12 Benefits – 100 Years Celebration
Communication Plan for 2024
The contributions of biodynamic farming
Regenerative and self-sustaining
One of the main principles of biodynamic farming is to give back more to the land than we take from it. The aim is not only to look for sustainability, but to strive for the regeneration of the land. As everything starts with the soil, the premise of regenerating our earth is the regeneration of the soil. Only if we take care of our soil in a holistic way can we fully regenerate it. And that’s how biodynamic farming starts: instead of looking at the farm from a solely
efficiency perspective, the main question is how to help the land, how to make the soil alive again.
This regenerative approach goes hand in hand with the aim for each biodynamic and Demeter farm to be self-sufficient. Biodynamic farming is managed without any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Farmers use as few external inputs as they can and if they need anything brought into the farm, they work in collaboration with other biodynamic farmers. In this way, biodynamic and Demeter farmers are resilient in times of crisis as they don’t depend on anything bought in from the agrochemical industry.
It’s the whole biodynamic approach that makes biodynamic farming self-sustaining and regenerative: the care for the soil, the presence of animals, the choice of adapted and diverse seeds, the farm organism in its entity, etc. Diversity is the key to resilience and sustainability: the farm always strives to integrate a diversity of microorganisms, of wild and cultivated plants, of wild and husbanded animals, and much more. By focusing first on regeneration and on self-sufficiency, instead of focusing purely on production performance, biodynamic farmers are truly engaging in sustainable farming.
For more information about the biodynamic approach:
Working in harmony with nature
Biodynamic farming is about working hand in hand with nature. The reason for this is simple: in nature everything is mutually connected and interacting. Nothing works on its own but is always the result of complex interactions among various natural elements. Biodynamic farming ensures that all these elements – the soil, the plants, the animals, and the humans – can develop and grow together in harmony.
Just as everything works together in nature as one organism biodynamic farming considers the farm as a living organism composed of different parts and systems (various soil types, animals, trees, etc.). All these elements are integral parts of the farm and must be managed together to ensure the well-being of the whole. This is also why it is not possible to convert only part of a farm to Demeter standards, but only the whole farm can be converted.
In times where farming and nature conservation are often opposed, biodynamic farming shows the opposite. By working with a holistic approach biodynamic farming cares for nature, integrating the natural elements in the farm organism ensures that nature is supported, preserved and nurtured, which in turn benefits the cultivated elements of the farm.
For more information about farm organism:
Living and fertile soils
Soil fertility is key. It is the foundation for good quality products, our health and of course for the well-being of our planet. This is why one of the fundamental values of biodynamic farming is the regeneration of the soil. Biodynamic farming is not only about food production, but also about the sustainability and resilience of the farm itself which relies on soil fertility. The aim is to give something back to the earth by bringing the soil to life.
This includes maintaining and increasing the natural fertility of the soil through appropriate cultivation, animal husbandry and fertilisation. The aim of fertilisation is primarily to build up humus and thereby create soil fertility from which plants are nourished. The humus layer provides a source of nutrients for plants, regulates the air and heat balance of the soil, and binds CO2. All these elements are crucial for food production, but they also play a crucial role
for the climate. The carbon sequestration potential of living and fertile soils gives them a major role in achieving climate mitigation and thus highlights the role of farming in the current climate crisis.
Biodynamic farming works consistently to build up and enliven the soils through compost applications, animal and green manures, crop rotations, appropriate tillage, cover crops, and fodder plants. Each of these serves a different purpose – clover grass, for example, binds nitrogen from the air in the soil – but all of them foster the farm’s resilience and self-sufficiency.
Find out more information about soil fertility:
Healthy plants
As a source of nutrition for animals, human beings and soils, healthy plants are essential. Not only do they ensure food in its best quality, but they are also a reflection of the farm itself as they mirror the conditions in which they live. Vital and vibrant plants reflect the farm’s own vitality while unhealthy plants indicate problems to resolve on the farm. Therefore, caring for the plants is about caring for the whole.
Biodynamic farming aims to help plants develop in a healthy and balanced way, to access the full spectrum of nutrients they need, and become more resilient to pests, diseases, and extreme climate conditions. To strengthen the plants’ health and vitality biodynamic farmers follow good management practices such as the build-up of vital and fertile soils, the promotion of biodiverse environments, the use of the biodynamic preparations, and the choice of diverse
and adapted seeds.
The use of the biodynamic preparations is a characteristic of Demeter and biodynamic farms. They are vitalising additions for soil and plants which act as a sort of remedy for the earth, enhancing the growth and quality of the plants. Preparations increase soil life, promote fertility from compost which in turn support stronger, more robust, and pest and disease resistant plants. They come in two forms: compost and spray preparations.
For more information about biodynamic preparations:
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is at the heart of biodynamic farming. Preserving biodiversity is not only important for farming, but also to ensure food security as most insects are intimately connected to food production. As an indication 75% of food crops rely on animal pollination for fertilization. This is one reason why in biodynamic farming we consider it is the responsibility of each farm to protect and foster biodiversity.
