agriculture in micronations
DESCRIPTION
Agriculture in micronations written by Alexander I, king of the micronation of Ipainia.TRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER 01. AGRICULTURE IN THE MICRONATIONAL WORLD
AGRICULTURE
IN MICRONATIONS
JANUARY
2016
Department of Agriculture
and Food Supply
ROYAL REPUBLIC OF IPAINIA
ipainia.wordpress.com
@ipainia
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY
ipainiaagriculture.wordpress.com
AGRICULTURE IN MICRONATIONS
Department of Agriculture and Food Supply
JANUARY 2016
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
Preface
This book, entitled Agriculture in Micronations, has been written based on the development
of activities related to agriculture in the micronational world. It is worth noting, it is the first
book published by the Department of Agriculture and Food Supply.
Its purpose is to inform what is agriculture, what is its relation to the economic development,
and gave an overview of the micronational agriculture and its importance. To achieve these
aims, we have researched and collected information from different micronational websites.
With this book we seek to promote the development of agriculture in Ipainia taking as an
example the successful development of agricultural activities in other micronations.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
Index
PREFACE V
INDEX VII
I. Agriculture 1
I.1. Definition ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
I.2. Relation to the Economy …………………………………………………………………………… 1
I.3. Importance ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
II. Agriculture in the Micronational World 3
II.1. Agriculture in Timeria ……………………………………………………………………….……… 3
II.2. Agriculture in Überstadt …………………………………………………………………………… 4
II.3. Agriculture in Siar Fordell …………………………………………………………………………. 4
II.4. Agriculture in Leylandiistan & Gurvata ……………………………………………………….. 5
II.5. Benefits for Industry Development ……………………………………………………………. 12
II.6. Overview of the Micronational Production ………………………………………………….. 13
II.7. Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
III. Agriculture in Ipainia 14
III.1. Current situation ……………………………………………………………………………………. 14
III.2. Future plans ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
BIBLIOGRAPHY 15
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
I. Agriculture
For most of human history, we were hunter-gatherers. And then, about 10 000 year ago,
we began to domesticate plants and animals as a way to make our food supply more accessible
and predictable. In many ways, the birth of agriculture can be defined as the moment we
stopped chasing our food and started raising it.
As humans have advanced agriculture, agriculture has reshaped human civilization. For the
most part, these changes have been good ones. But as we enter a new era of human history,
agriculture faces new challenges and new responsibilities.
I.1. DEFINITION
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber,
biofuel, medicinal and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.
The word agriculture is a late middle English adapation from Latin agricultūra, from ager, agr-
‘field’ + cultūra ‘growing, cultivation’.
Origin of the word 'Agriculture'
To practice agriculture means to use natural resources to produce commodities which maintain
life, including food, fiber, forest products, horticultural crops, and their related services.
It is the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock
and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products.
I.2. RELATION TO THE ECONOMY
In most poor countries, large majorities of the population live in rural areas and earn their
livelihoods primarily from agriculture. Many rural people in the developing world are poor, and
conversely, most of the world’s poor people inhabit rural areas. Agriculture also accounts for
a significant fraction of the economic activity in the developing world, with some 25% of value
added in poor countries coming to this sector.
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CHAPTER 01. AGRICULTURE
While some sectors have been hard hit, agriculture has demonstrated resilience during the
recent economic downturn. Changes in the wider economy, including growing global
integration, affect the performance of the agriculture sector. Higher overall economic growth
also raises consumers’ incomes and hence food demand. Changing interest rates influence
capital investments, land values and storage levels, while inflation affects input prices,
revenues and credit costs. Fluctuations in exchange rates have an important bearing on
international competitiveness and trade flows.
Value added in agriculture, industry and services, share of GPD (2013)
I.3. IMPORTANCE
Agriculture is still as important today as it ever was? FAO statistics show that at the dawn
of the new millennium, 2570 million people depend on agriculture, hunting, fishing or forestry
for their livelihoods. They represent 42% of humanity. Agriculture drives the economy of most
developing countries. Historically, very few countries have experienced rapid economic growth
and poverty reduction that have not been preceded or accompanied by agricultural growth.
In trade statistics, agriculture is only considered as an economic activity. Agriculture as a way
of life, heritage, cultural identity, an ancient pact with nature, has no monetary value.
