Seed Pellets
The pellets were first created by our founder and farming evangelist Masanobu Fukuoka.
Their shape reflects a comprehension of nature and is embraced by nature.
Seed pellets are the future
The future lives in the depths of our hearts
Our hearts return to the soil with the calm of the evening
Masanobu Fukuoka traveled the world to understand nature, talk about nature, and apply his philosophy of nature.
The seed pellet clarifies who we as humans are, and is the keyword in his philosophy.
He mixed as many plant seeds as possible into pellets made from clay and dried them. He would then disseminate these seed pellets, which hold new life, over the ground.
Occasional rain showers caress the pellets’ surfaces, and nature selects which seeds will sprout and carve out tomorrow.
The seed pellets are a part of nature, which is difficult for human insight to grasp. They are an infinite microcosm of the cycle of life, which only nature itself understands. The seed pellets led to Masanobu being awarded the Magsaysay Prize, which is often referred to as “Asia’s Nobel Prize.”
How to make seed pellets
-
Seeds
- 01 Mix the seeds.
- Mix together as many varieties of seeds as possible. Do not only choose edible ones that will support life, but also tree and shrub seeds that create forests. Ideally, use seeds from dozens of plant varieties. Of course, if seeds are limited, start with what you have.
-
Clay
- 02 Knead the clay.
- Mix clay and soil together, slowly adding small amounts of water. Knead the mixture thoroughly to prevent cracking as the pellets dry.
-
Pellets
- 03 Form pellets.
- Mix the seeds into the clay mixture so they are not exposed. Any seeds on the pellets’ outer surface may become savory treats for birds. The pellets can be any shape: elongated or flat, not necessarily spherical. Because irregularities are natural.
-
Dry
- 04 Dry the pellets.
- The pellets are almost ready. Now to thoroughly dry them so they can withstand any environmental conditions. Do not rush the process, be patient.
-
Soil
- 05 Disseminate the pellets into the wild.
- The seed pellets can be scattered anywhere. Some may become food for animals; others may lay dormant. Those that resonate deeply with the nature where they land will take root in the earth and embrace the breath of life.
How to make seed pellets
Learn more about Masanobu Fukuoka Natural Farm’s philosophy about seed pellets and how to make them.
Seed Pellet Workshops
We aim to communicate the philosophy of seed pellets to the world, because this is our calling. To succeed in our mission, we will gradually find time to respond to and fulfill requests for us to teach others how to make seed pellets or to give demonstrations. We believe this will lead to an understanding of nature and a better understanding of dietary education and farming.
We will first accept requests from close to home, within Ehime Prefecture. We receive much positive feedback every day, but we are, first and foremost, farmers. Therefore, we aim to hold the workshops where and when it is possible for us, and ask for everyone’s understanding.
- Requests
-
The workshops are aimed at elementary schools, PTAs, children's association agricultural experiences, summer vacation research projects, agricultural workers, and people with an interest in agriculture. One workshop lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
Our efforts to share our thoughts and feelings through seed pallets incur costs. We ask that individuals and organizations interested in holding workshops bear a portion of our accommodation and travel expenses (where necessary), and offer gratuities.