Demeter Association October Newsletter

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Demeter Newsletter -- October 2024

Greetings from Demeter!

In this issue:

+ Standards Feature: Greenhouse Management

+ Programs supporting Biodiversity on the Farm

+ Real Organic Project Symposium

+ Nutrient Efficiency through use of the Preparations

+ Announcements of upcoming Conferences

+ Staff Corner -- an Inspector's Perspective

Please send future newsletter content suggestions or questions to: [email protected]

Certification Cycle Update

As we come to the end of October, our team of Biodynamic inspectors are busy wrapping up a majority of their inspections and writing reports to submit to the Demeter office. Our Certification Specialists are hard at work reviewing these inspection reports as they come in.

Here in the office, we meet as a team each Wednesday to discuss this work and to collaborate and gain insight from each other to help make the best decisions for our clients. Findings reports, detailing any issues that came up during your inspection, are sent to you by one of our Certification Specialists, but we are all involved in each review as a team! Reviewing all the reports will keep our staff busy all the way until late spring of the coming year. We are grateful for the work we do, as our part in the Biodynamic movement. Extending the gratitude forward to all of you!

Questions about certification?

Please contact Sarah Rhynalds: [email protected].

Notes from the Field...

We are reserving a spot in each of our newsletters to feature a farmer or other certified business owner. If you'd like to write a brief article about your experience with Biodynamics, or answer some interview questions about your operation, we'd love to share it with our readers!

Please contact Nell at [email protected] for more details.

Standards Feature:

Greenhouse Management

The Biodynamic Farm Standard is posted on Demeter USA's website and can be found at this link: Demeter-Farm-Standard.pdf

One recent update to the Standard was an expansion of the section on Greenhouse Mangement. The change adds some specifics to the way an on-farm greenhoues must be managed, bringing this management into alignment with the requirements for the rest of the farm.

II. Greenhouse Management

A greenhouse can be an important element within a Biodynamic farm, but it must be seen as part of the greater farm organism or be managed as a whole independent system(s) in and of itself. A greenhouse may be used to grow plant starts in containers or for growing crops directly in the soil. In all situations the requirements of the Biodynamic Farm Standard apply in full. For example, the requirements concerning imported/applied fertility, pest control, biodiversity, crop rotation, weed control, water conservation etc. are all applicable to any greenhouse management under Demeter certification.

Management of rainwater shed from the area under cover is mandatory so that is does not erode soil or create a point of pollution.

Mulching materials

• Organic mulching material is permitted (for criteria for imported mulches, see Section I.B.5 – Fertility materials needing special consideration)

• Biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable plastics are not permitted

• Plastic mulching material is only permitted if it is reusable for at least 5 years

What is Biodynamics?

We want to hear your one-liners!

We're asking because we'd like to add a page to our website where visitors can read a range of descriptions. Reading what others say about biodynamics has the potential to speak to a wider audience, and may re-enliven our own way of speaking about it!

Please send your interpretations to: [email protected]

Biodiversity Reserves --

New Light on an Old Practice

Biodynamic certification requires that 10% of total farm acreage be devoted to biodiversity preservation and enhancement. This focus on the importance of natural ecosystems, and their interconnection with agricultural systems, has long set Biodynamics apart from other farming philosophies. Biodynamic farmers have established and protected wild areas on their farms for decades and have seen the many benefits of doing so.

In recent years, government agencies have shifted focus to include a greater variety of farm-based conservation practices that may receive direct funding or other support, many of which dovetail very well with the Biodynamic Standards. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hosts a number of programs focused on environmental improvement and protection. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) includes a long menu of supported programs, including the establishment of pollinator habitat and creation of wildlife corridors and reserve areas.

In 2018, the Conservation Reserve Program added Prairie Strips to the list of accepted practices for which landlowners can enroll, receiving incentive payments and 50% cost share for installation. The program focuses on a mix of plant species native to each state, and allows for some flexibility of installation, with the landowner deciding where and how much of a field will be planted in prairie species, and the allowance of using the prairie strips as end rows for turning equipment.

Researchers have found a nearly three-fold higher density of grassland birds on fields with prairie strips, especially important given the dramatic decline of grassland nesting species in North America since 1970. Pollinator species numbers and diversity also increase with the presence of prairie strips. Researchers also tout the benefits of decreasing erosion and runoff from crop production areas. Prairie plants, famous for their extensive and deep root structure, are known for their ability to absorb excess water, along with nitrates and phosphorus, helping to keep these compounds out of waterways and groundwater. Research by scientists at Iowa State University indicates that each acre of prairie strips has the potential to sequester 25-40 tons of carbon over 100 years.

