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Dear members and friends of biodynamic agriculture,
 
The foundation of the Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International is a milestone in the development of the biodynamic movement. This inclusive organisation that unites all biodynamic initiatives will be an important contribution to achieving our common vision:

An agriculture of the future that it is not only about cultivating farming land in a sustainable way as well as processing and trading good food, but really about the holistic development of humans and the earth. Such an agri-culture is seen as an essential foundation for both individual and societal development and it will gain in importance as it provides solutions for all burning issues of the present including economic, cultural, social, and ecological ones.

We invite you to become part of this community!
 
Helmy Abouleish, president
 content

Corona Virus and the Biodynamic Movement
The Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International
Corona Virus - what does it mean for the Biodynamic Movement?
 
The main focus of Biodynamic Agriculture is to strengthen life forces in all of its elements. We aim to do this by integrating the parts of the farm to support self-sufficiency, resilience and harmony, giving them vital connections to one another and to their environment as well as to the cosmos. The food from this agriculture can help to strengthen life forces in us as well.

Although of course we need to take the necessary precautions for not spreading the virus, we also need to not be terrified. Fear and anxiety can weaken our resistance in general. Georg Soldner from the Medical section of the Goetheanum has written an article with some sensible advice - please click here 

He raises the question of the relationship between the increased number of novel viruses that frequently come from the animal kingdom and the relationship between humans and animals in the world as it is.  “This raises not only the microbiological question of the origin of the virus, but also the moral question of how to deal with the animal world." That moral question is of course a core concern of the biodynamic movement, in which we want to give animals, both wild and domesticated, the respect and dignity that they deserve.

Wishing you health, light and vitality.
 
The Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International

"What will change in the future? We will have much more inclusion, much more uniting power to support biodynamic agriculture, and much more diversity."

Demeter International and the International Biodynamic Association (IBDA) have joined forces to form the Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International. The new international umbrella organisation thus unites all biodynamic and Demeter organisations worldwide. The Federation was launched during the annual conference of the Agricultural Section at the Goetheanum in Switzerland in the first week of February 2020. Representatives from over 30 countries attended the founding meeting.

"The founding of the new international umbrella organisation cannot be called anything other than historic. At last, the organs of the biodynamic movement - the substantive work on the biodynamic impulse, certification and market development - are coming together in a healthy organism", said Christoph Simpfendörfer, who was appointed to the executive board of the new organisation.

In the future, all biodynamic and Demeter organisations will work together to advise, decide and develop services for the international community spanning the fields of education, consultancy, research, certification, market development, marketing and political lobbying. 

For research, training and consultancy, carried out through the free initiatives of the members, the new Federation will offer a common quality assurance and "train-the-trainer" service.

The certification of companies is either carried out by accredited national certification organisations or is offered as a professional service by the Federation.

Demeter markets are becoming increasingly international.  In new and existing markets, the visibility of the trademark is increasing, the range of products is broadening and so is their availability. The Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International will therefore remain responsible for the protection of Demeter trademarks worldwide.

Demeter’s presence in public discourse must also be strengthened and thus the important contribution of the biodynamic movement to an agricultural and food culture of the future. The fertility of our soils, animal husbandry, and the social question in agriculture and food production will be the main focus of future work.

In 62 countries worldwide, 6,396 farms cultivate 208,327 ha. according to the Demeter guidelines. The produce is further refined into high-quality products by 875 processing companies, and made available to consumers by 502 traders. In addition, there are also numerous initiatives in which hundreds of thousands of farmers without certification begin to work biodynamically and market their products locally.  

The formation of the Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International will support and develop the biodynamic movement and aim to take it from strength to strength.

Here is a short film of the foundation: click here
News from the Section
Review of the Agricultural Conference 2020
 
"Finding the Spirit in Agriculture" was the topic of the Agricultural Conference at the Goetheanum in Switzerland from 5-8 February 2020. Over 900 people of almost all age groups from 48 countries attended this event, with remarkable interest from across the world. In order to provide the opportunity for as many interested parties and friends of the biodynamic impulse to take part, national borders and other barriers were overcome. For instance, a live stream with simultaneous translation was set up for 200 Chinese who were unfortunately unable to attend the conference in person due to the precautions against the coronavirus – an opportunity that was received with great enthusiasm in China.
Over the course of the four days various facets of the spiritual orientation and dimension of biodynamic agriculture were explored and examined. Speakers from a wide range of countries with very varied cultural and religious backgrounds and traditions spoke about their personal approaches, and shared their practical exercises and tangible results with the listeners. They showed how integrating the spiritual dimension can help to better understand the current situation and face the challenges of our time, and how a person can stay true to themselves in this. At the same time the speakers gave an overview of the connections that the biodynamic movement can build to and with other organisations in civil society.

