 "Nurturing the land that nurtures us." |
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| What is Biodynamics? | |
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The concept of biodynamic farming was introduced by philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner in 1924. In a series of lectures, he presented a holistic view of agriculture that is based upon a healthy farm, one with the right balance of plants and animals, based on a healthy soil life. While the mixed-farming approach predates Steiner’s ideas, he pioneered the view of an ideal farm—a biodynamic farm—as one that can “produce everything it needs from within itself” and becomes a “self-contained individuality.” Thus the farm functions in its ecological community the way an organ functions in the body. Steiner puts agriculture in the context of a cosmology, which he called Anthroposophy, or “knowledge of the wisdom of man.” Anthroposophy, also known as “spiritual science,” is the underpinning of practical applications in education, art, economics, medicine, dance, and movement therapy, as well as work with the handicapped and mentally ill. A biodynamic farmer will strive to “root the farm in the whole household of nature” and will include in his or her practice the conscious working with the rhythmical influences of the cosmos and other subtle life forces on the local habitat. In this way, the farmer builds up a personal relationship to the farm. This active participation is a key component of biodynamics. Following from this, it is self-evident that synthetic inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) and hormones are strictly avoided on a biodynamic farm. | |