift can include Gg's Lemon Curd, Hummus, Antipasto, Bread Dipping Oils, Homemade Salad Dressings, and our own baked items, such as Morning Glory Muffins and Peanut Butter Cookies.
Gg's Plants: adapted for the local climate so they require less water, fertilizer, pesticides, and maintenance than exotic varieties. Visit the plant nursery for discounts on bulk purchases of ground covers, lilies and herbs.
Don't forget FREE Eco-Tours: Give your guests a heart-warming positive experience and help raise sensitivity to Mexico's environmental and social climate, as well as spread a few good words about ACÁ ‘s work here to newcomers. Reserve your welcome tour by calling 01-387-763-1568.
Kids Christmas Vacation Eco Discovery Day Camps: A Gift for the Neighbor Kids! - $300 pesos for 3 days includes all supplies. Choose December 19th, 20th, 21st or January 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Camp is held at the Eco Training Center from 10:00 to 2:00. ACÁ discovery days build environmental and cultural awareness, respect and understanding. Pre-register before December 16th. Call for more information: 01 387-763-1568.
Specialty Gardening Courses: A Gift for Gardeners! 450 pesos includes all supplies. Classes held at the Eco Training Center from 9:00 to 2:00. Choose English or Spanish. December 16th - How to grow and use aromatic herbs .January 13th & 20th - Intro course in organic gardening.
January 27th - How to grow and use aromatic herbs.
Herb planters: As a thank-you gift to ACÁ supporters and LCS members for your on-going support, ACÁ is offering a 25% discount to ACÁ Volunteers & LCS members who order a herb planter (small or large sizes available) before December 21st. It's easy - choose from over thirty herbs we have in stock!
