New increase of postal rates and PR economy

As of May 14th, 2007, postal rates have again increased. The postal rate for large packages (over 1 cubic foot) is not calculated by weight anymore but by size. Unfortunately, this increase was not the usual 5-20% but in some cases it is 100% (!) or more. That means that the shipping and handling cost per tree is at least $9 from now onwards, except if the trees are very small. Seed packages are still relatively cheap.

Since the vast majority of goods sold in PR is imported, one can only imagine how this will affect overall prices in the near future. Additionally, exporting goods, including agricultural products will similarly become increasingly uneconomical.

PR's economy does not look bright, to say the least. Just in one year alone we were hit with a new sales tax, the price of water has more than doubled, electricity went up, construction material went up between 35% and over 100% (sand, rebars) over the past few years, the gasoline price has more than doubled, and the local tax agency is becoming increasingly aggressive. All these are certain signs of an impending economic depression. The real test for the island will come when the price of imported food (94% of what is locally consumed) will go up too. I hope that we will have started our sustainable role model farm by then, so that a new generation of local farmers can follow the example and contribute to local food sovereignty.

If you are interested in supporting our planned "Oro Verde" project - a fully sustainable, educational and productive role model farm - please contact me. To end this blod on a positive note: the "Oro Verde" book is selling fast and the local response is very promising. The book has received excellent reviews and has stirred up some thinking amongst the agricultural community as well as some of the local political leaders.

Best,
Sadhu

Postal Rates outside the U.S.

Here some good news for all Int'l customers of my book. I just found out that the book can be sent by Global Priority Mail with the following rates:

Mexico, Canada: $8
All other countries: $10

If anyone from Asia or South America wants to exchange the book for tropical fruit/nut/herb/vegetable seeds instead of cash, please contact me.

Sadhu

NEW PUBLICATION OUT!!

I am happy to inform you all that my new book "ORO VERDE -

Securing the Future of our Food" has just been published!

Please find a summary description below.

ORO VERDE has beautiful illustrations by the locally renowned artist, Jose F. Zamora, and rare photographs of tropical fruits. 310 pages, large format (8.5”x11”), 2.5 lbs.

The edition is limited and you can order it by sending a postal money order to Sadhu, P.O.B. 8132, Mayaguez 00681, Puerto Rico.

Price: $35

Shipping: U.S. $8 (priority mail = 3 days; same flat rate for up to 4 books!), $4 (book rate = 2-3 weeks)

Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Australia: $10 (Global Priority Mail)

Mexico, Canada: $8 (Global Priority Mail)

Book description:

ORO VERDE

Written for Puerto Rico
but applicable to tropical regions in general,
this unique publication describes
over one hundred new tropical food crops
(fruits, culinary and medicinal herbs, vegetables)
with high commercial potential.

ORO VERDE is an eye-opener that exposes
the myths, dogmas and dangers surrounding
our agriculture, the food industry, health care
and other important factors
that determine
the quality of our lives.

ORO VERDE is a thought-provoking publication
that convincingly explains why locally grown
and processed food is better for your health,
our small-scale farmers, the environment
and the local economy.

It is a practical guide to how everyone -
city dwellers and farmers alike - can get involved
in growing foods and producing personal health care,
cosmetic and natural healing products.

In short, ORO VERDE is a powerful manifesto
that challenges reprehensible educational, political and
social policies, and offers practical solutions.

It is a book of hope and transformation
for people from all walks of life,
and you are invited

to take part in the refreshingly
revolutionary alternative it presents.

My favorite tropical fruit book

I have been receiving numerous inquiries from local fruit collectors and people interested in tropical fruits regarding recommendable literature. I am also frequently asked which "the best" or "my favorite " tropical fruit book is.

Personally, I love to read any and almost all of them, but there is one that I consider to be the most comprehensive. It's in Spanish (easy to read, even for non Spanish speaking people like myself), has almost 800 pages and is called "El Arbol". It covers hundreds of the most important tropical fruit and nut species (Asian, South & Central American), has excellent drawings and very useful and detailed information about each species.

Since this book is difficult to find, I was very lucky to acquire some of the last copies existing. They are available now for only $45. If you are interested, please can contact me at sadhu@coqui.net