The vision of American Industrial Agriculture which rose to prominence in the 20^th century did not include natural systems. Extensive monocultures have long dominated the country’s most productive agricultural regions, and fencerows were removed and field edges plowed in a quest for higher yields and greater production. With natural checks and balances removed, this system relies on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to provide crop nutrition and prevent damage from insects and competition from weeds.

An updated version of American Agriculture seems to be emerging that counters that model with one basing some of its resilience on natural systems. Natural ecosystems are rarely a monoculture, are often comprised of perennials, and eschew bare ground. Diversity within the system creates balance. Food and fiber production can thrive in such a system, and human communities can experience the benefits as well.

Only certified Biodynamic agriculture requires a 10% biodiversity reserve, but as awareness has grown, we’ve seen a variety of farms adopt similar practices, often with the assistance of the NRCS or other agencies. This re-shaping of agriculture is a slow but encouraging trend, and Biodynamic farms have an opportunity to lead the conversation about the many benefits to faming, communities, and the planet that could result.

The Real Organic Project Symposium

at Churchtown Dairy

By Evrett Lunquist, Director of Certification

Over two days in late September in the round barn at Churchtown Dairy (near Hudson, NY and happens to be Demeter certified Biodynamic), US and world travelers converged for the Real Organic Project (ROP) symposium. I had the privilege of attending along with over 200 thoughtful and engaging people including farmers, certifiers, retailers, policy makers and influencers. ROP was founded out of the vision that organic farming must be done in the soil and as a response to the allowance of hydroponic and container agriculture by the USDA National Organic Program and some organic certifiers. Soil is fundamental to Biodynamic certification. Hydroponic and container grown crops are not permitted by Demeter USA.

In response to the USDA National Organic Program issuing noncompliances and threatening loss of accreditation to certify organic to numerous organic certifiers for refusing to certify hydroponic and container agriculture, Demeter USA joined with seven certifiers and over 13 other organizational endorsements last year to call on the NOP to recognize the position statement that soil is fundamental to organic certification.

Demeter USA and ROP share many common motivations – the call for enhancing soil health and vitality that produces nutritious food, protection of the environment, humane treatment of livestock, pasture raised animals, importance of biodiversity.

While many connections were made at the symposium and I look forward to cultivating these further, one unexpected discovery was made with the help of Eliot Coleman, Maine farmer and author of a number of books about growing produce and extending the growing season. When we were discussing the merits of Biodynamic farming, he mentioned that I should look up an Australian professor, Stuart Hill. Turns out, Stuart Hill wrote the foreword to Herbert Koepf’s book The Biodynamic Farm, and an internet search found that he was interviewed by Dave Chapman for ROP. Here is the link to the interview. Stuart Hill | Sustainable Farming, Intuitive Knowledge, and Feedback Loops

ROP has a treasure trove of interviews if interested. Here is the link to Dave giving the opening remarks Dave Chapman | "Real Organic Project" | Churchtown | Sept 28, 2024

Dave Chapman, Co-Director of the Real Organic Project, gives the opening remarks for the ROP Symposium in Hudson, NY in the Round Barn at Churchtown Dairy.

Biodynamic Preparations Increase

Nutrient Availability

By Natalie Brinkley, Certification Specialist

Regenerative Agronomy Podcast – Nutrient Efficiency

This podcast from Soilcraft speaks to the importance of biological activity in our soils for nutrient efficiency. We can encourage balanced nutrient cycling by increasing applications of biodynamic preparations since they contain high levels of – and encourage - beneficial bacterial and fungal populations. To summarize the podcast conversation: Carbon-based molecules such as humic, fulvic acids, and amino acids, are often ionic (positively and negatively charged on either side). The presence of these ionic molecules allows a higher potential for nutrients to be utilized by plants. In other words, adding the Biodynamic preparations when applying nutrients allows for a more balanced uptake by the plants (e.g., this is partially why Appendix B.2.l of the Farm Standard states concentrated fertilizers must be composted or applied with biodynamic preparations).

foliar sprays are improved by the proper carbon
the more bacteria we have in the soil the more nutrients we have available to plants
higher levels of bacteria in the soil help fix nitrogen from the air
microbes are key to nutrient use
bacteria can convert nitrates into protein
fungal hyphae are necessary for nutrient uptake

According to Quantum Agriculture by Hugh Lovel:

500 – Calcium, nitrogen fixation, digestion, nutrient elaboration, transformation and coherence. Builds a healthy soil food web and boost soil organization.

