ABC TV – Dr Maarten Stapper
Dr Maarten Stapper will be the subject of Australian Story, “Back to Earth”, on Monday 1 June 2009 at 8.00 pm (EST) and repeated on Saturday 6 June at 12.30 pm; also on ABC2: Tuesday 2 June at 8.00pm. Maarten has been involved in research related to organic/biological farming for many years. The program addresses issues such as, What is the future of Biological Farming? How do we get healthy food production systems? How do we get carbon in the soil? Do we need GM? Where do science institutions lead us?
Sounds like it will be interesting viewing for everyone involved in organic gardening.
1 June, 2009 at 9:06 pm
It was wonderful to hear some of your story Maarten, I have been on the same road with human health for years now. I know what it feels like to be on the outside and congratulate you on your story. I am supposed to be dead 7 years ago but thanks to minerals and appropriate diet I am still here. When will the rest of the world catch on?
2 June, 2009 at 3:53 pm
It was an inspiring story and thanks God that he has been made redundant at CSIRO. Once that heavy burden lifted from his shoulders, he has done better on the agricultural scenes.
It is also good that the farmers were actually listening what he has to say.
3 June, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Dr Ron Alexander
What a gutsy individual Maarten Stapper is.
His dedication epitomizes what ‘extraordinary’ as distinct from ordinary science is about. His courage in the face of adversity stands as an example to all who see themselves as inventors. The tenacity he has shown in transforming dreams into reality positions him as a national hero and acts as a shining light of encouragement to all who are seeking to improve their and other people’s lot.
Ron Alexander
Australian Institute of Innovation
4 June, 2009 at 1:09 pm
We certainly could do with more people like Maarten Stapper to set the example. We have to improve our farming practices and eliminate the use of chemicals if we are ever to produce the nutritious food we need to sustain the health of our society. May the groundswell of support for you and your ideas continue to grow.
4 June, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I don’t understand why it has taken so long for the principles of soil health to be accepted by scientists and in society. Albrecht, Rodale and Carson were talking about the damage by chemicals to people, food and wildlife and the importance of soil minerals and microbes in the 1970’s….my father, who produced natural mineral fertilisers, argued with the CSIRO and the chemical fertilizer industry monopoly in the 70’s and I can understand Maarten Stapper’s similar frustration with the ‘establishment’. It is fantastic to see some farmers supporting his ideas at last.