Love for Life

Biodynamic Agricultural Association Website - Supports, Promotes & Developes The Bio-Dynamic Approach To Farming & Gardening
Biodynamic Agricultural Association Website

The Biodynamic Agricultural Association owns and administers the Demeter Certified Trademark in the UK and is linked with a world-wide network of independent certifying organisations under the umbrella of Demeter International. Demeter Certification also offers Organic Certification to producers, processors, abattoirs, distributors and importers.

Building long-term soil fertility today

The aim of of biodynamic farming and gardening is to revitalise nature, grow nourishing food and advance the physical and spiritual health of humanity. Each biodynamic farm or garden is conceived of as an organism with its own individual qualities and diversity of life. Reliance on home produced compost, manures and animal feeds is a key objective and external inputs are kept to a minimum.

* More on biodynamics
* Subscribe to our journal Star and Furrow
* Frequently asked questions
* Biodynamic preparations and how to obtain them
* Training courses and workshops
* Research

Farming & Gardening

Biodynamic preparations and an astronomical planting calendar are used to enhance health and vigour in all parts of the farm or garden. Once it is harvested biodynamic produce is processed in such a manner that its natural vitality and indigenous flavour is retained. In the market place these values are underpinned by rigorous Demeter production and processing standards. With over 100,000ha worldwide currently under biodynamic management there is increasing recognition that biodynamics is one of the most sustainable and ethical forms of agriculture in existence.

INDEX OF Farming & Gardening

* Preparations
* Seeds
o Where to buy biodynamic seeds
o Report from the Seed Workshop
o CMS Hybrids are prohibited
o Biodynamic Seed Development Project
* Forestry
* Job Vacancies
* Community Supported Agriculture
* GREEN

Quality Food

Biodyanamically grown food provides the highest nutritional value. Find out more about the quality and where you can buy it.

Aims and Objectives

The Association exists in order to support, promote and develop the biodynamic approach to farming, gardening and forestry. This unique form of organic husbandry is inspired by the research of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) and is founded on a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being.

The Association tries to keep abreast of developments in science, nutrition, education, health and social reform. It is linked to the Agricultural Department of the School of Spiritual Science (Switzerland) and affiliated as a group of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain. It is also a full member of Demeter International, SUSTAIN, IFOAM and the Five Year Freeze.

Membership is open to everyone interested in working with, developing or learning about biodynamics. Current rates are £30 (£12.50 concessions). Members receive a quarterly newsletter, Star and Furrow twice a year, regular information on events and access to a member's library. Many local groups exist for further study and the exchange of practical experiences.

The BDAA stocks more than a hundred books on biodynamic agriculture and related subjects. These are available from the office by mail order.
Seed development project

Seed Development Project

The Association is working to develop a sustainable on farm plant breeding programme, increase the availability of high quality seed varieties suited to organic growing conditions and encourage the establishment of a cooperative network of biodynamic seed producers. The breeding and development of appropriate site adapted varieties is of vital interest to biodynamic farmers and offers the only long term alternative to biotechnology. It also requires an ongoing research commitment that is entirely dependant on gifts and donations.
Demeter Certification

Demeter Certification

The Association owns and administers the Demeter Certification Mark that is used by biodynamic producers in the UK to guarantee to consumers that internationally recognised biodynamic production standards are being followed. These standards cover both production and processing and apply in more than forty countries. They are equivalent to or higher than basic organic standards. The Demeter scheme is recognised in the UK as Organic Certification UK6.
Apprentice Training

Apprentice Training

A two year practical apprentice training course is offered in biodynamic agriculture and horticulture. Apprentices work in exchange for board and lodging on established biodynamic farms and gardens and receive tutorial guidance and instruction from experienced practitioners. Practical training is supported with regular theoretical sessions either on the farm or in coordination with other local centres. Two week-long block courses are offered to all UK apprentices each year. Graduating apprentices receive a certificate from the BDAA.

Funding

The Association is a small organisation wholly dependent on subscriptions, donations and grants. There is a healthy and growing interest in biodynamics and to meet this welcome development additional funds are being sought to supplement the limited resources available. Becoming a member and encouraging others to join is an important way of supporting the work. Donations over and above the recommended membership subscription are also extremely helpful. Even the smallest contribution can make a real difference. For those considering making a Will and possibly leaving something to support biodynamic development, a legacy leaflet is now available. Please contact the office for a copy.

Information Leaflets

The following information leaflets can be freely downloaded as Adobe Acrobat files. To gain access to them click on the right button on your mouse and then click 'Save Target As...'

Membership Application Form Membership Form (pdf): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/pdf/Membership%20Form%202007.pdf

Information on the BDAA Apprentice Training Apprentice Training (538 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/bdaa_appren...

Information about Demeter Demeter Information (417 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/leaflet.pdf

Information on the Biodynamic Seed Development project Seed Project (738 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/seeds.pdf

Book Order Form Book order form (6 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/Order_Form....

Legacy leaflet:

Legacy leaflet (pdf - 2686 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/Legacy_Leaf...

Codicil (pdf - 90 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/Doc.IV__Cod...

Donations Form (pdf - 99 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/Doc._II_Don...

Legacy leaflet without pictures (doc - 62 kb): http://www.biodynamic.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/Be_Remember...

If you do not have the appropriate software to view these documents then you can download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Viewer from the Adobe website: http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/acrobat/index.html

About The Biodynamic Agricultural Association

The Biodynamic Agricultural Association was founded in Great Britain in 1929 to promote biodynamic farming and gardening. It also administers the Demeter symbol and gives support through a network of advisers, the journal Star and Furrow, a news-sheet, conferences, seminars and workshops.

The Association's main objectives are to foster and promote the agricultural impulse started by Rudolf Steiner in 1924 (the date of his course of lectures on agriculture) and to help and support those wishing to put into practice the bio-dynamic method. With these objectives in mind it keeps in close touch with the biodynamic impulse abroad, with other aspects of anthroposophical work (especially on nutrition and other sciences) and with various organisations concerned with a non-chemical approach to the soil, environment and health.

Membership is open to anybody interested, whether or not they are practicing farmers or gardeners. The present average subscription rate is £30 per year for members in the United Kingdom and Eire and £15.00 per year for students and senior citizens; £35 for members in Europe and £42 for all other countries.

We invite you to join our work.

Further details may be obtained from:

The Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA)
Secretary
Painswick Inn, Stroud, Glos.
Tel/Fax: 01453 759501
Email: office @ biodynamic.org.uk
Link to this website: http://www.biodynamic.org.uk