CHAPTER 01. AGRICULTURE IN THE MICRONATIONAL WORLD

AGRICULTURE

IN MICRONATIONS

JANUARY

2016

Department of Agriculture

and Food Supply

ROYAL REPUBLIC OF IPAINIA

ipainiagob@gmail.com

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.

4

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

6

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 .

Bibliography

[1] “A Brief History of Agriculture”, Monsanto Company.

http://www.monsanto.com/improvingagriculture/pages/a-brief-history-of-

agriculture.aspx

[2] “Etymology and Terminology of Agriculture”, Wikipedia Organization.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture#Etymology_and_terminology

[3] “Definition of Agriculture”, Merrian Dictionary.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agriculture

[4] “Statistical Pocketbook 2015”, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations (FAO).

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4691e.pdf

[5] “Agricultura y Diálogo de Culturas”, Food and Agriculture Organization of the

United Nations (FAO).

ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/008/a0015s/a0015s00.pdf

[6] “Agricultural Productivity and Economic Growth”, Douglas Gollin.

https://ideas.repec.org/h/eee/hagchp/6-73.html#biblio

[7] “Agricultura en Timeria”, Jürgen Praxase.

http://timeria.info/2015/04/20/agricultura-en-timeria/

[8] “Programa de Agricultura Timeria”, Wiew Wers.

http://timeria.info/2015/05/08/programa-de-agricultura-timeria/

[9] “Proyecto Agricultura Timeria, nuevos avances”, Basilio Zenobio.

http://timeria.info/2015/07/20/proyecto-agricultura-timeria-nuevos-avances/

[10] “Economy of Überstadt”, Microwiki Organization.

http://mw.micronation.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_%C3%9Cberstadt#Economy

[11] “Rosewood Fruits Coop.”, Microwiki Organization.

http://mw.micronation.org/wiki/Rosewood_Fruits

[12] “Apotheker Coop.”, Microwiki Organization.

http://mw.micronation.org/wiki/Apotheker

[13] “Überstadt”, Überstadt Governmental Website.

http://uberstadt.weebly.com/

15

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.

https://bealnatire.wordpress.com/

[18] “Leylandiistan embarks on Seed Sale”, Liam Sinclair at the Coprieta Standard.

http://www.micronationalnews.com/leylandiistan-embarks-on-seed-sale-venture/

[19] “One-on-one: Shane Cahill”, Liam Sinclair at the Coprieta Standard.

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

Department of Agriculture and Food Supply.

https://ipainiaagriculture.wordpress.com/

[22] “Ipainia”, Ipainia Governmental Website

https://ipainia.wordpress.com

[23] “Urban & Organic Farming: Crops in pots and a sabzi mandi in your own

backyard”, Farhan Anwar at The Express Tribune

http://tribune.com.pk/story/614476/urban-organic-farming-crops-in-pots-and-a-

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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