In the past few years, as I’ve been trying to eat more local food and visiting my local farmer’s market, I’ve heard the term ‘biodynamic’ bandied about. I’ve often wondered what it really meant. It sure sounds good – the word makes me think of life and movement and interaction. And the biodynamic farmers I’ve come across are all dedicated individuals with organic certification.
Last weekend I picked up a copy of Edible Vancouver because it had a tagline on the cover that read ‘The Biodynamic Woman‘. I decided this was my chance to learn more. To my delight the article featured Mary Forstbauer, an old family friend whose blueberries I consumed with abandon during my childhood. I read the article, and then I read about biodynamic methods on the Forstbauer’s website. I also checked out Wikipedia and the Bio-Dynamic Society of Ontario. Here’s a brief excerpt from the Bio-Dynamic Society of Ontario:
A variety of sustainable farming techniques are used, including crop rotation, composting, interplanting, careful treatment of livestock to ensure both longevity and quality, and seed saving. In addition, influences from the moon and other planets are taken into account. In essence, the farmer becomes the conductor of an orchestra, working with nature, recognizing weaknesses in the farm and working to strengthen the whole farm organism.
Biodynamic agriculture is based on a series of eight lectures given by Rudolf Steiner in 1924. (If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Steiner is also the founder of Waldorf education.) Biodynamic farming is an organic farming method – that is, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. But it’s more than that. It views the farm as a whole, living system. Animal manure is turned into compost, crops are used to feed animals. They used an astrological planting and harvesting calendar, and special preparations to encourage the health of the soil.
The Edible Vancouver article quotes Mary Forstbauer as saying that she doesn’t know why, but it works. I’ll take her at her word – after all my own growing experience is extremely limited. The Wikipedia article links to studies that show mixed results as to the efficacy of biodynamic farming. At minimum, it seems at least as effective in terms of soil quality and yield as organic farming practices. No harm is going to come from using biodynamic principles, and some farmers claim that it really helps.
What I’m really curious about, though, is why I’m seeing more and more farmers trying biodynamic agriculture. Is it because it really works? Is it because customers want it? Or is it because they generally agree with the whole farm approach?
I have a wild guess. And my wild guess is that the rise of biodynamic agriculture has something to do with the co-opting of the term ‘organic’. Organic farming started as a counter-culture movement. Small farms were run by dedicated individuals, committed to sustainability and preserving the environment. But then it caught on. Now organic foods are big business, grown on large farms and processed in massive facilities by multi-national corporations. And it’s great, really, that we’re using fewer chemicals and paying more attention to the food we’re eating. But it leaves the small farmers, the dedicated families, without a way to distinguish themselves from the big guys.
And that’s why I think biodynamic agriculture is catching on. It might very well work, and customers probably like it. And I would guess that the whole farm approach resonates with biodynamic farmers before they even start it. But most of all, the label sets them apart. There’s no way that a massive, single crop farm can be biodynamic. By gaining biodynamic certification these farmers are regaining the distinction that used to come from using organic methods.
Of course, I may not know what I’m talking about. I’m just a suburbanite who can’t grow lettuce. But I’d be curious to hear your take. Have you heard about biodynamic farms? Do you buy food from them? And why do you think the movement is taking off?
I’ve never heard of biodynamic before, but I’d agree that the term organic has become so mass market that it’s hard to differentiate which products are truly healthy and which pay only lip service.
I suspect you’re right about ‘biodynamic’ being a possible selling point. Sounds good, though. And I can’t grow lettuce either, for anything but the bugs.
I haven’t heard that term either, but agree with you and the others that the true organic farmers have to do something to separate themselves from the new “crop” of organic producers…heck even Wal Mart is getting on the organic bandwagon!