Earth Haven Farm
Earth Haven Farm BLOG
January 2016

What is Demeter?

Demeter International is the largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture, and is one of three predominant organic certifiers. Demeter certification is used in over 50 countries to verify that biodynamic products meet international standards in production and processing.  It is the first ecological label for organically produced foods.  Its name is a reference to Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain and fertility. Wikipedia

Founded: 1928

Headquarters locationDarmstadt, Germany

Members: 1400 (Germany); 4500 (worldwide)

Method: Certification

FoundersErhard BartschFranz Dreidax

Type of businessCharitable organization


WHAT IS DEMETER CERTIFICATION?

Demeter is the brand for products from Biodynamic Agriculture. Only strictly controlled and contractually bound partners are permitted to use the Brand. A comprehensive verification process insures strict compliance with the International Demeter Production and Processing Standards, as well as applicable organic regulations in the various countries; without a gap, through every step, from agricultural production to processing and final product packaging. The holistic Demeter requirements exceed government mandated regulations. Not only do they exclude the use of synthetic fertilisers and chemical plant protection agents in agricultural crop production, or artificial additives during processing, but also require very specific measures to strengthen the life processes in soil and foodstuffs. Demeter farmers and processors actively contribute toward the shaping of a future worth living for, creating healthy foods of distinctive tastes, truly “Foods with Character”. Demeter – the Brand you can trust in – Demeter International


Demeter International oversees the standards for certification used in various countries around the world.  The following are links to your closest Demeter organizations for additional information, copies of standards, and to become a member.

Demeter Canada - coordinates all biodynamic certification in Ontario, and in most other provinces.  Offering two levels of certification, Demeter and “in-conversion” to Demeter, both of which are based on standards established by Demeter International.

Demeter USA - is the only certifier for Biodynamic farms and products in America. While all of the organic requirements for certification under the National Organic Program are required for Biodynamic certification, the Demeter standard is much more extensive, with stricter requirements around imported fertility, greater emphasis on on-farm solutions for disease, pest, and weed control, and in depth specifications around water conservation and biodiversity.

Demeter United Kingdom - With organic certification as a prerequisite (all Demeter products are dual certified and carry both labels), Demeter standards go above and beyond organic to guarantee methods of production and processing that are environmentally friendly, ethical and sustainable.  Because these standards are applied globally, Demeter products from the UK, Egypt, New Zealand and Brazil all represent the same care for nourishment of people and the planet and have had the same rigorous process to ensure their quality.

Demeter Australia - The Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic Method is a world leader in the ecological and sustainable production of our food and natural fibers.  Quality Produce is grown using Biological-Dynamic agricultural methods founded on a holistic perception of Nature.  Our Biological activities mean we fully comply with best practice Organic methods, and this is independently verified by the Australian Government through accreditation as an Organic Approved Certifying Organisation.

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Biodynamic Education

International Biodynamic Research Institutes & Organizations Involved in Biodynamic Research

Association of Biodynamic Plant Breeders

A group of plant breeders working from a spiritual scientific and biodynamic background who have come together in order to breed cultivated plant varieties for the organic sector.

Biodynamic Research Association of Denmark

The association's primary objective is to research food on an expanded science basis, to disseminate knowledge of biodynamic agriculture and research, and to support a holistic understanding of food quality. The association has conducted development of the biocrystallisation method.

Biodynamic Research Institute, Sweden

The biodynamic farm under nordic conditions is the fundamental focus of the Institute. The aim is to carry out scientific research on plant nutrient recycling and conservation in agriculture and nutritional quality of agricultural food products. The guiding platform is the theoretical knowledge developed by Rudolf Steiner who established the general principles of biodynamic agriculture.

Considera

Considera.org seeks to collect and analyse data from those undertaking relevant experiments to clarify existing experiment-based research related to planting by the stars, use of ashes to deter pests and weeds, and use of substances in infinitesimal doses to improve land and compost.

Crossfields Institute

Crossfields Institute in cooperation with the Field Centre (link to www.thefieldcentre.org.uk) will be offering an MSc in Biodynamic Research starting in September 2014. This will be a blend of attended workshops, individual research and online supported education. Crossfields Institute is an educational charity specialising in the design of holistic and integrative qualifications. It offers a range of innovative qualifications through its network of centres.

Docweather.com

DocWeather.com is a unique website based on a climatic technique that interfaces daily weather data from the National Weather Service into a geometrical system that is the result of twenty-four years of experimental work. Precise weather observation and advanced planetary geometry, are linked to historic climatic patterns across the U.S.

Farmscape Ecology Program of the Hawthorne Valley Association

The Farmscape Ecology Program is a research and outreach program dedicated to exploring the ongoing conversation between human culture and the rural, semi-agricultural landscape of Columbia County. The Program is a member of the Hawthorne Valley Association, a diverse not-for-profit committed to social and cultural renewal through the integration of education, agriculture, and the arts.

