著者

御手洗 悠紀

出版者

日本農業史学会

雑誌

農業史研究 (ISSN:13475614)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.52, pp.67-79, 2018

---

This research focuses on "Natural Agriculture" as organic farming in the early 20th century interwarperiod. "Natural Agriculture," a form of farming believed to have derived from the "Life Reform Movement," isone of the origins of German organic farming.Articles published between 1925 and 1943 in the monthly magazine Bebauet die Erde were reviewedto reveal the theory and practice of "Natural Agriculture" and its historical significance. This magazine was aplatform for communication for "Natural Agriculture" supporters and it published articles about the practiceand theory of "Natural Agriculture.""Natural Agriculture's" distinctive feature is that it attracted city people to settle in the countryside andengage in "Natural Agriculture." Practicing horticulture in the countryside appeared to assure a safe foodsupply and realize the ideals of the "Life Reform Movement." Although the "Life Reform Movement" wasconnected to criticism of the city, "Natural Agriculture" supported new science and technology in the beginningof the 20th century and introduced these for reference and consideration by researchers and engineers.This study describes the "Life Reform Movement's" outlook on nature, focusing on the theory andpractice of "Natural Agriculture." Those who supported "Natural Agriculture" pursued health of not onlyhumans but also that of livestock and soil. They believed that the mutual improvement of all health conditionswas intertwined. They also advocated introducing "small scale horticulture without livestock." As a result, theyaccepted that agricultural practice in eastern Asia, especially China and Japan, realized the ideals of the "LifeReform Movement."The activities of "Natural Agriculture", as a part of the "Life Reform Movement," were only a nicheactivity in Germany. However, it is remarkable that there was a distinct group that paid attention to the relationbetween diet and health, soil conservation, and pursuit of high-quality farm products.