One example involved an approach to the "new" relationship to the other person through geometry, to the attitude which can lead us to a meeting with the earth as a living being and to the beings that inhabit it. Another was the search for similarities between biodynamics and the traditional cosmologies of the Mapuche Indians and the Maoris, as well as the role that biodynamic agriculture can play in the face of exclusion and social violence. These were all very diverse and moving speeches based on the personal and lived experience of the speakers.

In the afternoons, a new meeting format was introduced with Open Spaces, something which proved very popular and offered the participants the opportunity to exchange views with each other. The contributions here were also diverse and varied, such as the visit to a land art installation in front of the main entrance to the Goetheanum. A highpoint was flying a drone over the Goetheanum meadow – illustrating how biodynamic preparations can be sprayed over large areas and difficult terrain.
 
The art which accompanied and framed the conference as an ambassador of the spirit ranged from music improvisation via performances to artistic courses. In addition, Claudy Jongstra, an internationally renowned Dutch artist who works with biodynamic wool, presented the unique installation Woven Skin.
 
The Agricultural Conference 2020 closed with the inauguration of the new Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International which has arisen from the amalgamation of the IBDA and Demeter - International. This new international organisation is a very significant step for the global biodynamic and Demeter movement. It is a contribution to collaborative development and to standardisation of the values of biodyamics, and confirms the commitment to social issues. Both at the heart of this initiative and through the entire conference there was a clear call to connect to oneself and to others, to build bridges and to work beyond the familiar for the benefit of the earth and mankind.
 
Biodynamic Advisors
 

The newly developed Peer Review Quality System has been launched!
A joint project of the Section for Agriculture and Demeter International

 
For many years, the Section for Agriculture has been fostering the exchange of biodynamic advisors by organising international meetings. At these meetings the desire for a common basis as well as for quality assurance became apparent. Step-by-step and in a participatory process, the current approach has been developed and the Peer Review Quality System for biodynamic advisors was launched in January 2020.

This platform will replace the existing list of advisors, including the current public list of recognised Demeter advisors on the website of demeter.net.  There is a transition period until July 2020, during which current advisors have time to register and fulfil the new requirements.

The Peer Review Quality System is based on the Charter for Biodynamic Advisory Services produced in 2015, which deals with ethical matters such as transparency, respect, freedom of choice and confidentiality. The minimum criteria to be met provide quality assurance, while the peer review and self-reflection approach are intended to support quality development within the advisory work.

Participation is open to all biodynamic advisors who work nationally or internationally and meet the required minimum criteria. If the advisor also aims to have a Demeter qualification, there are additional criteria and then a quality development meeting (Peer Review) with two colleagues on entry and every three years afterwards.  A qualification committee will then take a final decision based on the criteria and written recommendation of colleagues. In future this will be a requirement for all advisors who wish to work on projects for the International Certification Office (ICO) of the Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International.
 
Further information can be found on the website: www.biodynamic-advisors.org.

Contact: Section for Agriculture, Sarah Sommer, sarah.sommer@goetheanum.ch & Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International, Petra Derkzen, petra.derkzen@demeter.net
Farm Talk workshops during the Agricultural Conference
Switzerland, February 2020.
Schirin Oeding, Thomas Schmid, Petra Derkzen

"What are conditions for a good farm talk?" With this question we started with 20 people during the three-day Dialogue Workshop at the Agricultural Conference. A clear picture arose immediately. Keywords are: honesty, none-judgemental, empathy, respect.