Other important non-monetary contributions of agriculture include habitat and landscape, soil
conservation, management of watersheds, carbon sequestration and biodiversity
conservation. The farmhouse has many followers in many developed and developing
countries, now that city dwellers seeking a peaceful getaway and demonstrate a new interest
in the places where their food comes from.
But perhaps the most significant contribution of agriculture is that for more than 850 million
undernourished people, most of them in rural areas, is a way out of hunger. Only they have
secure access to food if they produce themselves or have the money to buy them. The sector
offers more possibilities to earn money in rural areas is a booming sector of food and
agriculture.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
II. Agriculture in the Micronational World
Not many micronations have a well-developed agriculture. Some micronations have just a
small relation with agricultural activities. However, there are others that have an economic
system which is focused on agriculture.
II.1. AGRICULTURE IN TIMERIA
Agriculture in Timeria started on April 01ST, 2015 with the planting
of oranges and lemons
Despite the tough summer Timeria faced with temperatures above
86°F | 30°C the plants are still growing up without problems.
Currently, Wiew Wers –new president of Timeria- proposed in his electoral program to expand
agriculture planting seeds of vegetables and pulses.
Oranges in Timeria on April 20th, 2015
Lemons in Timeria on April 20th, 2015
Lemons and Oranges in Timeria on May 8TH, 2015
Oranges in Timeria on July 20th, 2015
Lemons in Timeria on July 20th, 2015
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CHAPTER 02. AGRICULTURE IN THE MICRONATIONAL WORLD
II.2. AGRICULTURE IN ÜBERSTADT
Überstadti Economy is socialist, with the means of production
legally belonging to all citizens. Production is accomplished through
a system of public cooperatives of which all citizens are members.
Agriculture is a leading industry, providing fresh produce and basic
pharmaceutical products made from native plants.
Summarizing, the Überstadti economy is highly agrarian. Western Rosewood –capital of the
Kingdom- is the leading agricultural center, producing berries, plums, squash, peas, and
tomatoes. Crops in other parts of the Kingdom include wild huckleberries. The most productive
period in Überstadti economic history occurred during the 2014 growing season.
ROSEWOOD FRUITS
Rosewood Fruits is an Überstadti public agricultural cooperative founded as a private
corporation on May 5TH, 2013. This cooperative is responsible for the production of all food
grown in the micronation. 80% of Überstadtis contribute their efforts planting, watering,
weeding and harvesting. Most produce was used to help feed citizens, while some was given
away to neighbors.
APOTHEKER
Apotheker is an Überstadti public pharmaceutical cooperative founded on June 2012. It is
related to agriculture because it harvests, processes, and packages naturally-occurring
medicinal products.
II.3. AGRICULTURE IN SIAR FORDELL
The economy of Siar Fordell is primarily based on rents from
tenants, compensation for military service and agriculture.
Agriculture plays a large role in the Thegn-Hold’s economy.
Currently they grow tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and herbs.
Recently, they have begun exporting goods, trading with other
feudal holdings in the area, for avocados, lemons, and products that cannot being grown in
Siar Fordell.
Siar Fordell produces high quality, hand cured and harvested gourmet sea salt. This sea salt
harvesting had been started to increase self-sufficiency using domestically produced
seasoning on local agriculture.
The micronation also takes excess produce to local farmers’ market. Although, it is not always
profitable.
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
II.4. AGRICULTURE IN LEYLANDIISTAN & GURVATA
The Confederation of Leylandiistan and Gurvata is a micronation
located in Ireland. The economy of the micronation is agricultural,
and both areas of the Confederation produces food.
Agriculture is by far the main economic activity in the Confederation.
Both Leylandiistan and Gurvata dedicate increasing amounts of land
for agricultural processes. Regarding agriculture, we can state that Leylandiistan and Gurvata
is the most developed micronation.
Leylandiistan’s economy was focused on agriculture after the summer of 2014 when Shane
Cahill –Co-president for Leylandiistan- was inspired to expand his own plot further. He says
that: “Micronations are often stuck for something to produce, but agriculture offers endless
possibilities”.
