Biodynamic agriculture worldwide
Overview of the practice of Biodynamics in different countries around the world.
Biodynamics in Europe
At the origin of the development of organic farming and agroecology in Europe, Biodynamics initially received a reception favorable in German- and English-speaking countries, notably in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Australia.
In 1947, Alex Podolinsky, one of the pioneers of Biodynamics, emigrated to Australia, a country known for its climatic challenges and poor soils. Thanks to his efforts, more than one million hectares are cultivated this way, on areas ranging from small farms to 10,000-hectare ranches. In a very short time, lands considered too poor or "leached" by ruinous practices have been transformed into lush fields and meadows. Today, part of the cereals produced on these revitalized soils is exported to Europe and Japan, where they are sought after for their excellent quality.
Biodynamics in North Africa
Another interesting initiative related to biodynamic agriculture is found in North Africa. It is SEKEM in Egypt, founded in 1979 by Ibrahim Abouleish, an Egyptian physician and chemist and recipient of the 2003 Alternative Nobel Prize. This unique worldwide commitment combines cultural life, social organization, agriculture, and economy, now including a cooperative of more than 800 farmers and numerous partner companies and organizations partners. SEKEM has inspired many innovative development projects worldwide and freely shares its unique experience and know-how.
Demeter: global brand for products from biodynamic agriculture
A pioneer in organic product certification, the biodynamic movement, to identify its products to consumers, created in 1928 the brand "Demeter" — named after the goddess of fertility and fruits of the earth in Greek mythology.
Its specifications and approval and control program comply with the European Community organic regulations but go further by adding criteria related to the organization of a farm, seed selection, livestock management, and the use of biodynamic preparations. Especially in Germany as well as in Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavian countries, cereals, fruits, and vegetables bearing the "Demeter" label enjoy a reputation for health, flavor and food quality, often commanding prices significantly higher than other organic products (10 to 30% for milling wheat or more than 50% for certain varieties of carrots, for example).
Biodynamics in France
In France, where biodynamic agriculture is practiced on about 1000 estates, there are many associative and private structures contributing to its development. Considerably helped by the Australian impetus of Alex Podolinsky, who notably brought an expansion of agronomic bases, improved quality of preparations and stirring equipment, good soil self-fertility, and more precision and rigor in work, its progress has significantly accelerated since the late 1990s.
Thanks to its contribution to soil regeneration and the sanitary balance of vines, as well as to the aromas, taste, and terroir expression of wine (AOC), biodynamics has gained a certain prestige in viticulture, where more and more renowned estates practice it, either on part or all of their vineyards.
With the aim of promoting "true" and "authentic" wines linked to a terroir, that is to say to a geological and climatic reality, Nicolas Joly, winemaker of the Coulée de Serrant and a famous figure in the world of Biodynamics and Great Wines, founded the association La Renaissance des Appellations, which now brings together about 200 winemakers from around the world.
Market gardening and especially local market gardening and AMAPs are other areas where biodynamics is gaining more adherents. In such contexts, the gustatory and nutritional quality of products as well as solidarity and economic and social ties are generally important factors. These links often extend to arrangements involving land organization, free provision, investments, loans, prefinancing of production, or risk sharing.
In 2015, the Association Soin de la Terre, whose roots date back to 1995, established a research and information center in the Cluny region. Engaged in field research in collaboration with farmers and winemakers, its objective is to contribute to the development of biodynamics and to build a bridge between classical analytical methods and approaches oriented towards a global vision of a system. Among these are sensory analysis (visual, olfactory, tactile), Vincent Bio-electronics (BEV), the slake test (soil structural stability), water infiltration tests, and morpho-chromatography. Also, Soin de la Terre seeks to show a wider audience the great agronomic, economic, and ecological potential of this Agriculture of Life and to establish links with professional bodies and institutional research.
Perspectives
A biological, even dynamic and spiritual vision of the world is the cornerstone of Biodynamics and shows us how inseparable nature and agriculture are from all human activity. These are intimately linked not only to food, clothing, housing, and the economy in general but also to the beauty and quality of the environment in which we live, our physical and mental balance, social and cultural life.
By addressing agronomic and economic issues as well as cultural, social, and environmental aspects, Biodynamics is perfectly positioned to contribute to concrete and constructive solutions to problems currently at the heart of agricultural, food, ecological, and social debates: life, fertility, and soil stability:
- selection and preservation of seeds and cultivars
- sanitary balance of crops
- pest, disease, deficiency, and weed management
- respect, health, and welfare of animals
- quality and preservation of food
- contamination of agricultural products, water, and air by pesticides
- importance of soil for food quality, health, and a healthy life
- local agriculture
- malnutrition and hunger worldwide
- social organization and the role of farmers in agricultural production and landscape maintenance
- economic and financial balances
- preservation of rural heritage
- waste recycling
- carbon sequestration
- climate disruption
- droughts and floods
- waste of water, energy, and raw materials
- depletion of global phosphate deposits
- protection of the environment and natural resources, notably biodiversity, arable land, water, and air.
However, it is only through a global approach such as that proposed by Biodynamics that solutions can be hoped for against the derailments and dead ends caused by a short-sighted exploitation philosophy, which continue to multiply.
Thanks to its ability to regenerate degraded soils quickly and with few resources, biodynamics has important assets to contribute effectively to the improvement and advancement of organic farming, even to the development of tomorrow’s regenerative, sustainable, and ecological agriculture. An Agriculture of Life where the promotion of life and health takes precedence over the fierce fight against pests, weeds, and diseases. An agriculture where agronomy, ecology, and economy live in perfect harmony.
"All real innovation and change usually start from very small minorities who truly make use of their creative freedom." E.F. Schumacher, 1911-1977 Author of "Small is Beautiful"
Annexes
Sources
- Article written based on the document Biodynamics: a promising path towards sustainable agriculture of tomorrow by Ulrich Schreier
La version initiale de cet article a été rédigée par Ulrich Schreier.
