Developed by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, Biodynamic Agriculture is an ecological system of farming based on a Goethean observation of nature. Biodynamics stems from a series of lectures Dr. Steiner led in 1924 and was one of the first organic agricultural movements. Working alongside the earth’s rhythms and astrological influences, this approach focuses on seeing the farm system as a working relationship, with each individual part supporting and balancing the whole as a living system. A farm must first meet the requirements of the USDA National Organic Program, then meet additional requirements to obtain Biodynamic Certification.

Biodynamics is minimally dependent on imported materials and the mining of natural resources. By organizing the farm so that the waste of one area is the energy for another area, farms are able to create closed-loop systems. Biodynamics sees each space in which food is grown as unique, with deep consideration of climate, culture, landscape, and scale.

Animal Welfare

Biodynamics includes the use of both plants and animals working together to grow, just as in natural ecosystems. This enhances nutrition, creates soil fertility without the use of chemical fertilizers, and promotes biodiversity. Biodynamics sees animals as essential to the farm’s fertility and success and therefore has standards that each farm must follow, including but not limited to: prohibited use of antibiotics, poultry cages, de-horning, de-beaking, wing clipping, cutting tails of piglets, and lamb docking. In addition, standards enforce that housing must allow animals to move freely and have protection from the elements and other variables. If the animal is being raised for production, at least one-half of its feed must come from the farm and the remainder must be Demeter Certified or USDA Certified Organic.

Farm Standard

The Farm Standard in which biodynamics is based stems from an agricultural course Dr. Rudolf Steiner led in 1924 and a series of lectures that followed. Biodynamics takes into account the environment that extends past the boundary lines of the farm, such as climate, wildlife, and astronomical influences. The Farm Standard necessitates that the foundation of the farm’s fertility system must originate from the farm itself through the use of compost, mulching, crop rotation, integration of livestock, and more. The regular use and application of biodynamic preparations is also a requirement for the Farm Standard.

Biodynamic Preparations

The use of biodynamic preparation is a requirement for biodynamic certification. There are nine different preparations made from fermented plant material, manure, and cow horns.  They are used as a soil spray to stimulate root growth, suppress fungal diseases, enliven compost, and other uses. Preparations are used instead of commercial chemical fertilizers that conventional farms use.

Certification

Biodynamic certification is managed by Demeter USA and uses the USDA Organic Standard as a foundational requirement, with additional requisites that must be met. It is mandatory that the whole farm is certified and not only a specific crop. Crops and livestock must be integrated and treated humanely, at least 50% of livestock feed must be grown on-site, biodynamic preparations must be regularly applied, 10% of the total farm acreage must be set aside for biodiversity, and the farm must uphold standards of social responsibility. Farms must pay applicable dues.

To learn more visit:
Biodynamic Association
Demeter Association
Josephine Porter Institue
USDA Organic Regulations

(Not Affiliated; For Education Purposes Only)

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