The Biodynamic Farm Standards were updated, published, and sent to Demeter members in March of 2023 with the Renewal email. Some of the standards revisions will be described below and in subsequent newsletters.
Here is the address to access the Standards with the revisions highlighted:
https://demeter-usa.org/downloads/Demeter_Biodynamic_Farm_Standard_change_highlights.pdf
Two revisions require the use of the Biodynamic compost preparations:
- Biodynamic Farm Standard - Appendix B.2.l
In short: Concentrated fertilizers must be applied or composted with the Biodynamic preparations 502-507. The plant responds to a concentrated fertilizer much like a synthetic fertilizer. The intent is to bring the guiding influence of the compost preparations with the application of concentrated fertilizers.
The full Standard reference: Concentrated fertilizers* (which shall be composted with the Biodynamic compost preparations or applied along with Barrel Compost or similar compound preparations before they are applied to the fields whenever federal and state legislation allows) such as:
i. Farmyard manures such as dried chicken manure
ii. Horn meal
iii. Bone meal
iv. Meat and bone meal
v. Dried blood
vi. Hair, feather, and other similar products
vii. Plant and fungi residues or by-products of plant or fungi processing, such as vinasse and molasses
*Concentrated fertilizers: Fertilizers of a non-mineral nitrogen source, which are processed other than with a simple drying or composting. They are usually sold in bags and can be shipped more widely than farm manures. They can be singly or as a mixture of i – vii above.
2. Biodynamic Farm Standard - Appendix B.2.c
In short: Fish products must be fermented, composted, or applied with the Biodynamic preparations 502-507.
The full Standard reference: Fish products shall be composted, fermented, or applied with the Biodynamic preparations 502-507 (i.e., prepared compost, Barrel Compost/Compound, Prepared 500, etc.). Testing for heavy metals maybe required. Factory fish meal or fish wastes from fish farming are excluded.
If we see that an update is needed to your process to meet the Standards, we’ll let you know via the Findings Report. Please call or email [email protected] with any questions!
