Celebrating 100 Years of Biodynamics
In 1924, a group of German farmers noticed an increase in disease and a decrease in resilience of both animals and plants on their farms. They were concerned by the negative impacts of agro-industrial practices and chemical fertilizers they were witnessing (even back then), and were convinced there had to be a better way to farm and work with nature. They approached Rudolf Steiner, who had grown to great renown from his work on social and environmental justice issues, and asked if he would give a series of lectures on farming holistically.
To prepare, Steiner travelled throughout the countryside, speaking to “peasants” who had worked the same farms for generations, to harvest their knowledge and learn the old Germanic ways of farming that were fast disappearing.
That was the beginning of biodynamic farming.
Steiner would give eight lectures, later published under the title ‘Agriculture Course’. Farmers and gardeners created an early form of participatory research, which they named the ‘Agricultural Experimental Ring’. They put Steiner’s lectures into practice and shared their results. These experiences led to the creation of the Demeter brand and the first Demeter standards - the strictest standard for organic agriculture - in 1928. Since then, the movement has only grown. Biodynamic hectares have increased 57% in the last decade. In 2022, biodynamic farms reached 255 000 hectares, cared for by more than 7000 farmers worldwide.1
Why do I choose Biodynamics?
I choose biodynamics because I want to give back more to the land than I take from it. The premise of regenerating our earth is the regeneration of soil. Instead of looking at my garden from the perspective of how can this be most efficient for me, I ask myself how I can help the land, and how I can make the soil alive using holistic methods.
I choose biodynamics because it celebrates diversity, and diversity is the key to resilience and sustainability. Biodynamics mimic nature’s way by integrating a diverse array of microorganisms, by using wild and cultivated plants, by celebrating wild and husbanded animals, and treats the farm ecosystem as its own living entity. In nature, everything is mutually connected and interacting, and by integrating this philosophy into the ecosystem I care and interact with, I feel a sense of belonging and well-being.
I choose biodynamics because I want improved food quality. My favourite Steiner quote is “Healthy people need healthy food from healthy farms”, and I feel this in my bones. I want to live a long, healthy life. I want to be able to play with my grandchildren and enjoy my old age. Growing healthy food is my retirement plan.
I choose biodynamics because I want to be a seed saver. I want my plants to enjoy living their full life cycle. By allowing our plants to go to seed, we receive a gift of endless abundance, sow more resilient plants, and honour the life force of the plants we have helped grow.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use biodynamic fertilizers and compost to bring your soil alive, please reach out to me at cosmicdivebar@gmail.com.
I am beginning to teach and am working on a course for families to learn how to grow healthy food and living compost. I am so excited to share my passion for sustainable, regenerative food farming - and you don’t need a 100-acre farm to do it. Our little family is growing lots of biodynamic food in an urban backyard in Toronto.
Anything is possible with an open heart and dirty hands.
Biodynamic Federation Demeter, Clara Behr https://demeter.net/regenerative-self-sufficient/