How is it possible to get to such a situation with a group? What to do as a moderator? We developed exercises in small groups where different roles could be tried out, with a personal challenge of someone as a starting point. One such exercise was called "stepping in the shoes of the other" which we literally did, standing on 'paper shoes' and living into the situation of the other, 'what would I do?' 'how would I feel?'. A variety of feelings and doings appeared, showing the person with the challenge a range of alternative ways to deal with the challenge. Not with advice or persuation, but by living into the situation.

Schirin presented and explained the German project ‘Anerkennung’ where an innovative bridge is sought between the Farm Talk and certification. Various participants of our workshop are in the process of starting Farm Talks in their country, such as France, Switzerland, Italy and USA. For many, these exercises brought the concept closer to how it could function in their own situation.

For more information on the German project “Anerkennung” contact:
Schirin.oeding@demeter.net
For more information on Farm Talk instruments contact:
petra.derkzen@demeter.net
“Evolving Agriculture and Food – Opening up Biodynamic Research” – A special issue on biodynamic research

In January 2020 the science journal Open Agriculture published a special issue on the 1st International Conference on Biodynamic Research (Dornach, September 2018).
 
Extract from the editorial:

In this special issue, we present papers based on contributions to the first international conference on research in biodynamic food and farming held in Dornach, Switzerland, from Sept 5th to Sept 8th 2018. Altogether, twelve papers have been accepted for publication. Altogether, the papers in this special issue show that scientific research in biodynamic food and farming is evolving to examine the proposed effects of this production system, being aware of the fact that the epistemological approach of natural sciences cannot capture the ontological system and the corresponding assumptions. We are looking forward for research in biodynamic food and farming to bridge this gap in the future.

(Brock, C., Derkzen, P., Fritz, J., Spengler Neff, A., Florin, J.-M., Hurter, U., Wahl, V. (2019). Open Agriculture, 4(1), 803-804. DOI: doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0079)
 
Link to the special issue:


copyright: Jonas Lismont
Study published in Spanish: Worldwide Practice of Biodynamic Preparation Work - The Case Studies

The Section's study on the biodynamic preparations published in English and German in 2017 has now been issued in Spanish and is available via the following link.
 
The project


The eight biodynamic preparations are one of the core elements of biodynamic agriculture, working as constitutional remedies for the agricultural organism. They can be produced locally, mainly from the natural resources available on the farm and as part of these natural processes. The worldwide spread of biodynamics however necessitates adaptations and individual methods, resulting in a rich variety of biodynamic preparations.

This research-based book presents fifteen insights into the places where preparations are produced and the people who make them, and hence provides both a wealth of experience and topics for discussion and further development of biodynamic preparation practice. Last but not least, the personal answers and examples help in the understanding of biodynamic preparations and their social anchoring.
International Professional Group, Herbs and Medicinal Plants - 
Networking Project
 
One major concern of the Group is to facilitate the networking of the many different biodynamic specialist businesses for herbs and medicinal plants worldwide. In order to make this possible, an international platform for biodynamic medicinal plant and herb companies is being created on the website of the Section for Agriculture. One goal is to show diversity and individuality. This platform enables participants to get to know one another and plan possible future joint research activities. All biodynamic companies working in the field of herb and medicinal plant cultivation can submit their portraits and have the opportunity to present their company with a focus on specific working topics or research projects.

The Professional Group's pioneering project is still in its early stages, but the first companies are now online. To promote networking and cooperation in the field of herbs and medical plants, we need your participation! Share your strengths, your individuality and your open questions with the community.

The published portraits and more information on registration can be found at:
https://www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en/thematic-areas/herb-and-medicinal-plants

Aukrust 2018
Theme of the year 2020/21

Breathing with the Climate Crisis
 – ecologically – socially – spiritually
 
Climate change is a reality. We experience it on our farms. Anyone who works with nature has to cope with extreme weather situations nowadays. We are confronted by either withered crops or soils washed away by heavy rainfall. Cattle farming can be like walking a tightrope if the pastures dry out. The water table sinks, springs dry up. The woodlands are dotted with dead trees.
 
Climate change? For years we have been asking ourselves whether this is a change in the climate or just extreme weather. Is it all exaggerated? Will the computer simulated predictions actually prove true? Perhaps or perhaps not. But the fact is that we are now affected. We are increasingly aware of how the atmospheric envelope is intimately bound up with the whole organism of the earth. Above the earthy humus layer the earth's air and warmth layers breathe. No one has knowingly or deliberately changed something there. Climate change seems to approach us from outside. The periphery, which we were not even aware of, speaks to us: Hey people, wake up!
 
