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organic

Feb 23, 2003, 12:59 PM

Post #1 of 6 (2037 views)

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community forming

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Anyone interested in joining together as a group to form an intentional community in Mexico, not too far from the coast around Tepic? This community would be involved with organic gardens, tropical fruit orchards, a health retreat business and loads of cooperation.

sparks

Feb 23, 2003, 1:59 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1799 views)

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Re: [organic] community forming

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Not to rain on the idea at all ... but being an old hippie I delt with many schemes to form communities. Some actually formed but most just swallowed up money and a lot of energy. I think you need to say something about what you know about Mexico, life, farming ... and the political structure of this community.

As much as I love the idea ... it's kind of a 'been there - done that' for me

David(MTY)

Mar 2, 2003, 5:27 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1717 views)

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Re: [Adios] community forming

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Hi Adios,

In this case I just wanted to comment that "been there, done that" might be a little rainy. Part of the miracle of life and Mexico is reaching for the stars and not coming up with a handful of mud. I say that in this case, since I hoped Organic would give it a try no matter what their expertise is. Because in this case, it doesn't look like any serious risks are there. I bet even in your case it gives you something entertaining to talk about, even though you feel (and certainly I would believe you) that you are a tad bit older and a lot wiser. Who know's, they might even hit on a winner! If one can really suffer irreparable damage for trying, I apologise for not perceiving that. And I do agree it with you that it is sensible to prepare. However, a combination with seat of the pants enthusiasm is something I am sure you remember fondly...whether you have to pull a few all-nighters or not. And imagine the positive influence they can have on the area, even if they fail. Some locals might even learn to set up pesticide reduced farms!

Organic, go for it!!!!!! My try for a value added suggestion: is try to contact a local "comunidad" or "ejido", which are sort of sharecropper type arrangements of long time natives to land parcels. They already have an entire community set-up with the complex agricultural bylaws worked out. It won't be yours, but it might turn out even better, and if you are successful in getting anything to sell, I'm sure you could eventually buy into the community yourself with a few other kindred souls that don't offend or too much dilute the community. If no one else goes with you, heck - doing it alone might even be easier! A greenfield community, well, I guess I am admitting that Adios has some good points to consider, but I wanted to send a bigger umbrella to keep the rain off you and on the fields.

Viva Zapata!...David(MTY)

(This post was edited by David(MTY) on Mar 2, 2003, 5:37 PM)

sparks

Mar 2, 2003, 5:55 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1683 views)

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Re: [David(MTY)] community forming

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Well David ... you can see the original poster didn't care to spend much time on this board. I don't have time for things that are not easily presented in public (or presented at all - as this). What did he do, post this on every Mexican board he could find?? Wonderful idea but about as productive as internet dating ... lord save me!!!

If I'm going to escape to Mexico ... I'd prefer to do it on my own terms and make relations when there

annainbc

Mar 3, 2003, 4:19 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1609 views)

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Re: [Adios] community forming

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He actually did post on a bunch of Mexican boards and actually got a reply on one of them (from me) who then forwarded him to a Nayarit board that was a lot more positive than you two!

Just noticing

Anna

CanMex

Mar 4, 2003, 6:45 AM

Post #6 of 6 (1587 views)

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Re: [David(MTY)] community forming

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Hi again David,

Apart from one clarification, I concur 100% with your post, and with the effect of the $40 billion dollar US subsidy which allows the US farmers to sell their corn to Mexico, cheaper than what it costs to produce it, (which is against NAFTA and all fair trade Rules) there will be a lot of land available, as Campesinos move to Big Cities to try and earn a living.

"is try to contact a local "comunidad" or "ejido", which are sort of sharecropper type arrangements of long time natives to land parcels."

The clarification being; the Ejido system, at least those that I know. Are a program where the government buys land (normally a Ranch) and then, subdivides a section into lots of approximately 40X40 meters for living, usually with drinking water piped in available at the lot and another section with farming land approximately 10 hectarias for each, which is then sold 1 lot (solar) & a 10 hectaria (parcela) to poor Mexicans who want land to earn their living. It is nearly a gift, to the initial group, but from then on, sales and purchases are based on offer and demand.

Although some bartering is done, it is not share croping, per se, although one person or family who has for example more animals than they can take care off, may make a deal with someone else to take care of some of the animals for half of the newborns or some other arrangement. They do own their own land, and they do make the rules and by-laws. i.e. One Ejido may decide that anyone who owns property there, has to live there or possibly not, or if they collectively agree to sell the land to foreigners or others who do not fall in the norms, they can go to the government and get the sales approved.

Vaya bien, Luc

(This post was edited by CanMex on Mar 4, 2003, 8:53 AM)