Hello, I’m Terry Sato, and I’ve always been enchanted by the genuine taste of fresh, organically grown produce. I believe there’s magic embedded in the soil, a life force that has the power to heal us, feed us, and guide us back to our roots.
That life force? It’s none other than the magic of microbes. My journey began in the fields of Japan, where I discovered that the magic isn’t just in the taste, it’s in the process, the philosophy, and the passion.
Becoming an Urban Nature Farming Coach
Growing up in Japan, I was drawn to the philosophy of Nature Farming and the passionate individuals who promoted it. This passion propelled me to become a certified Urban Nature Farming Coach, an honor granted by the International Nature Farming Research Center. Today, I use this knowledge to transform urban landscapes into thriving ecosystems, nurturing lives as I nurture the soil.
Launching ‘Solutions for Organic Life, LLC’
In the early 1990s, accessing organic produce was a challenge. Whole Foods Market hadn’t yet swept across the United States, and finding organic vegetables at local stores was difficult. Yet, my passion remained undeterred. I saw this as an opportunity to bring the magic of microbes to people’s backyards. Hence, I created ‘Solutions for Organic Life, LLC.’
It wasn’t just a company; it was a platform to promote Urban Nature Farming in its broadest sense. I aimed to harness the power of Effective Microorganisms® (EM), not only for Bokashi composting, kitchen wastes recycling, but also for general farming. This approach not only enriched the soil but also combated pests and promoted environmental purification.
Watermelon: The First Flavor That Started a Revolution
Every organic gardener has that pivotal moment. For me, it was the sweet burst of a freshly picked watermelon on a farm when I was just 11. As the juice dribbled down my chin, I felt a connection with the Earth like never before. I was surrounded by nature – the gentle wind, the clear sky, the melodies of birds, the scent of earthy soil and lush trees in the mountains.
Right then, I realized there was a vast difference between produce grown with chemicals and those nurtured organically. This moment, full of sensory experiences, ignited a lifelong journey. A quest to discover the pure, healing flavors of vegetables and to share this wisdom with the world.
Organic Produce Saved My Life
A Personal Journey: From Illness to Resilience
My belief in Nature Farming isn’t just an ideology; it’s a deeply personal journey. As a child, I was often ill. Once, a severe fever spiked to a frightening 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit (42 ℃), making me unable to eat. I became weaker, and my parents were at a loss for what to do.
In that desperate moment, my father had a revelation. He suggested, “Let’s try feeding him organic rice porridge. Perhaps he’ll be able to eat it.” And indeed, he spooned me the porridge, and I could eat it. Organic produce was the only food I could stomach.
It was during these trials that I discovered comfort in organic vegetables grown through Nature Farming. These vibrant, nurturing vegetables became my lifeline, my health booster, and my biggest inspiration.
A Family’s Journey Toward Organic Lifestyle
Three Hours Drive to Get Rice
Embracing an organic lifestyle was not an easy path for our family, but it was undoubtedly fulfilling. During my high school years, we made a firm decision to only consume organic food. At that time, it was a challenging task as supermarkets did not sell any organic produce. We had to make trips directly to organic farms. My father drove three hours every few months to secure our organic rice supply. Our efforts were rewarded when a small organic store finally opened in our town.
Constraints Taught Us to Be Creative
This lifestyle shift often turned us into quasi-vegetarians. Ham, a special version without any additives from a company known to my father, became a much-loved treat. Despite the constraints, we learned to be inventive. We made our own curry, a Japanese staple usually packed with additives, salad dressings, and even miso from scratch. These early culinary experiments shaped my skills in the kitchen and strengthened my faith in the transformative power of organic food.
Over time, my taste for meat changed, largely because vegetables simply tasted better. Once in a while, I enjoyed meat, but I didn’t crave it daily. If served, I’d eat it, but I wouldn’t seek it out deliberately.
Standing Firm: Decades of Resilience as Nature Farming Pioneers
With over five decades of experience, I stand on the shoulders of true pioneers—those who have faced criticism, surmounted technical difficulties, and braved societal backlash, all to protect and promote Nature Farming. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, these trailblazers were ostracized for their refusal to use pesticides. The community scorned and ridiculed us, making me feel as though I was part of something illicit.
Even as a child, I was implicitly made to feel guilty for our organic practices. This caused me to hide my engagements in organic activities, like trading organic produce or visiting farmers to procure fresh foods. Despite this, I didn’t do anything wrong; on the contrary, I was following a path that respected and preserved our Earth.
These brave pioneers’ unwavering spirit and firm determination have always been a source of inspiration for me. Their legacy isn’t just remembered—it thrives, echoing in every training session I lead, every lecture I deliver, and every seed I plant in the soil. Their resilience fuels my passion and fortifies my commitment to sharing the wisdom and benefits of Nature Farming with others.
Cultivating a Green Thumb Community
Today, I’m committed to cultivating a community that nurtures the magic of microbes. I educate organic farmers and gardeners in New York/New Jersey, spreading the wonder of EM and organic farming. I envision a future with more urban farms and gardens, brimming with fresh, organic produce, teeming with microbes, and buzzing with life.
Preparing for the Future with “Microbial Magic”
My book, “Microbial Magic,” is a testament to my faith in the healing power of organic produce and the crucial role of gardening for our future. It’s my hope that the philosophy behind Nature Farming, combined with the diverse applications of EM, can serve as a blueprint for a greener, healthier world.
My journey started with a single taste of a slice of watermelon, and it has expanded to a life brimming with the joy of growing and sharing organic produce. Together, let’s unearth the magic of microbes and build our ‘Paradise on Earth’ in our backyards.
Join me in this journey. Let’s grow together, not just plants, but a community that thrives on the magic of microbes.