Whose voice is this? Is it actually ours? We sense that we are not just isolated separate individuals on the earth. We also exist beyond this point, the periphery belongs to us. We have, as it were, a peripheral self. This is an experience in two steps. First, I also exist in the periphery, so that I along with all other people make up the human race, directly, without any distinction of culture, language or background. Secondly, I am responsible, we are responsible for "the whole". Is this really true? Waking up to this knowledge is a shock. Is there really any point in being on this earth, can the earth actually bear my footprint? And for the climate youth, climate change has become a climate crisis and they demand a change to the system.
 
We come to an expanded concept of the change that is demanded of us: climate change – in the environmental dimension, the social dimension, and the spiritual dimension. How can we get our breath back in these three dimensions: a refreshing breath on the earth, a trusting breath in society, a liberating breath as an individual human being?
 
Climate change in an environmental sense means we must treat the resources of the earth differently, we must understand the agricultural organism not just from inside but from outside, from the climate issue, from a view of the living organism of the earth. How can we capture the excess carbon in the atmosphere in the life cycles of our farms?

Climate change in a social sense means that the social climate in many countries is at breaking point, as it is in the international community. What is the way forward in Bolivia, Chile, Lebanon, Hong Kong, England, France,... and everywhere, in our communities? How can we reach future-oriented social forms where the human dignity of each individual can be upheld by the community?
 
Understanding climate change spiritually means developing a new experience of the "I". The "I" is not complete, but develops. And this happens in a dialogue. In a dialogue with another I, with the world, with its own higher self. As a being amongst beings. Not as an ego. How can we arrive at a spiritual climate that enables individuals in dialogue with the world to grow beyond themselves?
 
The Section for Agriculture and the Youth Section are joint organisers of the Agricultural Conference 2021. It is planned as a conference on earth, climate, culture.

Agriculture Conference 2021:
Breathing with the Climate Crisis – ecologically – socially – spiritually
Annual International Conference of the biodynamic movement
Goetheanum Dornach, Switzerland.
15:00 on Thursday 11th February until 12.30 on Sunday 14th February 2021.
 
References:
  • Anthroposophical Leading Thoughts, GA 26. Michael letter: From Nature to Sub-nature. Leading Thoughts 183-185
  • Eco-Alchemy: Anthroposophy and the History and Future of Environmentalism (Dan McKanan)
  • Climate: A new Story (Charles Eisenstein)
  • Erde und Mensch (Guenther Wachsmuth)
  • Sustainable Civilisation (Klaas van Egmond) 
  • The Limits to Growth (Dennis L. Meadows, Donella Meadows, Jørgen Randers, William W. Behrens III) 
  • Trajectory of the Anthropocene: The Great Acceleration (Will Steffen)
 you can find more on the section website
Brand Communication
NEW: Demeter International online communication

The new communication campaign "you will grow" with our communication of the values of biodynamic farmers continues to grow with the new campaign which was very well received at Biofach.


Sarah Fischer from office in Germany, Stuttgart. Colleague of Chistoph Simpfendörfer with great talents
 
Just in time and brand new for the trade fair we launched the new campaign website you-will-grow.net: What would you like to eat? - Love, respect, dignity or passion?



Here 11 biodynamic practioners represent our values and biodynamic aims like animal welfare, farm organism, soil fertility and much more. More at you-will-grow.net
Demeter-International is now also present on social media:
Facebook, Instagram

You are welcome to include links on your country websites and social media channels to connect us all and to bring the biodynamic world to other people.

Contact Katja Aßmann if you have questions about the campaign or if you would like to implement it in your country.
Demeter at Biofach 2020
 
From 12-15 February the international Demeter community again presented itself at a stand of 110m2 in Hall 7 at Biofach in Nuremberg - this time with the new campaign "You will grow". Next door was Demeter Germany's stall, in the neighbouring hall were Demeter Italy and many other Demeter brand manufacturers.

 
Numerous manufacturers from Spain, Portugal, France, Austria, India, Italy and Tunisia presented their Demeter range in an attractive environment. As a co-exhibitor from France reported, there was a particularly high level of activity in the Demeter sector this year.

