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What
Is Biodynamics?
The
term biodynamics sounds like some high-tech agricultural process. In
fact, it is quite the opposite. It
is an acknowledgment of the basic principles at work in Nature and the
application of those principles to the growing of food. The impetus for
this movement was provided by the scientist, philosopher and mystic,
Rudolph Steiner. Steiner’s 1924 Agriculture Lectures outlined the
process that was to become known as biodynamic farming. His predominant
message was, "Heal the soil." The forerunner to organics,
biodynamics is the only agricultural process that actually increases
rather than depletes our natural topsoil reserve.
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CSA (Communited Supported
Agriculture) members visiting Sakanac Biodynamic Farm in Kimberton,
Pennsylvania, help with the weeding
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In
addition to rejecting the chemical solution to the problems that
agriculture was experiencing, Steiner emphasized the importance of
cosmic, telluric (earth-related) and spiritual influences on the
production of healthy, life-enhancing food. Like the farmers who adhere
to the Farmer’s Almanac, Biodynamic farmers and gardeners believe in
the rhythmic influence of the sun, moon, planets and stars on the growth
of plant life. Ground preparation, planting, cultivation and harvesting
are done according to these rhythms. The natural, soil-enriching
preparations developed by Steiner and his followers produce a
humus-forming organic fertilizer that energizes the soil and the plants
that grow in it. Biodynamic farmers believe that healthy soil and a
respect for the natural forces that influence plant growth will produce
more complete and vital food for the nourishment of man and animals.
Theirs is a spiritual mission to produce the purest, most vital food for
humankind
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