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What is
Bio-Dynamic Farming
Bio-Dynamic
Farming is often thought of as the next step in Organic Farming.
Among the many farmers now considering converting to this type of
farming is HRH the
Prince
of Wales
What is Bio-Dynamics ?
Founded on a holistic
and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being's role within it, as
suggested by Rudolf Steiner, Bio-dynamic Agriculture builds on more than 75 years of world
wide farming experience. At its heart
is the idea of the farm as a self-contained evolving organism, whose life relies
on home produced compost manures and animal feeds, and in
which external inputs are kept to a minimum. Season for
season such a farm develops its own resilient identity, builds long-term
fertility and radiates health and vitality into its surroundings.
How is Bio-Dynamic different from organic?
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Every bio-dynamic farm aims to become
self-sufficient in compost, manures and animal feeds.
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All external inputs are kept to a
minimum.
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Compost is treated with special
herb-based preparations.
-
Crop quality is improved using natural
manure and quartz based preparations.
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Ecological diversity is a goal of
landscape management.
-
An
astronomical calendar is used to determine auspicious, planting,
cultivating and harvesting times.
What
is DEMETER?
Demeter is the name of the ancient Greek goddess of
fertility and abundance. It is used today as a symbol for wholesome and
natural food produced using the bio-dynamic approach to organic farming
and gardening. Whenever you see the Demeter logo, it means that you are
buying certified bio-dynamic
produce.
Is Bio-Dynamic food better for you?
Food produced from healthy soil and
contented animals will make for healthy people. Research shows that bio-dynamic
produce:
There is also considerable
anecdotal evidence to show that eating bio dynamic food increases vitality,
reduces allergic reactions and brings about an all round health
improvement.
For Summary of research work up to date follow this link
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Bio-Dynamic Agriculture at Perry Court Farm:
 This
includes recognised organic methods, plus the use of certain herbal
ferments, suggested by Rudolph Steiner. The attempt is made to increase
the vitality of soil, plants and animals, by using them, either through
the compost heap, or by direct spraying on the soil. Care is also taken
to work with yearly, daily, and moon rhythms, as life is carried on
these swings of growing and fading.
The sensitising of the soil to react to these
cosmic rhythms is brought about by remaining in the sphere of life, i.e.
composting crop residues and animal manures. All chemicals are avoided
since these reduce the soil's ability to react.
Vitality in food is essential for health as we
eat primarily to obtain forces rather than substances. Health, wholeness
and healing belong together, and form the basis of Biodynamic growing.
For more information please go to
http://www.biodynamic.org.uk
Or for information on how to Farm and Grow Bio-Dynamically please follow the link below. (advertised by Emerson College)
HANDS-ON TRAINING IN ORGANIC FARMING
Would you fancy a job in the open? There are many organic farms in need of skilled workers, and experienced farmers and growers are regularly
needed to take over farms from the older generation. For people who would like to spend their working life outdoors, working with plants or
animals, there is a great opportunity to embarge on the only form of agricultural activity in England that is actually growing! Against the
declining trend of conventional farming, the number of organic and biodynamic farms is rising steadily. Active and enthousiastic young
people are needed to carry organic farming in the future. The only vocational training in organic and biodynamic farming and vegetable
growing is at Emerson College in Sussex, leading to a nationally recognised Foundation Degree. It is a combination of theory in
classroom, learning of practical skills like tractor driving, welding, pruning, grafting, seed growing, etc; and work placements. To learn
more about their training, visit their website at:
http://www.emerson.org.uk/index.php?id=16
or ring them on: 01342-822238
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