The meeting area inside the stand was used almost continuously by staff and co-exhibitors for discussions with licensees, inspection bodies and consultants. Due to the prominent positioning of the information desk, no enquiries were missed and the stand personnel were asked to answer many questions regarding certification, clarification and conversion.

The raffle #myvalue on social media Instagram and Facebook offered the opportunity to present oneself as part of the Demeter presence on the net. Very promising!



 
3,792 exhibitors from 110 countries presented themselves to the trade visitors on an area of 57,609 square metres (net area without special shows). More than 47,000 trade buyers from 136 countries were inspired by new products, trends and innovations from all over the world in another two halls. In addition to Germany, Austria, Italy, France and the Netherlands made it into the Top 5 of the visitor countries this time!

Next year Biofach will be held in Nürnberg from 17-20 February 2021. Please send inquiries to: Anette Jorry
Research Training Advisory
Farm talk workshops in Bozen 
Italy, January 2020.
Thomas Schmid, Petra Derkzen

At the end of January, we walked with a group of biodynamic farmers through a vineyard in South Tirol, with a flock of sheep behind us we looked at the state of the vines and at the compost while trying to ask open, non-judgemental questions of the farmer who is hosting us. That is not so easy. Often our habit is to ask questions so that they already provide a solution.

The group of 13 farmers is from this region. They are very dedicated to learn how to facilitate a good farm talk after the first experiences they made in their group over the last year. After the first workshop that we gave in November 2018, groups were established and these farmers guided several farm talks. Then they experienced what went well and what was a challenge. Trying to do farm talks is needed in order to learn from experience. We were lucky to have a real-life situation created by one of the farmers who was kind enough to host us. How can we manage to keep the attention on the host, not the visitors? How can we create an atmosphere of trust?

The Waldorf school in Bozen is located on the roof of a 5 stock building with a marvellous roof garden in the middle of industrial Bozen. In the afternoon we had here an introduction workshop for farmers who did not yet have any experience with farm talks. The group of 24 farmers received information on what is a Farm Talk and the 13 moderators could develop the skills they had practiced in the morning in small groups.

Elisabetta Foradori, board member of Demeter Italia, is responsible for the Farm Talk project.
COLOMBIA:
Start of the ‘KVP project’ in Colombia – December 2019

In December, for the second time in 2019 the entire biodynamic association in Colombia came together. This time it was for an extraordinary members assembly. With a group of 40 people we worked intensively on the goals for the future of biodynamic agriculture in Colombia, within the possibilities of the ‘KVP project’ (Kammer Verbands Project - a participatory guarantee system, financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development [BMZ]). The goals that were identified earlier had to be grounded in feasible projects, activities, responsibilities.

The original goals were:
1. To build a strong membership organisation.
2.  Certification should be available to all members.
3. Training and consulting in organic and biodynamics should be available to all members.
4. The Demeter brand should be able to be used both in the country and internationally.

Our current team of four has been expanded with new team members who are responsible for different tasks: for certification - Ricardo Sanchez Puertas and Marianne Torres; for Marketing - Camilo Salazar; and for Education - Brigida Valderama and David Vasquez.

Photo: Explanation of the activities for building a strong member organisation by Samuel Tascón
 
Two of the four working groups, a group for each goal.


Photo: Presenting the work on Education and Advisory by Ingo Mordhorst and David Vasquez.
Reports from member countries
Second Demeter International Marketplace meeting "Bananas"
Silke Runge-Jelich
 
The first "Demeter Banana Market Meeting" in November 2019, USA has borne fruit.

As early as February, participants from production in Central and South America, export and import, as well as the retail sector in Europe were able to pick up on the topics discussed in November, and to take up new ones, at a second meeting on the 4th February in Berlin.

It was impressively shown which concrete forms of cooperation can be made possible through understanding along the entire value chain. The topic of substitution of plastic by paper in cultivation was again presented in depth and examined in a workshop. Concrete cooperative ideas were developed, e.g. for the extension of research of plastic-free production from producers and traders.

In each cultivation region, very different location conditions prevail. Therefore, data on weather conditions in connection with shell defects are to be collected and evaluated in a study. More experience with permaculture and water management was shared by a farm in Spain.

