What is biodynamic®?
history
Biodynamic® agriculture was first described by Rudolf Steiner (noted scientist, social advocate, and founder of the Waldorf School) in 1924, in response to European farmers’ concerns about the declining health of their farms due to the industrial revolution. Steiner suggested that the farmers stop thinking about their farms as factories, and instead think of them as living organisms: self-contained and self-sustaining, following the cycles of nature.
principles and practices
Biodynamic® agriculture is an integrated farming system that addresses the health of the entire property as an integrated whole. The term “organic”, first coined by English Baron Lord Northborne in the 1940’s, is derived from Steiner’s view of the farm as an “organism.” In practice, soil, plants, animals, and humans together create this image of a holistic living organism. On-farm recycling includes the integration of animals and animal feeds, perennial plants, flowers and trees, water features, and composting. Farms reduce dependence on imported materials for fertility and pest control. Water conservation is emphasized. Specially prepared medicinal plants, minerals, and composted animal manures help increase the vitality of the products grown. Biodynamic® farms are required to maintain at least 10 percent of total acreage in biodiversity, such as riparian zones, wetlands, grasslands, and forests: all are considered an integral part of the life of the farm.
