The Future of Agriculture - a Biodynamic approach

10 - 13 November 2011

With a dynamic mix of keynote speakers, workshops on topical biodynamic issues and "world cafe" discussion space, this conference will be of great interest to farmers and growers (young and old) working within the organic/ biodynamic and wider sustainable movement. 

It will also appeal to producers and consumers who would like to find out more about biodynamics or deepen an existing connection. All welcome!

Taking place on the beautiful Emerson Campus, home of the Biodynamic Agricultural College,  there will also be a chance see biodynamic farming in practice at the inspiring, nearby Demeter certified Tablehurst Farm during the event.

The film 'Queen of the Sun' about the global bee crisis and biodynamics will also be shown.

• Keynote address by Patrick Holden (Patron - Biodynamic Association, Director of the Sustainable Food Trust) and former Director of Soil Association) on 'The Future of Food - Strategies for a Sustainable Agriculture in the 21st Century' 

Further talks by:

• Ueli Hurter (Farmer at L'Aubier Biodynamic Farm, Switzerland and Leader of the Agriculture Section, Dornach on 'Biodynamics in the World, Biodynamics for the World'
• Timothy Brink (Former farmer and CEO Biodynamic Association) on 'The farm as a self sustaining organism - a model for modern sustainable and integrated farming'
• Tyll van de Voort  (Land Manager, Clervaux Trust). on ‘Seeds of Sorrow, Seeds of Hope - Biodynamics and the Seed Question’

Workshops

• The working of life forces in and around us - Sybille Kort
• Securing Land for Biodynamic Farming and Horticulture via Farmland Trusts - Martin Large
• Quality testing - Matt Adams and Mike Atherton
• Holistic Nutrition - Wendy Cook
• Biodynamic Preparations - helping plants to help themselves - Bernard Jarman
• Bees: Our need to engage with the hive - Heidi Herrmann
• The sensitive nature of water - Simon Charter
• The future of cultivated seeds - Peter Brinch and Arjen Huese
• The Stars and their Role in Biodynamics - Ian Bailey

A Pre-Conference gathering will be held the day before for those who are young at heart to look at the question of access to land for farming and growing. This will provide an opportunity for students and apprentices from both biodynamic and organic trainings to meet and share.

Wine tasting: Time will be set aside one evening to sample biodynamic wines from Sedlescombe vineyard

Fee: £150 for the three days including food. Participants will have to find their own accommodation (some of which will be available to rent on site)