While most of us are familiar with the term “organic,” most of us aren’t familiar with the term “Biodynamic!” So today, I am so excited to be sharing with you my passion about Biodynamic foods VERSES organic foods.
These two ways of growing definitely vary in the way they’re regulated and certified.
(See the Differences between NOP organic and Demeter Biodynamic here.)Organic is a term used for foods that have been grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and with non-GMO seeds. But while organic standards are drastically higher than those set forth by commercially grown standards, these days organic standards have been greatly diminished.
That’s why I chose BIODYNAMIC foods versus ORGANIC foods whenever they are available.
Biodynamic is a term used for foods organically grown according to the spiritual science revealed by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). While biodynamic is similar to organic farming in that both take place without chemicals, biodynamic farming goes way BEYOND organic farming!
Not only does biodynamic farming consider the entire ecosystem of the soil, it also incorporates what some would call “unorthodox” methodologies to create the most nutritious food possible. These methods involve managing a farm utilizing the principles of astrological influences and lunar cycles as it pertains to the best time to sow the seeds and harvest the food, which had been long ago set forth in our forefather’s Farmer’s Almanac – which my grandfather followed to a T!
The view of the farm as a living organism extends beyond the fence line and includes the tangible and intangible forces that work through it. Examples include the climate, inherent wildlife of the earth, the light and warmth from the sun, along with the more distant astronomical influences.
In short, biodynamic agriculture attempts to harmonize all of these factors with a holistic, living farm system. The food that results is true to its essence and provides deeply penetrating nutrition that is essential to an increasingly unhealthy human population.
Check it out on ToniToneyTV featuring an interview with Demeter USA’s (non-profit certifiers of Biodynamic farms & foods) Farmer Educational Coordinator, Erin Sojourner Agostinelli!When you buy certified Biodynamic food you can be sure that you’re getting food grown with the highest standard I know out there! All Biodynamic farms are first inspected to be meeting the base of the national organic program and then are inspected to be meeting the Demeter Farm Standard (and Processing Standard!), which is a rigorous International standard that focuses on a CORE Principal that views the Farm as a Living Organism.
Seven practices are derived from that one Core Principal and quickly bulleted, here they are:
- Creating Biological Diversity
- Generating Fertility on the Farm (reduces or eliminates outside inputs)
- Generating Disease, Insect, & Weed Control on the Farm
- The Biodynamic Preparations & Wider Influences (think Homeopathic remedies for the health of the farm and soil)
- Utilizing on Farm Water & Waterway Conservation Practices
- The Integration of Livestock (Even Vegans can do this, as they are healthy friends to have on the farm-scape!)
- Gentle Post Harvest Handling (Demeter takes into consideration the ingredient being processed so that the least amount of manipulation takes place. There are over 16 standards that are ingredient specific.)
If you want more details on Biodynamic Farms and Products available in the USA, check out Demeter’s Website and their Directory of Members!
And look for this seal when you are shopping!
This emotionally-evoking video, which was shot on Whitted-Bowers Biodynamic Farm in Cedar Grove, NC, features my story as a young girl who firsthand watched the destructive movement called “better living through chemistry” take over and destroy the ecosystems of my grandfather’s fields.The question you must now ask yourself is this: Do I want to continue purchasing my produce from toxic fields … fields too toxic to even hold a playful child?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings so please share them directly in the comments below.
If this video moved you into action, please share it with your friends and family or anyone you think might be ready to become an ECOTARIAN and eat Ecotarian-friendly foods!
With all of my love,
Toni
