Biodynamic Organic Farming- What is it?

Organic, pesticide free, GMO free and parabens. These are some common terms heard, or seen on a day-to-day basis, but what about the term “biodynamic organic farming”? It sounds pretty scary, doesn’t it? It’s not; it’s actually a pretty awesome thing.

By the way, Happy World Environment Day! To go along with the theme of today, let’s talk and spread awareness about our environment. Starting now.

What Is Biodynamic?

Let’s start with tackling the term biodynamic. Biodynamic farming first developed in the 1920’s by social activist Rudolf Steiner. Steiner’s approach focused on creating a balanced farm ecosystem that generates health and abundance as much as possible from within the farm itself. Biodynamic farming includes the use of fermented organic manure, herbs, and minerals to enhance nutrition, quality, and flavor of the food grown.

Using Alternatives for Pesticides and Sprays

On conventional farms, farmers often use pesticides and chemical-based sprays to keep from losing crops and to enhance flavor and color. So how do biodynamic farmers keep their crops alive and appealing?

Biodynamic farmers often use alternative sprays, including:

• Organic herbal sprays
• Chamomile Blossoms
• Valerian Flowers (extracted into water)
• Seaweed/algae sprays

As for keeping biodynamic organic produce appealing, the fact that it’s biodynamic is appealing enough!

Why Is This Important?

Biodynamic farming is important because, not only does it eliminate pesticides and harmful ingredients used in farming, but it also benefits the earth and the people consuming and handling those crops.

Biodynamic farming also enhances the use of things such as pollinators, and beneficial bugs and weeds. For a biodynamic farmer there is no such thing as pests, so instead of killing off the bees and so-called “pests,” biodynamic farmers plant flowers that will attract the bees and help enhance the growth of their crops. The more pollen, the better!

How Can I Find Biodynamic Farms Near Me?

Here’s the tough part. While biodynamic farming is beginning to become a more familiar term, there still aren’t many biodynamic farms around.

Here are a few:

• Hawthorn Valley Farm CSA- in Ghent, NY
• Common Good Farm- in Raymond, NE
• Whitted Bowers Farm- in Cedar Grove, NC
• Happy Heart- in Fort Collins, CO
• Live Power Community Farm CSA- in Covelo, CA
• Filgreen Farm- in Boonville, NC

How To Get Involved:

If there are no biodynamic farms in the surrounding area, don’t worry too much. The North American Biodynamic Association is holding their conference in Louisville, Kentucky this year, so if you live close be sure to get a ticket or ask to volunteer!

If none of these are options for you, ask around. Read up on biodynamic farming and ask around to see if any of your local produce vendors are interested in getting a farm started. Get out there and spread awareness about biodynamic farming. After all, it is World Environment Day.