The Field Centre

The Field Centre is being built as a place for academic and practical education and research in the fields of biodynamic agriculture, adult education and consciousness studies. The active intention of the Field Centre is focused on education and trans-disciplinary research arising out of the work of Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual Science. It will include a Research Chair on Biodynamic Agriculture - the impact of the biodynamic farm for restorative human development.

Hawthorne Valley Center for Social Research

Hawthorne Valley Center for Social Research (CSR) is an independent "think and do" tank that combines research and practical initiatives as a means to identify and implement solutions to modern days social problems. It is a member of the Hawthorne Valley Association.

Healing Water Foundation

The Healing Water Foundation, based in England, works to improve water quality through research, education and eco-technologies. They have done extensive research with flowform design. The Foundation is active in researching water's influence on living things, and especially how rhythmical treatment affects water quality.

Institute for Biodynamic Research

Based in Darmstadt, Germany. Most text is in German.

International Research Association for Organic Food Quality and Health (FQH)  

FQH aims to establish a network of research institutions specialized in the background of organic food and its effect on human health. Interdisciplinary and specialized investigations on organic food quality concepts and novel research methods to study the influence of organic food on human health are promoted.

International Working Group on Biodynamic Fruit Production

This group works together with trading partners, extension officers and researchers, seeking to further develop the specifically biodynamic qualities of their fruit growing methods and products. They regularly organize conferences and workshops to share experience and provide training, and work together on research projects.

Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-Dynamics

The mission of the Josephine Porter Institute (JPI) is to heal the earth through production of quality biodynamic preparations, and to advance education and research in biodynamic methods. 

Louis Bolk Institute

The Louis Bolk Institute has been a pioneer in innovative scientific research in organic farming, nutrition and healthcare since 1976. Broadening the basis of scientific research is the aim of the institute’s work. Where conventional research methods do not suffice, new methods are looked for, such as: phenomenology, participatory research, pictomorphological investigations and conscious-intuitive methods, Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy being a source of inspiration.

Mandaamin Institute

The focus of this non-profit corporation is to develop more nutritious corn and wheat and healthier ways of farming.  Their vision includes optimal food production (combining healthy soils, healthy crops, and healthy animals), breeding that respects the integrity of our domesticated species but fully utilizes their natural gifts, and new varieties and breeds with high productivity that meet the stresses and nutritional needs of our world.

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

A non-profit organization with the mission to nurture the ecological, social and economic resiliency of food and farming systems through education, research, policy, and market development. Based in East Troy, Wisconsin, their programs include Crop and Soil Research and Integrated Farming Systems.

New Alchemy

This is the website of Dennis Klocek - artist, scientist, teacher, researcher, gardener, and alchemist. Here you will find lecture downloads, art prints for sale, articles to read, and more.

Research Institute at the Goetheanum (Institute for Contextual Science)

The aim of the Institute is to continue to expand and deepen the work of the School of Spiritual Science at the Goetheanum. It is jointly operated by the Science Section and the Section for Agriculture. Headquarters of the Institute are two buildings in the vicinity of the Goetheanum: the Glass House and the crystallization laboratory. Research areas are biology, agronomy, medicinal plants, chemistry, physics and image forming methods.

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)

FiBL is an independent, non-profit, research institute with the aim of advancing cutting-edge science in the field of organic agriculture. FiBL has offices in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

Rodale Institute

Rodale Institue is dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach. For more than sixty years, they have been researching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing the findings with farmers and scientists throughout the world. Projects with biodynamic research aspects include the Honeybee Conservancy and farming systems trials.

Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC) 

MCRC is a non-Governmental Voluntary Research Organization located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. MCRC develops appropriate technologies for the benefit of rural communities. Their work includes the identification of locally available alternative resources for BD preparations and evolving the scientific data for proving the principles of biodynamics.

Spirit of the Earth Farm Foundation

Promoting loving care of Earth and all life through sustainable biodynamic food production for local consumption.

S&S Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Homestead Farm

The S&S Center for Sustainable Agriculture is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing vital food, promoting sustainable livelihoods, restoring healthy farmland and educating student farmers to be effective stewards and members of the earth. The Center offers educational opportunities and conducts research through S&S Homestead Farm, a demonstration farm for Washington State University.

The Nature Institute

The Nature Institute is an independent not-for-profit organization in upstate New York with a track record for incisive and thoughtful research studies, publications, and education programs. They develop ways of thinking and perception that integrate self-reflective and critical thought, imagination, and careful, detailed observation of nature's phenomena.

The Pfeiffer Center

The mission of the Pfeiffer Center is to practice, teach and spread awareness of the biodynamic method of agriculture and land care. Their work includes educational programs , agricultural production, work with draft horses, beekeeping, and research.

