Demeter Certified Biodynamic

The Demeter Biodynamic Certification uses the USDA Organic standard as a foundation, but with stricter requirements around imported fertility, greater emphasis on on-farm solutions for disease, pest, and weed control, and in-depth specifications around water conservation and biodiversity. Biodynamic farming is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the same manner as certified organic farming.

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In day-to-day practice, the goal is to create a farm system that is minimally dependent on imported materials and instead meets its needs from the living dynamics of the farm itself. It is the biodiversity of the farm, organized so that the waste of one part of the farm becomes the energy for another, that results in an increase in the farm’s capacity for self-renewal and ultimately makes the farm sustainable. This requires that, as much as possible, a farm be regenerative rather than degenerative.

• In day-to-day practice, the goal is to create a farm system that is minimally dependent on imported materials and instead meets its needs from the living dynamics of the farm itself. It is the biodiversity of the farm, organized so that the waste of one part of the farm becomes the energy for another, that results in an increase in the farm’s capacity for self-renewal and ultimately makes the farm sustainable. This requires that, as much as possible, a farm be regenerative rather than degenerative.
• Biodynamic farming is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the same manner as certified organic farming. To qualify for Demeter Biodynamic certification, a farm must first meet the requirements of the National Organic Program (NOP). Some inputs permitted by the NOP are not permitted or their use is further restricted by the Demeter Biodynamic Certification. Demeter also requires an eventual reduction of the volume of imported materials necessary to sustain the life of the farm.
• To receive Demeter Biodynamic Certification the farm must demonstrate compliance with the Biodynamic Farm Standard. The standard includes:
  • Necessary elements of the farm organism (i.e. biodiversity; fertility; disease, insect, and weed control; biodynamic preparations; water conservation; livestock integration; post-harvest handling)
  • Soil fertility management
  • Crop protection
  • Greenhouse management
  • Animal welfare
  • Use of Biodynamic preparations
• After initial certification, a farm must have its certification renewed every year. Certification is contingent upon a satisfactory on-site farm evaluation during the growing season.
• Learn more about the Demeter Biodynamic® Farm and Processing Standards