Welcome to 100 Years of Biodynamic Practice

The Biodynamics Association UK is part of the global celebrations taking place to mark one hundred years since Steiner delivered the eight lectures of the Agriculture Course at near Breslau (Wroclaw, Poland) and laid the foundations for the biodynamic movement. First researched and practised by a core group of scientists and farmers constituting the Experimental Circle, who were encouraged to keep both the course and research confidential until practice was developed. Biodynamic agriculture has since been part of laying the foundations of the organic movement and established itself as part of that wider approach.

The development and expansion of new methods of farming that move away from the industrial farming and synthetic chemicals as fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides, towards an agriculture that is more integrated with the natural world both spiritually and physically is as appropriate and as much needed now as it was when Austrian Dr. Rudolf Steiner delivered his inspirational lectures in 1924.

Biodynamic farming is now practised in at least 55 countries and over 251, 000 hectares of land worldwide and continues to expand as a healing and regenerative agriculture attenuating the ecological challenges that face us today.

As the precursor to modern organic farming, biodynamics shares all its benefits whilst going beyond in its emphasis on actively creating a more balanced ecology through farming, as well as a connection with the spirits of the earth and nature.  Biodynamics views each farm as its own individuated and ecologically integrated system to be managed according to local conditions and the demands of the land, placing an emphasis on encouraging soil health and fertility as well as nature and animal welfare, both domesticated and wild, with at least 10% of all land dedicated to the promotion of habitat for wild species and biodiversity. In its essence it works to balance modernist analytical scientific research and understanding with an appreciation of the spirit and unseen forces of nature to give a holistic perspective.

To celebrate this centenary the Biodynamic Association is joining other biodynamic and sustainable agriculture organisations both in the UK and worldwide in celebrating these hundred years through the hosting and promotion of a number of special events and courses.  Continuing this month we will be at the Natural Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) showcasing the best of our products alongside industry leaders at this the largest event for the sector in the UK. In May we are co-hosting an already sold-out event led by the eminent Susan Raven, an author, her event Engaging with Nature, Self and Spirit will focus on how biodynamic farmers can build mutually beneficial lines of communication with nature spirits. Also in May, the Biodynamic 100 Conference Transforming Land Transforming Lives in partnership with Ruskin Mill Trust offers an in-depth event on 24/25 May followed by a research day on 26^th with a series of presentations by leading academic researchers and practitioners in the field. Both are a fantastic opportunity to share in ideas at the cutting edge of our movement and great biodynamic practice while exploring specific areas of interest in workshops.

This is just a taster of events over the year to come!  The Biodynamic Association and partners will be hosting celebratory events and workshops all year long across the country, check out the events calendar on our website if you want to join in or find out about all the fantastic events which are part of this. Weblink to 100 years

Project manager

Manuela Murray