Water Research Institute of Blue Hill

"Education and Research for a New Consciousness of Water”

The Institute’s mission is to discover a definition of good water that is not based on the absence of pollutants or upon negatives, but rather is based upon the nature of water itself. Only this positive picture of water allows us to reach the comprehensive understanding of this universal, and universally needed, substance.

Woods End Laboratories

Since 1974, scientists dedicated to the careful measurement and understanding of soil and plant processes as they exist in natural, whole environments. America's longest running compost laboratory devoted to soil and compost quality.

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Biodynamic Associations Worldwide

International Biodynamic Organizations

Demeter International: Nonprofit organization of Demeter certification organizations.

Sektion fur Landwirtschaft: Agricultural Section at the Goetheanum.

  • Australia
    The official Website of Biodynamic Agriculture in Australia
  • Austria
    The official Website of Demeter Austria
  • Brazil
    The official Website of Biodynamic Farming in Brazil
  • Denmark
    The official Website of Demeter Denmark
  • Finland
    The official Website of Demeter Finland
  • France
    The official Website of Demeter France
  • Germany
    The official Website of Demeter Germany
  • Goetheanum
    The official Website of the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland
  • India
    The official Website of Bidynamic Farming in India
  • Italy
    The official Website of Demeter Associazione Italia
  • Luxembourg
    The official Website of the Verin fr biologisch dynamische Landwirtschaft Letzeburg a.s.b.l.
  • Netherland
    The official Website of Demeter in The Netherlands
  • New Zealand
    The official Website of the Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association in New Zealand
  • Norway
    The official Website of Debio Norway
  • South Africa
    The official Website of Biodynamic Farming in South Africa
  • Sweden
    The official Website of Demeter Sweden
  • Switzerland
    The official Website of Demeter Verband Schweiz
  • United Kingdom
    The official Website of 
  • United States of America
    The official Website of North American Biodynamic Association

    Mexican Biodynamic Organizations

  • Camino Verde: 777-323-7596; info@caminoverde.org.mxwww.caminoverde.org.mx
     
  • Guadalajara: Grupo de Estudio Antroposófico - Guadalajara (Facebook name). Orchard and gardens located at Emiliano Zapata 500. Mariana Gimenezmargime@hotmail.com, Ana Luz Zepeda analuz_zepeda@hotmail.com.

    Caribbean & South American Biodynamic Associations

  • Costa Rica
    Henry Karczynski, A.P. 706-1250, Escazu; 011-506-779-1155; www.rainforestspices.com
     

  • Dominican Republic
    Christoph Meier, Horizontes Organicos, CporA Azua de Compostela;
    (809) 521-1022; Fax (809) 521-0754; www.HorizontesOrganicos.com

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How Will Your Farm Cope with A Changing Climate?

(excerpt) By Rod MacRae and Phil Beard

Global climate change is a reality. The vast majority of climate scientists know it is happening and that human activities are a primary cause, that what we are experiencing is not just a product of natural forces and not the typical variations we see from season to season.

Food production and distribution are two of the most significant contributing factors, responsible for up to 30% of all emissions connected to the main activities of the economy. And now, this reality is coming back to haunt farmers, creating moisture stress, damaging fields and infrastructure on and off the farm, compromising animal health, driving up insurance and other costs. Unfortunately, many farmers appear to be overly confident in their ability to adapt to a changing climate, remembering earlier successes adapting to periodic shifts in weather patterns. But the variability we experience now is often outside the range of “normal”.

           

The key question for agriculture is whether we can transform farming systems to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels and shift to crops/livestock that are more resilient to the impacts of a rapidly changing climate and produce the food/fibre society needs. And will this transformation be predominantly planned or reactive. Producer interviews and focus groups reveal that concern in the Canadian agricultural community remains relatively low despite the increasing level of negative impacts associated with climate change.

However, as this briefing note outlines, the transformation needed to respond to the effects of climate change will require a major redesign of farming systems. This redesign will be more difficult to undertake the longer a landowner waits to start making changes.
Many organic farmers think that they will be protected from the effects of climate change, and relative to conventional farmers, they will likely be more resilient. But the impacts of a rapidly changing climate will be so significant that all farmers need to re-assess their farming system.
 
Some stories of farmers who are on the leading edge of transforming their farming systems
Farmers have figured out how to make their farms more resilient, be less reliant on fossil fuel use and be profitable. We summarize the stories of five whose farms are located in the same or similar Eco zones as southern Ontario.

(For the whole article, go to www.biodynamics.on.ca, or contact newsletter@biodynamics.on.ca for a copy.)
 
Rod McCrae is Associate Professor for Food Studies at York University, and Phil Beard is the General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority in Wroxeter, Ontario. The original paper was commissioned by the Maitland Watershed Partnerships and published in this newsletter in 2008.

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