Agricultural Urbanism / Food Security and Permaculture make a good combination. On individual level, the adaptation of a new lifestyle might just be the change needed to turn a niche idea into the main-stream.

Mr. Naoki Shiomi, is the originator of the “Half-Farmer, Half-X” (???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 phrase, “Half-Farmer, Half-X” (???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.

This concept can form an excellent alliance with Permaculture (the most famous Australian cultural export, courtesy of Bill Mollison). 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!

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.

Can anyone think of a better single English word for the lifestyle so described?

See more details available at http://www.sohominium.blogspot.com.

Eric Y.F. Lim