He expanded his plot from three raised beds in 2014 to nine raised beds in 2015 (and an
additional 4 square meters of open soil for fruits, herbs and artichokes). In October 2015 he
sowed oats and barley to be harvested in the next spring, and in next March he will sow millet,
ancient wheats and other grains.
THE SAINT JOSEPHSBURG ECONOMIC PACT (SJEP)
All this work was recognized with the agreement to admit Leylandiistan as a full member of
the Saint Josephsburg Economic Pact (SJEP). This pact is a common economic market and
customs union, which facilitates greater trade and economic cooperation between
micronations. With this, the government began to prepare products for exports.
2014 HARVEST SEASON
The harvest season had a great start. Over 170 apples were picked. In fact, 144 apples were
sorted: 132 were approved for human consumption and 12 were discarded. The apple crop
was one of the most successful in history. Thanks to this a wide variety of products were
available, including cider, apple juice, apple crumble and apple relish.
Red peppers, tomatoes, melons and carrots were also harvested. Thyme was dried for export
(possibly to SJEP states). The government started preparing a list of products that will be
available for export, including lemon balm, mint plants, dried and fresh herbs (rosemary, basil,
parsley, thyme, oregano, and prepared seasonings –Bouquet Garni-).
Apple Harvesting Process Apples Harvested
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CHAPTER 02. AGRICULTURE IN THE MICRONATIONAL WORLD
By September 21ST four bottles of ‘soft and sweet’ cider were produced. 2.8 liters of apple
juice were fermented for two weeks. The apples were grown, picked and juiced in
Leylandiistan. The cider production has proven to be a major milestone for the Leylandiistan
and Gurvata’s economy because it proves that the Confederation has the capability to produce
exportable artisan products from its primary agricultural products.
Several jars of apple chutney were produced. Also apple juice, stewed apple, apple pie and
apple crumble.
31 carrots were pulled from the ground at An Fheirm –Leylandiistan’s agricultural cooperative-
. Plots were also producing tomatoes. A new workstation was also installed.
Apples before harvesting
Caochóg Cider Logo Cider produced
Carrots picked at An Fheirm
An Fheirm Agricultural
Cooperative New workstation
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
THE AGRICULTURAL REGULATIONS ACT OF 2015
This act transformed the agricultural sector. The first micronational organic certification
programme was set up, with a new agency, the State Organic Regulation Agency -also known
as SORA- to manage it.
All agri-chemicals, a new term referring to synthetic inputs in agricultural practices are
prohibited. The government was established as a proponent of the organic movement.
The government also begin supporting farmers in the Confederation through new gricultural
payments.
Logo of the State Organic Regulation Authority
2015 – AGRICULTURAL YEAR BEGINS
At An Fheirm, the plots began to fill with green leaves. The first vegetables were also
harvested and numerous fruit trees and small berries started to appear.
The government doubled this year, the amount of land cultivated. In fact, the land used for
agricultural purposes trebled. Eight (8) raised beds were used for growing after a private
investment by Co-President Cahill.
Crop rotation was being practiced. The only fertilizer permitted by SORA is seaweed.
By May 10TH radishes and some salad leaves were harvested. Trial crops of sugar beet for
molasses and sugar production, flax for fiber and buckwheat for flour and grains were sown
in Gurvata and Leylandiistan.
An Fheirm’s plots Pea stalks, potatoes and the 8 raised beds at An Fheirm
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CHAPTER 02. AGRICULTURE IN THE MICRONATIONAL WORLD
2015 HARVET SEASON I
The two plots at Eastrip, Gurvata and An Fheirm, Lelandiistan were supplying resident of both
regions with fresh salads and, of this week, summer carrot and peas.
The plot at Eastrip, Gurvata was redeveloped in May, with a raised bed and stone surrounded
extension. Crops produced in Gurvata were lettuce, rocket, tomato, sunflower and herbs –
tarragon, lemon balm and thyme-.
In Leylandiistan peas, carrots and rockets were harvested. The excess production was
exported. Also a trade deal involving a seed exchange was negotiated with a North American
micronation.
Radishes harvested Rainwater Collection amenity
A Honeybee pollinates chive flowers at An Fheirm, Leylandiistan
Sunflower and Tomato Plants at Eastrip, Gurvata
An Fheirm Peas, globe artichoke and fenugreek
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
TRADE AGREEMENT REACHED
An agreement on a trade deal with Siar Fordell was reached. Siar Fordell and the
Confederation are looking to finalize a deal where bell pepper and tomato seeds from Siar
Fordell would be exchanged for Lelandiistani rocket, chive and herb seeds.
