Biodynamics in the World

Biodynamics is a world wide movement for regenerative agriculture based on the Agricultural Lectures as presented by Rudolf Steiner in 1924. As of the 2020 Biodynamic Federation – Demeter International Members’ Assembly  9 new member countries were presented for membership in the Federation, which  brings the total to 35 countries with 45 Demeter organizations that certify farms, wineries, processors and Traders that export/import Demeter certified goods . Many Demeter organizations offer training in biodynamic farming, organize farm tours and events.

Those countries are:
Argentina                                             France                                                   Poland
Austria                                                  Hungary                                                Switzerland
Brazil                                                      India                                                     Slovenia
Canada                                                  Italy                                                       South Africa
Chile                                                       Lithuania                                              Spain
China                                                      Luxembourg                                        Sri Lanka
Colombia                                               Malaysia                                               Sweden
Czech Republic                                     Mexico                                                  Turkey
Denmark                                               Netherlands                                         United Kingdom
Egypt                                                      New Zealand                                        United States
Germany                                               Norway                                                  Uruguay
Finland                                                   Peru

BIODYNAMIC FARMING:
HEALING THE WORLD THROUGH AGRICULTURE
Brussels, 06.11.2020
 The Biodynamic Federation – Demeter International is launching a new film campaign which articulates the true values of biodynamic farming. Human development and care for nature are at the heart of biodynamic agriculture, illustrating both the responsibility and the courage that are needed every day in agriculture, qualities that are lacking in our current political world.

In this time of uncertainty with the current pandemic and the pending climate crisis, agriculture has demonstrated its essential role, but it has also attracted plenty of criticism, especially concerning highly industrialised farming practices around the world. Biodynamic agriculture provides a counter to this criticism, by identifying solutions to the challenges agriculture is facing and paving the way for a sustainable future for both humans and nature.
 
Biodynamic agriculture has the capacity to strengthen people and nature. Indeed, biodynamic farmers stand for specific principles that they put into practice every day on the fields. By taking responsibility for the land for which they care, they grow as human beings and develop specific values, such as courage, respect and joy. It is not only about the production of food for human consumption, but also how to enrich nature, support biodiversity and increase soil fertility at the same time. Therefore, biodynamic farming overcomes the industrialisation and specialisation of agriculture by creating farm organisms that bring soil, plants, animals and humans together into a fertile farming collaboration.
 
Biodynamic farmers consider the activity of farming as embracing a challenge. Rose Bramwell & Gala Baily Barker of Plaw Hatch Farm, a 200-acre biodynamic farm near Sharpthorne in the United Kingdom, see themselves as “stewards of the farm, creating a legacy of richness on every level for future generations”. Their role is to ensure that the land remains healthy and rich for the generations to come and to provide added value for the local community of which they are a part. “When we take responsibility, we are able to shape the world, but this takes courage”, states Christoph Simpfendörfer, General Secretary of the Biodynamic Federation – Demeter International.

Considering the numerous challenges our generation is facing and the impact of agriculture on the environment, it is more important than ever that politicians around the world show their strength and decide to act. A few adjustments won’t be enough to turn the global situation around, if we want a sustainable future, politicians must lead the way in adopting real change. The good news is that it is not too late for action and that biodynamic farming is part of the solution. “On one condition, that politicians show the same courage as biodynamic farmers who work every day to enhance nature and the human being,” reminds Clara Behr, Head of Policy and Public Relations at the Federation.