As a start the Demeter standard stipulates that at least 10% of farmland must be left wild or dedicated to biodiversity. Through good management and conservation practices such as crop rotations, polyculture, virgin forests, long-term grassland, water bodies, insect and bird shelter, and wildlife protection biodynamic farming manages to enhance and preserve biodiversity. The use of any chemical inputs, fertilizers, or pesticides, as well as GMOs, is also strictly prohibited.
Instead, the farm works in collaboration with its natural environment.
Biodynamic farmers work in an integrated way with the ecosystem, searching for balance and integration between wild and cultivated species bringing the best out of each other. The results speak for themselves: 35% more birds, 23% more insects and more soil organisms such as earthworms and ground beetles are found in organic and biodynamic farmland thanks to the creation of natural habitats and the absence of chemical and synthetic pesticides.
For more information on Biodiversity:
https://demeter.net/biodynamics/biodiversity/
Climate action
Biodynamic farming recognizes the central role agriculture plays in the preservation of our planet´s resources and in tackling climate change. While agriculture contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, it also has substantial potential to reduce and even reverse emissions. To this purpose biodynamic farming commits to address the severe multiple crises affecting our world – such as soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, pollution – to mitigate climate change.
In this regard, a healthy soil is crucial. The building up of a humus layer through crop rotations, animal or green manure, or cover crops, binds CO2 emissions and fixes carbon in the soil. The absence of chemical nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides in biodynamic farming contributes further to climate mitigation since their production and use leads to even more emissions while being energy inefficient.
Biodynamic farming further pays particular attention to the use of fossil fuels and non-renewable resources, the protection of areas such as virgin rainforest, and other high value conservation areas from cultivation. Aware of the growing dryness around the world, the Demeter standards promote responsible use and sourcing of water resources to avoid erosion and salination of soils, as well as energy-saving techniques.
Our climate action stretches from field management to the packaging of Demeter products. Packaging must meet the best available environmental practices, including minimising the amount of material used, avoid overpacking and giving preference to reusable or recyclable systems. For these reasons some Demeter banana producers are engaged in plastic-free farming. On those farms the use of plastic is reduced by more than 703,68kg/hectare/year of plastic waste per hectare per year.
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Find out more about plastic-free banana production:
Seed and breed diversity
Plant diversity is one of the most important foundations for food for all people on earth. Diversity makes it possible for agriculture to adapt to changing environmental conditions and challenges, it gives the plants the capacity to flourish even under extreme conditions, and it ensures a diversity and richness of tastes. Yet we have lost about 75% of the world’s agricultural diversity while plant breeding has been increasingly centralised through the biotech industry.
GMOs and their associated patents further concentrate the ownership of seeds in the hands of a few companies. Most GMOs also often lead to an increased use of chemical inputs to face even more resistant pests. This jeopardizes our environment and our health. For these reasons, among others, the use of GMOs (both old and new) is strictly prohibited by the Demeter standard. Instead, the free access to genetic resources and the preservation of genetic diversity for the future generations stands at the forefront.
To foster seed diversity and to avoid the concentration of seed ownership, Demeter was the first organic association to develop guidelines for plant breeding and to certify biodynamically bred seed and grain varieties. In biodynamic plant breeding the focus lies on open-pollinated varieties fostering the natural means by which plants reproduce and exchange characteristics from generation to generation. Therefore, open-pollinated varieties have a higher genetic diversity and increased climate resilience. But they also ensure farmer’s sovereignty by enabling farmers to keep their own seeds, instead of purchasing new ones every year as is the case with hybrid varieties.
What can be observed with plant breeding is also the case in animal breeding where the sole focus on performance and efficiency leads to highly specialised breeds. Many locally adapted and robust breeds have already disappeared accelerating the decrease of available breeds. Biodynamic farming tries to encourage breeding diversity to make sure that the animals are resilient and adapted to the climatic conditions they live in. Going even one step further several Demeter and biodynamic farmers are now working actively with multi-purpose breeds rather than relying on the specialised high-performance breeds. As the name suggests, multi-purpose breeds show a balanced performance as they can be used for multiple purposes. Dual-purpose chickens for instance can both be used as layer hens and as broiler chickens which avoids the killing of the male chicks in the case of layer hens.
Find out more about biodynamic plant breeding:
Find out more about animal breeding:
Find out more about GMOs:
Animal welfare
Animals play a central role in biodynamic farming. More particularly cows have a central function as they provide manure which enhances soil fertility and supports biodiversity. This is why on Demeter farms it is mandatory to work with animals. If this is not possible, a cooperation with another farm must be established to ensure at least animal manure. This obligation comes with a great responsibility: the welfare of the animals.