501 – Photosynthesis, blossoming, fruiting and ripening

502 – Works with sulphur, potassium, fluid flow

503 – Works with digestion, calcium/amino acid complexes and nutrient update. Good relationship with nutrition, cell division and growth.

504 – Works with calcium, proteins, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. Also works with chlorophyll and hemoglobin, enzymes and hormones.

505 – Uses calcium and carbon to prevent oxidation of amino acids in both soil and leaf. Protects against fungal attacks.

506 – Works with silica and potassium. Great for fruit set and improves the size and appearance of fruit especially when used with 500 and 503.

507 – Works with phosphorus.

508 – Works with amorphous silica to strengthen cell walls, hardens and prevents weak, watery growth. Soil applications of fermented 508 stimulates mycorrhizal growth. Fresh tea is good for ripening fruit.

- Staff Corner -

Andy Bennett

Certification Specialist & Staff Inspector

Visiting Churchtown Dairy with Jennie and Jean-David.

Inspecting Biodynamic Farms in 2024

The annual inspection of Biodynamic farms is a requirement of Demeter Certification.

Whether the farm is a few acres or a very large acreage, a small CSA or a large diversified operation, or a vineyard or grain operation of hundreds of acres; whether they have certified animals or non-certified livestock or no Livestock on the farm; whether they make their own Biodynamic preparations, make some of their BD preps or purchase the Biodynamic preparations; whether they make a lot of on-farm compost or a little on-farm compost ….. growers take great pride in their Biodynamic composting practices!

Whether they store their BD preps in a wooden storage box or barrel with peat moss and not next to an electrical fuse-panel; whether the BD Prep 508 is used in their plant care program; whether they have any neighboring adjacent field border-buffer issues; whether they have year-round waterways, maybe a fish bearing waterway; whether field activity or production records are detailed enough to complete an Audit Traceback and Mass Balance; whether any seed they purchased that was not Biodynamic included a Biodynamic Seed search, that any annual seedlings that were purchased were Biodynamic, or organic at a minimum; whether they meet the minimum 10% biodiversity requirement, or maybe they have 70 % whole farm biodiversity; whether they had approval for all new inputs not on their material input list before applications were made; whether they needed to maintain equipment clean-out records for non-dedicated equipment used; whether the soil evaluations were being done during the driest summer in 10 years or the wettest spring in 10 years …… all of these items are just part of a Biodynamic farm inspection. Then we have the ECERT Checklist to complete.

Whether this is the farm or processor’s 1^st or 10^thinspection, they are expecting a thorough records review and site inspection of their Biodynamic Farms and/or Handling facilities to the Biodynamic Standards which includes meeting the National Organic Program Standards as a minimum.

Whether the weather is 35 degrees or 105 degrees; whether it is raining or snowing we will get the inspection done …… and throughout this whole process we will be talking, talking about farming, about the challenges and success each year brings, about how all the elements of the individual farm are connected as part of a Demeter Certified Biodynamic whole farm organism.

Andy has been a Demeter USA team member since 2014 and he’s been inspecting farms since 2001 with Food Alliance, USDA NOP Organic, and Demeter USA.

CLASSIFIEDS

Scottish Highland Bull

For Sale

Our 6 year old Scottish Highland Bull from a Biodynamic farm in western Oregon needs a new home.

Baby Ram Firecracker is a beautiful, gentle, blonde Highland bull. He is a fantastic herd bull and in his prime.

He is son of Ram Firecracker who is a registered Highland bull who 5 years ago found a home on a Biodynamic vineyard near by.

Asking $500.00 or trade for another highland bull.

Contact: Jim Fullmer, Hoskins Berry Farm, 541-609-0360 [email protected]

Join the Biodynamic Assocation for the 2024 Online Conference!

The Biodynamic Association is thrilled to welcome a stellar slate of keynote speakers at their upcoming Online Biodynamic Conference. These presenters will share their wisdom and insights on the social, spiritual, and scientific aspects of a reimagined agriculture, weaving them together over the course of the event in concert with the three-day workshops.

Demeter licensees receive a $10 discount on registration; please see the earlier email from the BDA with this code, or email [email protected] for help.

We hope to see you there!