What it is
Richard Perkins runs Ridgedale Permaculture in Sweden and has written the most practical whole-systems guide for small-farm regenerative agriculture in the European context. The book covers enterprise stacking (eggs, broilers, market garden, tree crops, pastured pork), infrastructure design, financial planning, and the year-by-year transition from conventional to regenerative management.
Why we picked this
Most regenerative agriculture literature comes from the US or Australia. Perkins provides the European equivalent, proving that regenerative systems work in northern climates with different soil types, regulations, and market conditions. His detailed financial breakdowns make the business case concrete rather than aspirational.
Key takeaways
- Enterprise stacking (multiple revenue streams per hectare) is the key to small-farm profitability, with Perkins running 8+ enterprises on under 10 hectares.
- Infrastructure investment pays back within 3-5 years when designed for labor efficiency, with Perkins documenting specific costs and returns for each system.
- The book includes seasonal timelines, equipment lists, and supplier recommendations specific to European small-scale farming.