CLIMATESECTION CHANGETITLE LIVING FARMS IN CONVERSATION YATESBURY FARM what’s our moral position? in a changing world with a shepherdess soil carbon and life Star Furrow

& ISSUE: 134 AUTUMN 2020 Journal of the Biodynamic Association £6.50 ISSN No: 1472-4634

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 1 Star_Furrow_Ad_AUG2020.pdf 1 03/09/2020 16:32

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AURA-SOMA®

C BUBBLES

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MY Our 2018 sparkling wine is the culmination of years

CY of nurturing the land and our vines sustainably,

CMY organically and biodynamically since planting in 2014.

K Our exciting first wine release consisting of our Rondo, Seyval Blanc, Solaris and Pheonix grapes from our 6 acre vineyard situated within the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Made in the traditional sparkling method; which consisted of whole bunch pressing.

TASTING NOTE Pale gold colour, the bubbles are soft, neat and tidy, with a slight stone fruit and baked apple blossom aroma. Bright and tangy with hints of lemon sherbet and fresh acidity. It’s structured, elegant, fun and extremely approachable with a great length leading to a crisp dry finish. A true expression of the terroir of our unique and enchanting estate.

UK Vintage 2018 | ALC 10.5% Vol Grapes - Rondo, Seyval Blanc, Phoenix, Solaris Lincolnshire, UK Demeter Certified Biodynamic No Allergens | Suitable for Vegetarians/Vegans

Available now, shop - www.shirefarm.co.uk For wholesale enquires call: +44 (0)1507 533581 or email: [email protected] 2 Shire Farm is owned and managed by Aura-Soma® Products limited, South Rd, Tetford, HorncastleSTAR & FURROWLN9 6QB • AUTUMN 2020 WELCOME Star& Furrow England’s oldest biodynamic vineyard, the first to win an award for a biodynamic English wine, RICHARD SWANN celebrated its 40th birthday in 2019.

Director I hope you like the new design and format. After 15 biodynamic whisky, which Stuart Cragg writes about. Sophie years, our previous designer, Dave Thorp, announced his That has galvanised three (soon to be four) Irish farms to Balmer retirement from graphic design work. For this issue, convert to biodynamic management. That mustreceiving surely alift I would like to very much welcome and thank Janet White the spirits! 2018 silver for all her hard work in giving the magazine a fresh and Another big ongoing global issue is one of medaldiversity. from uplifting look. The international Living Farms Project is startingOz Clarke.to show The content also provides plenty of seeds of a range of inspiring biodynamic activities across the optimism, as BDA Patron Patrick Holden describes in his globe via their YouTubeBuy videos. a bottle In orher book article, a tour Lin online: Bautze piece. It is not that things will not be tough, but a sense describes the aims andwww.englishorganicwine.co.uk intentions of the project including of optimism could arise if we can find ways to speak a description of a recent visit to two projects in Kenya. about the things that matter in a heartfelt way despite In June, the first Member Assembly of the newly all the challenges we are facing. formed Biodynamic Federation-Demeter International Albury Organic Vineyard The theme of next year’s conference at the was held online. That might sound daunting, but far is situated in the beautiful Goetheanum is ‘Breathing with the Climate Crisis – from it! It was exciting and stimulating to meet virtually Surrey Hills. The vines are ecologically – socially – spiritually’ and aspects of that are with 200 participants in larger and smaller groups from the traditional Champagne reflectedvarietals ofin Chardonnay,several articles. Farming comes in for a lot of 37 countries across the globe! It provided an incredible stickPinot when Noir it and comes Meunier, to climate change, with animals and picture of the diversity of the global biodynamic intensiveproducing farming English coming wine of under a great deal of scrutiny. movement! theAnimals highest are quality. a key principle for biodynamic agriculture I would like to draw readers attention to the asVisitors Ueli Hurter welcome so clearly at outlines in his piece, which is international biodynamic research conference being held partweekends. of an ongoing project at the Agriculture Section at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester from in Dornach. However, we need to respect them and August 30th to September 2nd, 2021. In issue 130 we integratewww.alburyvineyard.com them in the right way. reported on the first such conference that took place at Yatesbury House Farm in Wiltshire also has a very the Goetheanum in Switzerland in 2018. We hope to use lively herd of Aberdeen Angus which jostled to be the occasion to showcase some of the excellent produce photographed when I visited there in the summer. As and work from UK biodynamic agriculture. Preparation reported in the last issue of Star and Furrow, the farm has started with keynote speakers soon to be announced has achieved carbon credit through their careful farm and a call for papers later in the year. Watch out for management over the years, which is to be commended. more information via the communications put out by the They also provide barley for making biodynamic Biodynamic Association. whisky in Scotland. But the Scots are not the only ones Many greetings for autumn and winter and hope you with a claim to this honour. In Ireland, they also make all keep safe and well over the next months.