Biodynamic farmers respect and look after their animals’ needs and wellbeing in every way. Animal welfare is very close to their heart. It starts with choosing the right breed, suited to the farm and the environment, feeding the appropriate fodder, and ensuring the animals have enough space to express their natural behaviour. But it goes beyond these fundamental principles: the Demeter standard doesn’t allow mutilations which is why all cows keep their horns.
Biodynamic farming also requires keeping a diversity of domesticated and wild animal species on the farm. While domestic animals, such as cattle, are key to ensure soil fertility through manure, wild animals are needed among others for pollination and natural pest control.
Therefore, animal husbandry is about caring for all animals on the farm to ensure the farm’s health, self-sufficiency, and resilience.
For more information about Animal Welfare:
Food Quality
Biodynamic farming always strives for the best food quality. To this aim the Demeter trademark was developed as the only global brand that certifies biodynamic products. To ensure biodynamic practices provide conditions for plants and animals to thrive, the Demeter standards are checked and developed regularly. They build on organic certification but are more rigorous, aiming to provide premium quality products.
The integrity of Demeter products continues through the entire value chain. Oils and grains are, for instance, pressed with low temperatures to avoid loss of flavour and nutritional benefits. Milk may be pasteurised but not homogenised, and herbs and spices are traded whole or only coarsely chopped to avoid loss of etheric oils. Processing methods damaging the integrity of products such as radiation, chemical preservation and x-rays are strictly prohibited. Processes are gentle to maintain or enhance the vitality of foods.
Demeter food strives to be authentic, so no artificial ingredients are allowed; additives and processing aids are kept to an absolute minimum and are always declared on the label. All raw materials and ingredients for production and processing alike are protected from potential sources of contamination and Demeter certified where possible. Biodynamic farmers commit to producing GMO-free food without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. We choose quality and freshness over intense production processes and price-reducing chemical inputs.
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Human development
Biodynamic farming considers human development in its context, connected with animals, plants, and the environment. Humans can only develop further if we take a global approach by considering humans as part of a wider ecosystem. Human development goes together with the farm development. In this sense, biodynamic farming follows the one health approach which recognizes that human health is linked and interdependent with the condition of our environment, including the animals and the plants surrounding us. Human empowerment and development are at the core of biodynamic farming. In this regard, learning, training, and knowledge exchange are fundamental. These activities have a long history in biodynamic farming as in reality farming is indeed a continuous learning and
improving process. It requires constant adaptation to external constraints such as varying climatic conditions or different soil types. But biodynamic farmers also aim for higher objectives, striving to make their farm more resilient and sustainable while at the same time ensuring economic viability.
To support further human development, biodynamic farming encourages work in collaboration at farm level. Animals can, for instance, be held in partnership between farmers which enables all farms to benefit from animal presence and to share the constraints. Not only do farmers gain in efficiency, but the different collaborations are a key platform when it comes to encourage knowledge exchange and development.
For more information on training in biodynamics:
For more information on the one health approach:
Social responsibility
At the heart of biodynamic farming lies a deep desire for social justice, respect, and empowerment. This is why social responsibility and fair working conditions are fundamental principles of the Demeter standard and biodynamic production. This includes equal opportunity regardless of ethnic background and gender, and healthy and safe working conditions. To strengthen the importance of social responsibility a separate Social Responsibility Standard
has been introduced by the Federation. The Social Responsibility Standard is an agreement on the minimum requirements that a biodynamically managed farm must meet to receive its Demeter recognition. However, it is only a minimum requirement. Biodynamic farming expects constant development and the aim to go beyond the minimum. In this sense, Demeter operators are expected to strive for working conditions, which are above the average, as well as a positive and fair social relationship with the surrounding community.
The biodynamic and Demeter movement also tries to ensure fair trading practices across the globe among the operators. To ensure fair prices and fairness along the whole supply chain Demeter relies on binding cooperation with all its retail partners and with every Demeter trader. In this way Demeter tasks its trading partners with the further development of sustainability in the food sector.
For more information, check out our Social Responsibility Standard:
Resilient economic relationships
Biodynamic farming commits to cooperation by building resilient economic relationships with all actors from the field to the plate. Strong and long-term relationships are crucial for farmers as they need to ensure the economic viability of their farm not only for themselves, but also for those who work on the farm.
To ensure social norms are really included in the trading relationships, the Demeter and biodynamic movement engage in ‘associative economics’. This means that all stakeholders along the value chain come together to discuss the current state of market. Farmers, processors, retailers, and consumer representations associate by exchanging views during round tables on the quality of their commercial relationships. Among others they discuss production conditions, growing methods, processing procedures and most important of all fair prices. Instead of maximising profits on only one side, they strive for a cooperation that is good
for all commercial partners.
Another way to achieve further cooperation is through the model of ‘community supported agriculture’ (CSA). CSAs are a way to support local agriculture and to strengthen the relationship between farmers and consumers. CSA provides farmers with a reliable source of income and enables them to share the risks linked to farming with the community. Through shared responsibility and engagement CSAs create truly resilient economic relationships paving the way to another economic model.