Biodynamic agriculture is the oldest, most sustainable organic approach to farming practiced today. Founded in 1924 by Rudolf Steiner, it was a response to farmers concern about the decline in the health and quality of their crops and live-stock that followed the introduction of chemical fertilizers at the end of the twentieth century.
The Biodynamic practice is unique because it looks upon both the soil and farm as living organisms within the context of the greater universe including the cosmos. It is based on a holistic understanding of nature (bio), and the dynamic interaction of all living things within each unique landscape. As such, each farm evolves to create as natural and self-sufficient, closed-loop ecosystem, that is rich with biodiversity.
Biodynamics is similar to organic farming in that both reject the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. But the Biodynamic farm goes further by:
* Keeping outside inputs to a minimum. Waste streams are turned into fertility streams.
* Using specialized compost techniques and herb-based homeopathic sprays to build soil health and planet immunity.
* Working with the rhythms of nature by embracing the total influence on plants from the cosmos-the sun and moon, planets and stars.
* Including the life of the farmer as part of the whole.