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THE BIODYNAMIC ASSOCIATION (BDA) Members receive a quarterly newsletter, STAR & FURROW Star and Furrow twice a year, early booking on The Association exists in order to support, promote Journal of the Biodynamic Association. Published twice training courses and events days. They get involved and develop the biodynamic approach to farming, yearly. Issue Number 134 October 2020. ISSN 1472-4634 in organising and supporting biodynamic initiatives gardening and forestry. This unique form of organic through the local group network and there are STAR & FURROW is the membership magazine of growing seeks to improve the nutritional value of conferences, the AGM and many other events that The Biodynamic Association. It is issued free to members. food and the sustainability of land by nurturing the they can attend. Many are supported in their own Non-members can also purchase Star and Furrow. vitality of the soil through the practical application biodynamic practical work through advice from of a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature For two copies per annum the rates are: the Association from whom they also source their and the human being. Put simply, our aim is greater biodynamic preparations and books. UK: £17.00 (including postage) vitality for people and planet through more biodynamic Europe: £21.00 Europe (airmail) acres, more biodynamic food and more understanding For information on all aspects of the Association’s Rest of the World £25.00 (airmail) of biodynamics. work contact: Editor: Richard Swann Membership is open to everyone. Our members are Biodynamic Association [email protected] interested in working with, developing and learning OPENhouse about biodynamics. Subscription rates are £35 Painswick Inn Design: Made By White, Cornwall (for up to 2 adults per household) or £20 concessions. Gloucester Street Printed on a 100% recycled FSC paper Membership income funds in part the work of the Stroud, GL5 1QG by Park Communications, London. Association, so they are directly furthering the aims +44 (0)1453 759501 Published by the Biodynamic Association of the BDA; however there are also further benefits. [email protected] © Biodynamic Association 2020 www.biodynamic.org.uk Charity No: 1158301/VAT No: 791 2859 91

2 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 Table of Contents

INSIDE

Some considerations for action Biodynamics connects soil and plant Gabriel Kaye 4 FiBL 24 Optimism in the time of adversity Yatesbury House Farm – soil carbon and life Patrick Holden 6 Richard Swann 25 News from the Biodynamic Gardening Club Genome editing Lynda Brown 8 Lawrence Woodward 29 Climate change gardening When is seed chaos? Lynda Brown 9 Glen Atkinson PhD 32 The meaning of the sun for the being of the earth One farm, one terroir at a time Anna Cecilia Grünn 10 Stuart Cragg 34 Climate Change – what is our moral position? Lord Northbourne – the first organic farmer Alex Fornal 12 Craig Sams 38 Biodynamic farming and solutions it offers to the Diversity, social responsibility problems of climate change and fairness in Demeter Marina O’Connell 14 Alysoun Bolger 40 Stewardship – supporting a patch of soil Demeter International – ‘You Will Grow’ campaign for food growing Nina de Winter 42 Gabriel Kaye, Ian Nicholson, and Tom Brenan 17 PAMA’s immune boosting winter Living farms: Potential of biodynamic places Kimchi Sauerkraut recipe in a changing world Patka & Martin (PaMa) 43 Lin Bautze 18 Our responsibility towards animals Book review 44 Ueli Hurter 20 Tributes 46 In conversation with a shepherdess Nina de Winter 22 Marketplace 50

The function of Star and Furrow is to BIODYNAMIC ASSOCIATION BIODYNAMIC CERTIFICATION encourage the free exchange of ideas and Patron: Patrick Holden CBE Certification Board Chairman: experience among those who work with, Robin Snowdon or are interested in biodynamic farming, Council Chair: Julia Wright Managing Director: gardening and related subjects. Contributors Vice Chair: Ian Bailey subscribe to no dogma and are bound by no rules. Stuart Cragg Their contributions are personal documents, Executive Director: Gabriel Kaye 01453 766296 not official utterances by the Association. Council Members: Ian Bailey, Spencer Christy, [email protected] Final dates for contributions are 15th February Judy Foster, Odilia Kirst, Mari-Liis Nukis, Administrator: for the spring issue and 15th August for the Jenni Rosenbrock, Hannah Steenbergen, Chris Margaret McGair autumn issue. Copy can either be submitted in Stockdale, André Tranquilini and Julia Wright. 01453 766296 a typed printed format or as an electronic text Association Administrator: [email protected] document by e-mail. Jessica Standing Cover Photo: BFDI Please send articles to the editor at the 01453 759501 Biodynamic Association Office. [email protected] Communications and fundraising director: Paul Rainger [email protected]

