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The Biodynamic® method of farming describes both a philosophy and art form of agriculture. The Demeter Association, with branches around the world, certifies farms as Biodynamic. Its logos protect the term Biodynamic, which is a registered trademark, and insure confidence in the marketplace that foods were grown and produced according to Biodynamic standards. In the U.S., Demeter certification exceeds the standards of the U.S. National Organic Program.

The Biodynamic Method

Biodynamic agriculture was introduced by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, and preceded all organized systems of organic farming. Steiner is best known as the inspiration behind Waldorf schools, but his contributions to society span such vast realms as architecture, medicine, and the arts. A prolific writer and prominent speaker, Steiner was approached by farmers who were already concerned about crop and seed decline in the early twentieth century. Steiner’s response was a series of eight lectures which are known as The Agriculture Course.

Biodynamic agriculture is characterized by an awareness of both the visible, material world, and influences streaming from the invisible world. Steiner is often quoted, “…matter is never without Spirit and Spirit is never without matter…” The Biodynamic method shares many of the same practices associated with organic agriculture, such as composting, cover cropping and crop rotation. However, Biodynamics strives to articulate the “individuality” of each farm, and recognizes the myriad subtle influences of the cosmos on the soil and plant growth ­ including rhythms of the day and seasons of the year, and the effects of the sun, moon and planets on biology.

Biodynamic Preparations

Healthy soil creates the foundation for vital foods. Biodynamic “preparations” serve as the core of the Biodynamic method. These nine basic preparations are made from cow manure, quartz crystal, and herbs using painstaking, labor-intensive methods that Steiner indicated would potentize their innate properties. The preparations are used in minute, homeopathic dosages to make compost, as well as used in field and crop sprays. Scientific studies have proven that Biodynamic methods improve soil health and the flavor, nutritional value and shelf life of produce. The basic Biodynamic preparations include:
  • #500 ­ Horn Manure: Cow manure is packed into cow horns and buried in the ground over the winter. After stirring -- greatly diluted -- in water for one hour, it is applied to the soil. It develops soil structure and humus and promotes extensive root growth in plants, better enabling them to take up water and nutrients. This preparation establishes the relationship between the plant and earth forces.

  • #501 ­ Horn Silica: A tiny amount of quartz crystal, finely pulverized, is stirred in water for one hour and sprayed on crops, typically in late spring or early summer, to stimulate photosynthesis and enhance the light metabolism of plants. Silica influences the appearance, aromas, flavors, and keeping qualities of crops. This preparation establishes the relationship between the plant and cosmic forces.

  • #502 ­ Yarrow: Helps plants to attract trace nutrients and increases sensitivity to water.

  • #503 ­ Chamomile: Influences calcium activity and stabilizes nitrogen.

  • #504 ­ Stinging Nettles: Influences potash and calcium forces and stimulates soil health.

  • #505 ­ Oak Bark: Provides healing forces to combat harmful plant diseases.

  • #506 ­ Dandelion Flowers: Stimulates the relationship between silica and potassium so that silica can attract cosmic forces to the soil.

  • #507 ­ Valerian: Influences phosphorous and warmth forces, protecting plants in the cold.


  • #508 ­ Horsetail: Prevents or lessens the effects of mildew and fungus on plants.

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