The important topics of fair pricing in the value chain and the income situation of small farmers in the Dominican Republic were discussed in a workshop in connection with the topic "How do we achieve a good balance between supply and demand?" The foundation of a banana producer community was considered.

In a further discussion it became clear how important it is to further develop the market for processed products from banana production, such as puree and crisps, as well as to ensure the purchase of other fruit from diversified farms.

The specific trade requirements regarding skin quality and appearance in connection with the price of the fruit were also mentioned in both workshops. Creative solutions need to be found on how to achieve greater tolerance among traders and consumers through appropriate marketing and greater consumer information.

The conventional trade was clearly convinced of the strikingly high quality of Demeter bananas and is interested in sharpening the Demeter profile.

In summary, in order to maintain quality leadership in the organic fresh banana sector, it is necessary to carry out research into growing conditions and methods, long-term social standards and guidelines for biodiversity in cultivation, market analyses and well managed marketing, which takes into account the needs of all participants in the value chain in a balanced way.

The participants were very satisfied with the format of the event and further follow-up meetings have been arranged.
News from Sekem: The Future of Greening the Desert: We Will Continue!
Narimeh Paeplow

On our desert farm in Wahat El-Bahareyya, we have reclaimed 63 hectares of desert land through sustainable agriculture and installed three pivot irrigation systems run mainly on solar energy, supported by a crowdfunding campaign. After peppermint and peanuts are already irrigated by our 1st pivot, the 2nd pivot supplies chamomile with water and finally the 3rd system will irrigate spearmint and 50.000 trees. Then we will not only make the desert bloom but also create a forest in the desert, that brings benefits for flora, fauna and the climate.

More desert land awaits to be revitalized, so we will continue. For our next step we plan to finance three more pivot irrigation systems to reclaim the next 63 hectares of land cultivated according to biodynamic principles, for which we want to fundraise for another 400.000 Euros. But your contribution is serving much more than just sustainable agriculture! Wahat is still in its early days – different people are joining the journey of shaping this young community. And we have already started to think about what the future could look like. We want to establish an open, intentional community, where people come together to work on a common vision of a brighter future.



The vision for our farm in Wahat is inspired by the vision that guided SEKEM through the past 42 years and shaped it into what it became today. With the Greening the Desert project we want to set a concrete example of how many opportunities we have today to make a change in the world.

We thank all our contributors that have helped us begin this great project with such success and we ask for your support once again.

Join us on our promising future mission of Greening the Desert!
Find our new video here
United Kingdom
 
The power of gardeners...

...to make a difference to the health of our soils, bees, biodiversity, not to mention growing zero miles nutrient dense food filled with health and vitality, is immense. Now you can watch new films which give practical biodynamic inspiration:

Featuring Claire Hattersley, Weleda gardener, filmed at Weleda's UK beautiful gardens. 5 short films aim to engage and empower everyone interested in gardening for the future of our planet. They are online via Biodynamic Association's Youtube Channel, just click here.



And last but not least  - the online Biodynamic Gardening Club continues to grow and flourish and we welcome members from all across the world  - 2 people from the USA have now joined which is fantatic and they are most appreciative of what it offers. Have a look here.
Distribution principles included in the Dutch Demeter Standards

After an intense consultation process with their licensees, the Dutch Standards Committee has decided to integrate distribution principles in their Demeter Standards. The aim of this addition is ensuring qualitatively correct communication for consumers, the appearance of the Demeter products as quality products, the support of fair relations in the supply chain and the continuous development of biodynamic agriculture.

A combination of minimal requirements and commonly agreed development goals will support these goals.

As a consequence of this standards change, all Dutch traders need a license contract with Stichting Demeter.
Dates: Seminars, Trainings and Workshops
Save the date:

Symposium on Biodynamic Research at the Organic World Congress in Rennes, France
 
Every three years the organic sector assembles for the Organic World Congress (OWC), the world's largest organic gathering. In 2020 the 20th OWC will be held from 21 to 27 September in Rennes, France.

On the 21st and 22nd September, as a pre-conference to the OWC, the Section for Agriculture, the Mouvement de l'Agriculture Bio-Dynamique (MABD) in France, and the Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International invite you to a symposium on biodynamic research entitled The Farm Organism as a Holistic Approach?