2015 HARVEST SEASON II
At Eastrit and An Fheirm, the agricultural plots improved significantly in spite of the cold
weather.
A great number of plants were thrilled, while dwarf bean trials at An Fheirm proved
unsuccessful, other plants like potatoes, onions, peas and artichokes exceeded expectations.
At Eastrip, blueberries bushes had scant fruit.
Trials of more unusual plants also took place. Two such trials involved exotic leguminous
plants, soybean and fenugreek, at An Fheirm.
Beetroot, courgette, peas and salad leaves were regularly harvested.
Plots at An Fheirm on a sunny day
Globe Artichokes Pea pods A sugar beet Onions
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CHAPTER 02. AGRICULTURE IN THE MICRONATIONAL WORLD
By September 23, three liters of cider was produced by Leylandiistani brewers. The alcohol of
the cider was measured. Vegetables were harvested in large amounts. Almost 6 Kg. of onions
were harvested.
Soybeans pods Fenugreek plants Marrows Red Apples
Onions were plaited and hung to dry
Flaxseed pods were picked in order to be crushed
Cider produced in Leylandiistan
Onion Harvest
10
Barley in the left half and oats on the
right. Also a container of mint plants to the right of the oats.
“Caffrey” oats (left) and
barley (right)
Winter crops –beetroot, carrot, curly leaf
parsley, sweede-.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
SEED COMPANY ESTABLISHED
The company will purchase seeds from growers in the Confederation and sell them to
individuals, firm and state bodies in micronations, as well as other potential consumers. Pea,
mizuna, mustard, chive, lupin and flaxseed have been harvested in exportable quantities by
growers so far. The company also hopes to export seeds of borage, lovage and lettuce.
The seeds to be sold were grown locally within the micronation and in adherence with strict
environmental regulations forbidding the use of harmful chemicals.
2015 HARVEST SEASON III
By November 23 the temperatures in Leylandiistan and Gurvata dropped week by week,
however this didn’t prevent the plots from remaining lush. Winter crops –beetroot, leek, carrot,
swede and parsley- were thriving and root crop beds were producing meager crops.
Most of beds are still lush
(left) and two remaining broad bean plants are
continuing to flower (right).
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LeylandiiCola is a 100% natural cola produced in Leylandiistan & Gurvata
CHAPTER 02. AGRICULTURE IN THE MICRONATIONAL WORLD
II.5. BENEFITS FOR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Agriculture industry allow micronations to expand their economy and activity into new
projects. For Instance, in Leylandiistan & Gurvata, agriculture is the main economic sector
and it has allowed the development of two more industries:
BEVERAGE PRODUCTION
With the harvested products, Leylandiistan & Gurvata has produced Apple cider, apple Juice,
organic Lemonade and LeylandiiCola.
Although, the production of LeylandiiCola started in 2013, its recipe changed in 2014 making
a 100% natural cola with natural caramel instead of Sulphite Ammonia Caramel (E150d), citric
acid instead of phosphoric acid.
Cider produced in Leylandiistan & Gurvata
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
SEED INDUSTRY
With the establishment of The Seed Company the Seed Industry started in Leylandiistan &
Gurvata being an industry that will be the most interesting due to the interaction of different
micronations.
The Seed Company will purchase seeds from growers in the Confederation and sell them to
individuals, firm and state bodies in micronations, as well as other potential consumers. Pea,
mizuna, mustard, chive, lupin and flaxseed have been harvested in exportable quantities by
growers so far. The company also hopes to export seeds of borage, lovage and lettuce.
I.6. OVERVIEW OF THE MICRONATIONAL PRODUCTION
The Coprieta Standard –one of the most important micronational news service-
summarized some of what was grown by micronations. To illustrate the revenue value of a
crop, they cross-referenced each with the average retail price reported by the USDA’s
Agricultural Marketing Service on the ‘Advertised Prices for Fruits & Vegetables at Major Retail
Supermarket Outlets ending during the period of 06/27 to 07/09”. The actual revenue a
micronation can gain from the sale of a crop will vary from these prices once local market
demand is accounted for.