@biodynamicUK Marketing manager: Nina de Winter @biodynamic_info 01453 759501 [email protected]

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 3 DIRECTOR’S REFLECTIONS

Some considerations foraction

GABRIEL KAYE / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends and members Yes we can make changes – of organisations who can help or As I write the sun is shining and community gardens, (permissive) advise.4 There are under 100 CSAs summer has tipped into autumn. gorilla planting, flowers for bees in in the UK and over 2000 in France, A time for harvests but also for towns and cities, small ponds for if they can do it (including in cities)… reflection that leads to action. frogs and insects, plant a tree. Let’s Seven months ago we were celebrate the nature we can nurture. planning the budget and all we “But I cannot afford would be doing this year, talking Health is priceless for us to eat quality food” biodynamics to local groups, and the planet outreach of all sorts. We were looking We can improve the quality of the Is this true or is it an insidious idea at increasing the team and expertise food we eat – for example choosing planted in our heads? Actually can and then the sky fell down and we to eat organic bread and cereal we afford to eat cheap food and were locked in. A shock, but not all products is important, as non-organic leave the responsibility to others bad as it brought to the fore some of cereal crops are sprayed with to stop the pollution in our bodies, the issues about food not otherwise glyphosate shortly before harvest the air, the soil, and water caused experienced by the general public: so have very high levels of toxins. by the production, and transport of how fragile our food supply systems Research shows that by starting our food? Do we care about lack of are, how dependent we are on other to eat organic we stop having respect and bad pay in the systems countries and our own government glyphosate in our urine within a that produce and sell cheap food? for us to get the food we need. week,1 and risk of chronic disease Can we afford the effect cheap food It is also shocking to realise how reduces by 25% when on a long has on our thinking, on our moods, the health of the majority of the term organic diet.2 Eat meat only on our health? And who is making a population is compromised by bad a few times a week but choose profit on the back of our choices? food, bad habits, stress, pollution, fear, biodynamic ‘pasture-fed’ meat Our choices and actions are what etc. Few of us are protected from the (and dairy) as this has a healthy can make the difference to the world, effects of these factors of modern life, effect on your digestion.3 For we are not just a grain of sand, we but we can make choices to minimise vegetarians and vegans prefer the are human beings; what we think and their effect, or take positive steps to organic non-processed options, do matters to the whole universe. improve our situation. search for foods with life still in them. Gut and soil health are the So what is the BDA doing? #BuildBack Better – making basis for all wellbeing and clear We are supporting, linking, networking, those changes for the better thinking, and a healthy planet. informing, sharing, encouraging people we have maybe thought about to eat and farm for a healthy planet. Go local, it creates jobs Biodynamics can truly be part of Our local economy is something healing the world. Engaging with life we can support and it can support the biodynamic way shifts the dynamic “ We can begin by doing small us. Supermarkets are about big to healing not exploiting. Bringing things at the local level, business and profit, not about respect and joy to our work and nature like planting community people, jobs, respect or health. makes a difference. gardens or looking out for Building back better means seeking Working with the preparations is our neighbours. That is how local (chemical-free) food as much a path of personal and experiential change takes place in living as possible: community-supported development of respect for life systems, not from above agriculture (CSA), local box-schemes, and spirit, even more so than farmers markets etc. If there is no homeopathy, it requires us to think but from within, from many community-supported agriculture differently and to listen. Taking time local actions occurring (organic or biodynamic) in your area to listen to the landscape, to the soil, simultaneously.” please find a few friends and get one to the plants and insects, to GRACE LEE BOGGS started; there are a number the animals and to our fellow

