Biodynamic agriculture is a method of organic farming that emphasizes the holistic development and interrelationships of the soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system. It is one of the first modern ecological farming systems that emphasizes a sustainable approach to agriculture.
Biodynamic has many elements in common with other organic specifications. Biodynamic emphasizes the use of manures and composts, and excludes the use of artificial chemicals on soils and plants. Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include its treatment of crops and soils as a single ecosystem.
The principles of Biodynamic Agriculture were developed by Dr. Rudolf Steiner in Germany in 1924. Dr. Steiner is credited with establishing the fundamentals after being approached by a group of local farmers concerned with the rapidly deteriorating vitality of crop and animal health on their farms. Today Biodynamic agriculture has grown into a worldwide system represented in more than 50 countries.
For additional information on Biodynamic Agriculture please visit the Demeter Association at http://www.demeter-usa.org/about-demeter/demeter-history.asp