CROP (ORGANIC) UNIT OF MEASURE UNIT PRICE (USD)
Beets Per Bunch $2.79
Carrots Per Bunch $1.59
Cucumbers Each $1.02
Lettuce (Romaine) Per Pound $1.99
Yellow Onions Per Pound $1.29
Russet Potatoes Per Pound $1.59
Radishes Per Pound $1.29
Strawberries Per Pound $3.33
Tomatoes Per Pound $3.28
Source: The Coprieta Standard
I.7. CONCLUSIONS
- The Agricultural Sector can be used to support the development of a local economy.
- Agriculture allows the development of new industries and commerce because with the
primary agricultural products, new artisan products can be produced.
Seed Industry in Leylandiistan & Gurvata
Beverage Production in Leylandiistan & Gurvata
Pharmaceutical Industry in Überstadt
- Agriculture has not necessarily increased revenue in micronations, but it has instead
reduced citizen’s expenditure on food and seeds.
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CHAPTER 03. AGRICULTURE IN IPAINIA
III. Agriculture in Ipainia
III.1. CURRENT SITUATION
Ipainia does not have a physical territory, but this is not an
impediment to develop agriculture in our micronation. Citizens will
be an active part of this industry. Agriculture in Ipainia is not
developed yet. However, we are planning to start working on this sector this year.
THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY
There is an existing organization specialized for this sector, The Department of Agriculture
and Food Supply.
This Department is the Ipainia federal executive department responsible for developing and
executing federal government policy on farming, agriculture, agribusiness development,
agricultural trade, food safety, income generation and reducing inequality.
III.2. FUTURE PLANS
We are planning to develop an urban and organic agriculture in Ipainia, Urban Farming is
becoming popular in cities across the world. It offers multiple benefits, in Ipainia we are going
to use containers –also known as flowerpots- because its establishment and maintenance are
inexpensive.
POT AGRICULTURE
It is the practice of growing plants, exclusively in containers instead of planting them in the
ground.
The plant species selected to grow are parsley, tomato, spinach, arugula, basil, rosemary,
thyme, oregano, carrots, radish, mint, among others.
LONG-TERM GOALS
With the development of the Ipainian agriculture, industries will also be developed allowing
Ipainia to be a more active micronation. In addition, we will be getting more revenue, the
incomes generated will be used to improve our agricultural system and our micronation.
Logo of the Ipainia Department of Agriculture and Food Supply
14
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY .
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http://www.monsanto.com/improvingagriculture/pages/a-brief-history-of-
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[2] “Etymology and Terminology of Agriculture”, Wikipedia Organization.
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[11] “Rosewood Fruits Coop.”, Microwiki Organization.
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[12] “Apotheker Coop.”, Microwiki Organization.
http://mw.micronation.org/wiki/Apotheker
[13] “Überstadt”, Überstadt Governmental Website.
http://uberstadt.weebly.com/
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
[14] “Growing things for your micronational economy”, Leylandiistan at Microwiki
Forum.
http://forum.micronation.org/showthread.php?tid=1706
[15] “Economy of Siar Fordell”, Siar Fordell Governmetal Website.
https://siarfordell.wordpress.com/economy/
[16] “Economy of Thegn-Hold of Siar Fordell”, Microwiki Organization.
http://mw.micronation.org/wiki/Thegn-Hold_of_Siar_Fordell#Economy
[17] Different articles of Leylandiistan & Gurvata, Béal na Tíre.
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http://www.micronationalnews.com/one-on-one-shane-cahill/
[20] “Agricultural Economy for Micronations”, Liam Sinclair at the Coprieta Standard.
http://www.micronationalnews.com/agricultural-economy-for-micronations/
[21] “Welcome to the Ipainia Department of Agriculture and Food Supply”, Ipainia
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https://ipainiaagriculture.wordpress.com/
[22] “Ipainia”, Ipainia Governmental Website
https://ipainia.wordpress.com
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sabzi-mandi-in-your-own-backyard/
[24] “Urban Agriculture: A guide to container garden”, Technology for the Poor.
http://www.technologyforthepoor.com/UrbanAgriculture/Garden.htm
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