4 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 action

are we not ‘increasing their density talks for local Climate Action groups, Slowly people are by field inoculation’? So with our or garden clubs or schools; the BDA biodynamic preparations we are team can help. hearing about Biodynamics; ahead of the game and need to we are getting more be part of increasing partnerships Health per acre to heal the earth. (The sentence is The Government’s new farm enquiries in certification actually describing really interesting subsidy evaluation of good farming, for farm-conversions work being done by the Land ELMS,6 is to be based on ‘public and other organic and Institute5 in regard to renewing goods’ such as public access, perennial wheat-grass for modern hedges and ponds, (they do not Demeter businesses. use, part of renewing food seed include recognition for stopping which Steiner describes as vital chemical applications, nor producing human beings brings more light and for our future health.) So there are quality fresh food for citizens). love to our lives and to the world. ways of renewing our language ELMS does not take into account The ancients knew mindfulness about biodynamics. health of people or planet. Vandana and meditation were important and Shiva, the Indian campaigner we discover how true it is and how We can all do our bit and environmentalist, has been listening (stilling the internal chatter) Many local groups and BD farms advocating for the widespread can bring other forms of connection have gatherings and preparation adoption of an alternative way of to our hearts and to the Earth. days (though current restrictions assessing agricultural productivity; have led to smaller groups or “health per acre” or “nutrition per Language cancellations this year). This acre” the latter is higher on small Seeking to talk more about important activity can be done by mixed (organic) farms. Biodynamic biodynamics can feel daunting, meeting with a neighbour, friend mixed farming focused on feeding but what if we said the “Benefits of or two to stir and spread the locals works and provides jobs and Native Mycorrhizal Amendments to preparations in our gardens, parks opportunities for volunteering, as it Perennial Agroecosystems Increases and green spaces (if you are brave) is not ‘the one man on a tractor’ with Field Inoculation Density”? and local farms. system used for the monocropping Does this complex set of words Slowly people are hearing about and industrial-farming. sound like what happens when we Biodynamics; we are getting more So we all have an opportunity take our BD sprays out of the earth enquiries in certification for farm- to make change, in our hearts, and horn on the farm, and then conversions and other organic and in our thoughts, in our lives and in use them to spray the fields and Demeter businesses. More chefs are our environment. It is up to us, one pastures? Are not our preparations looking for biodynamic food and step, one loving, caring respectful full of ‘native mycorrhizal more consumers seeking this quality. gesture or action at a time. amendments’? When we spray them So let’s amplify the message, plan

1. Guardian – 11/8/2020 – You have pesticides in your body. But an organic diet can reduce them by 70% https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/aug/11/pesticide-danger-organic-food-roundup-study?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other “  Pesticide companies’ ability to keep profiting from products that poison us is particularly egregious given that we have a solution. Organic works. And not just for our health – research shows that a shift away from pesticide-intensive agriculture leads to significant improvements for biodiversity and other environmental benchmarks while also yielding enough to ensure a well-fed planet.” 2. Organic diet reduces cancer: https://jamanetwork.com/ & https://www.nhs.uk/news/cancer/eating-organic-food-linked-lower-cancer-risk/ & https://www.worldhealth.net/news/link-between-eating-organic-and-reduced-cancer-risk/ 3. PFLA and healthy meat – https://www.pastureforlife.org/why-pasture/good-for-your-health/ 4. CSA – https://communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk/what-is-csa/benefits-csa/ & BDLT www.biodynamiclandtrust.org.uk 5. https://landinstitute.org/our-work/ 6. Environmental Land Management Scheme https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/02/25/new-details-of-the-flagship-environmental-land-management-scheme-unveiled-by-environment-secretary/ – it is still in discussion and will not be applied till 2024.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 5 A WORD FROM OUR PATRON... Optimism in the time of adversity

