Written by Dr. Mercola
The key to maintaining good health is by eating real, non-processed food. However, the quality of whole food is greatly influenced by how it was grown. Certified organic food is recommended to avoid toxic contaminants like pesticides. But even organic foods may lack important nutrients if grown in poor soils. To truly improve topsoil, regenerative farming methods need to be implemented, many of which are not required by organic standards.
Today’s discussion is on biodynamic certification with Elizabeth Candelario, managing director for Demeter, a global biodynamic certification agency. Candelario, who spent most of her career in the wine industry, became interested in biodynamics when the winery she worked at transitioned from conventional to biodynamic farming.
In the United States, the wine industry was an early adopter of biodynamic practices. Winemakers noticed that the best wines were produced from biodynamic vineyards, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Zind-Humbrecht. Family-owned wineries were particularly interested in passing down their estates to future generations, with Frey Vineyards in Mendocino County being a prime example. The ecological aspects of farming and sustainability were key factors in the decision to transition to biodynamic farming.
Candelario’s interest in biodynamics led her to join Demeter almost 10 years ago.
The History of Biodynamic Farming
While organic farming is well-known in the U.S., biodynamic farming is a lesser-known concept with a history dating back nearly nine decades. Biodynamic farming is a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture developed by Austrian scholar Rudolf Steiner. This approach can lead to superior harvests compared to conventional agriculture while also promoting Earth healing. Similar to organic farming, biodynamic farming emerged in response to the industrialization of agriculture.
Steiner, known for founding Waldorf education, was approached by farmers in the 1920s concerned about the decline in farm health due to the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. He emphasized viewing farms as living organisms that sustain themselves through natural cycles.
The Farm as a Living Organism
Steiner’s view of farms as living organisms laid the foundation for organic and biodynamic farming. Both approaches focus on revitalizing soil health and avoiding synthetic fertilizers that harm microbial life. Demeter, founded in 1928, is the oldest ecological certification organization globally, ensuring the integrity of biodynamic standards through a strict certification program.
While biodynamic farming is well-established in Central Europe, it remains less recognized in the U.S. Efforts are being made to convert products to biodynamic certification, with a focus on sourcing raw materials. Projects like SEKEM in Egypt exemplify the social mission inherent in biodynamic agriculture.
Organic Versus Biodynamic
Understanding biodynamic farming in comparison to organic standards can help grasp its principles. Although similar, there are distinct variances between the two standards. The National Organic Program (NOP) establishes organic standards, while Biodynamic standards are set by Demeter. According to Candelario, organic primarily focuses on what practices are avoided, such as the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, GMO seeds, sewer sludge, and irradiation. Conversely, Biodynamic farming views the farm as a living organism and goes beyond organic standards by emphasizing a closed system approach to farming. This includes finding solutions to disease, pest, and weed control within the farm itself.
In order to achieve Biodynamic certification, the entire farm must meet the standards, as the farm is seen as an integrated living organism. Additionally, ten percent of the farmland must be dedicated to biodiversity cultivation. Biodynamic farming emphasizes finding solutions to fertility issues within the farm system itself, using methods like green manures, composting, cover cropping, and integrating animals. There are also more processing standards in Biodynamic compared to organic, with the goal of preserving the integrity of agricultural ingredients with minimal processing.
Animal integration and welfare are key principles in Biodynamic farming, as herbivores play a crucial role in maintaining optimal soil health. The certification process for Biodynamic is similar to organic, with an annual inspection and certification costs ranging between $250 to $750. However, the shortage of certified products in the marketplace has hindered the spread of Biodynamic farming. Efforts are being made to educate consumers and bring more Biodynamic products to the national market through partnerships with companies like Whole Foods.
The ultimate goal of Biodynamic farming is to heal the planet through agriculture by transitioning from conventional to organic and, ultimately, to Biodynamic practices. Consumer demand plays a crucial role in driving the adoption of Biodynamics on farms, making it important for consumers to understand the principles and benefits of Biodynamic farming and to seek out certified products. Food enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals will be interested in this product due to its superior quality and nutritional value. Animal rights activists should support it as it prioritizes animal welfare. Environmentalists will appreciate its positive impact on the Earth and its ability to stabilize weather patterns.
Recently, Paul Hawkin released a book titled ‘Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming,’ which discusses the importance of addressing emissions and sequestering carbon in order to combat climate change. By sequestering carbon through processes like photosynthesis, we can not only reduce carbon in the atmosphere but also produce healthier and more nutritious food.
Conventional farming practices hinder carbon sequestration due to the use of synthetic fertilizers that kill the beneficial microbiota in the soil. By increasing the carbon content in agricultural land worldwide, we can halt the annual increase of CO2 in the atmosphere and improve soil health.
Biodynamic farming, which goes beyond organic standards, involves unique practices such as Steiner’s soil amendments. While these methods may seem unconventional, they have proven benefits for soil health and fertility. By focusing on regenerative and Biodynamic agriculture, we can address carbon sequestration in a way that other industries cannot.
For more information on Biodynamic farming and certification, visit Demeter-USA.org and BiodynamicFood.org. These organizations offer educational resources and directories of certified farms and brands. It is crucial for the natural food industry to prioritize regenerative agriculture, as Biodynamic farms are well-equipped to combat climate change and promote sustainability. La buena noticia es que los consumidores tienen un tremendo poder cuando se trata de impulsar este cambio. Cada vez que compras alimentos, estás votando por un sistema agrícola u otro, así que haz elecciones deliberadas e intencionales.