We wish to research and discuss the farm organism as a key formative element in biodynamic agriculture and to include scientists from organic research in the debate. We cordially invite all interested participants of the OWC.

For further information see:
https://owc.ifoam.bio/2020/pre-conferences/symposium-on-biodynamic-research

Registration requires attendance at the OWC for at least one day.

Please register using the following link:
https://owc.ifoam.bio/2020/registration
Agriculture Conference 2021  
Breathing with the Climate Crisis – ecologically – socially – spiritually

Annual International Conference of the biodynamic movement

at the Goetheanum Dornach, Switzerland
15:00 on Thursday 11th February until 12:30 on Sunday 14th February 2021

The Section for Agriculture and the Youth Section are joint organisers of the Agricultural Conference 2021: Website

—————

1st Biodynamic Conference in South-East Europe - this event has unfortunately been cancelled, please contact the organisers to be notified when it will take place!

3rd-4th April 2020 
RUDOLF STEINER CENTAR (HR) 
Prvomajska 4, Donji Kraljevec 40320
Tel. +385 40 655 612, +385 99 3250 776 
info@centar-rudolf-steiner.com

5th April 2020
ZLATE MISLI’ (SI), Matjaž Turinek s.p., Jareninski Dol 2, 2221 Jarenina

—————

The Goetheanum Adult Education Programme (GAEP) Module 1
 05/27/2020  – 05/30/2020
TEACHING ANTHROPOSOPHY TODAY
Practices • Challenges • Paradigms
For trainers, educators and instructors in anthroposophic professional and vocational programs
For more information please see: http://studium-goetheanum.org/gaep
Finally
In 2020 we will continue to provide you with news from the biodynamic world. However, it is very labour-intensive for us to send this newsletter in four languages. So instead we are sending you the newsletter in English (thanks a lot Alysoun for your help) and ask you to use the mailchimp translation programme to translate the newsletter into your own language.

We hope we can provide the next newsletter in July - for those who would like to submit articles - please send your input by the 15th of June and please write in your own language.

Many greetings from Germany (Leinfelden-Echterdingen)

Sonja Jürschik and Christoph Simpfendörfer
International Contacts
Agriculture Section 

Ueli Hurter, Jean-Michel Florin
ph: +41 61706 4212
agriculture@goetheanum.ch
www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org
skype: ueli.hurter
skype: jeanmichelflorin
 

Demeter-International General Secretary & Newsletter

Christoph Simpfendörfer
ph: +49 711 40049551
christoph.simpfendoerfer@demeter.net
skype: christoph.simpfendoerfer
 
 
Certification

Cornelia Hauenschild ph: +45 874269 90
cornelia.hauenschild@demeter.net
skype: hauenschildsingapore
 
 
New Projects 

Ute Bucholski
ph: +49 6155 8469 99
ute.bucholski@demeter.net
skype: ute.bucholski
 

International Communication, Biofach

Anette Jorry
ph: +49 6155 8469 81
anette.jorry@demeter.net
skype: anette.jorry
 
 
Research, Training and Consulting 

Dr. Petra Derkzen
ph: +31 6 16390027
petra.derkzen@demeter.net
 
International Biodynamic Association IBDA

Ueli Hurter
ph: +41 61706 4212
office@ibda.ch
skype: ueli.hurter



Accreditation Council

Sebastian Fuchs
ph:: +49 176 24308624
sebastian.fuchs@demeter.net

 



Raw Materials Coordination

Aurelie Truffat
ph: +33 450 357 440
aurelie.truffat@demeter.net
skype: truffat.demeter



Standards

Sebastian Fuchs
ph:: +49 176 24308624
sebastian.fuchs@demeter.net



IMC Coordination

Katja Aßmann
ph: +49 30 24339759
katja.assmann@demeter.net







If contacts change, please send a mail to:
sonja.juerschik@demeter.net

 
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Responsible: Sonja Jürschik, Christoph Simpfendörfer
The next newsletter will be published mid-july 2020 
Editorial deadline is june 15-2020

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Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International · Brandschneise 1 · Darmstadt 64925 · Germany

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