PATRICK HOLDEN

The year 2020 has been dominated of his agriculture lectures in June So it would follow from this and by a series of existing or emerging 1924. The lectures were prompted I think will also be true to say, planetary crises – of climate change, by the observations of a group of the philosophy and practices of biodiversity loss, nationalism, farmers and land managers of the biodynamic agriculture, which conflict, migration and now COVID, declining health and vitality of the comprise such an important all massively amplifying our existing crops and livestock under their element of the great legacy of concerns about the environment, management, so they asked for his Rudolf Steiner, have not yet been food security and public health. advice about how they could reverse nearly a significant enough influence Finding ourselves confronted these trends. on mainstream farming practice. by these massive and disturbing As we approach the centenary Why might this be so? I suggest challenges, existential questions of his agriculture lectures, one that in part it is because his arise. As one tiny cell in a sea of cannot but marvel at Rudolf Steiner’s recommendations and the language humanity, how can I best find the prescience! What strikes me forcibly which was and still is used to share right place from which I can respond is how so much of what he was them, remains relatively inaccessible to all this external turbulence, saying has subsequently proved to to ‘normal’ people, even though remaining aware of the magnitude of be correct. I am thinking, inter-alia, more and more people share an the challenges whilst avoiding being of his advocacy to understand the underlying intuition that change overwhelmed by their scale? Also, farm as an ecosystem, a ‘cell’ in the is needed. So if only we could find how can I feel empowered to take wider food system, representing in ways in which we could communicate appropriate and effective action? microcosm all the key systemic and his ideas in a more accessible form, interconnected laws and links which they would have huge influence at reveal themselves in macrocosm the present time. And it is definitely my elsewhere; of his recommendation Let us apply his teachings to the to transition from chemically to experiences of 2020. What caused experience that I can biologically based agriculture; of COVID? As Sir David Attenborough best ‘find myself’ when I his advocacy to use what could noted in his recent Extinction am present in my body, be referred to as homeopathic Programme on BBC television, one preparations, both in composts key factor was almost certainly enabled through moments and on the land, to enhance vitality; globalised industrial agriculture of reflection, mindfulness, and of his guidance on the planting which created the preconditions for meditation, prayer. and harvesting of crops in relation both diminished public health and to movements of planetary bodies. drastic declines of biodiversity, an The problems are collectively so However, if things were bad then, ideal combination for a pandemic to overwhelming that it can feel hard to they are certainly a whole lot worse emerge and spread. If we considered know where to start. Yet in the midst now! I don’t think it would be an applying the lessons which arise from of all this, I find it helpful to reflect on exaggeration to say that just about the agriculture lectures – of farming the phrase ‘finding my place’ since all the food that supplies our mass in harmony with nature, of conceiving it is my belief that a precondition markets in Western countries comes our farm or garden as being akin to for ‘right action’, whether in relation from farming which has degraded a cell in the food system, an organism to external emergencies or issues the vitality of our foods, firstly by which we need and of which we are of a more personal nature, is to the comprehensive use of intensive part and which must be restored to be present to the moment. And it farming and subsequently, by over or maintained in a state of positive is definitely my experience that I processing and adulteration by the health if we are to serve the needs can best ‘find myself’ when I am food industry. of the higher purpose of the planet, present in my body, enabled through then we would be taking actions moments of reflection, mindfulness, which would enable the system to meditation, prayer. So if only we could find heal itself. I also can’t help thinking that This idea, of which Rudolf Steiner there is an important and significant ways in which we could spoke, of the farm as a microcosm relationship between the present communicate his ideas in a being a reflection of the whole challenging external conditions and more accessible form, they universe, needs to be nurtured in the circumstances which led the East practice through ‘enabling policy’. German farmers to ask Rudolf Steiner would have huge influence Amazingly, and certainly for the for the advice which took the form at the present time. first time in my farming lifetime,

6 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 infatuation with high-tech solutions to agricultural problems. I’m referring here to terms such as “sustainable intensification”, which is always seem to me to be an oxymoron, unless that intensification is biological which of course it can be. It is sad to witness the continuing apparently breathtaking arrogance of some members of the scientific community, who somehow think that completely redesigning all agricultural plants and animals to suit the short-term needs of humanity is perfectly acceptable. For 2021 and beyond should we be optimistic? I think yes, because it is abundantly clear that the impulses and ideas behind the biodynamic movement were all essentially true, as nature today is reminding us at all levels. This is an incredible development and one which we should respond to in the most positive possible way. Just as one example, Minette Batters, the president of the National Farmers Union is a very open person and my experience of working with her is relocalising food distribution. entirely positive. For 2021 and beyond Since Wales is a nation of mainly Perhaps the one area which grassland farms, it is also heartening “normal people” might find more should we be optimistic? to know that the policy team well difficult to embrace is this idea I think yes, because it is understand the vital importance that outer change of the right kind of sustainably managed livestock is probably only possible when abundantly clear that the and ruminants in particular, which there is a corresponding inner impulses and ideas behind Rudolf Steiner also acknowledged, connection. Mindful of this, and at the biodynamic movement referring to livestock as the ‘soul’ those moments, hopefully frequently of a landscape. occurring, when we ‘find‘ ourselves, were all essentially true, as The need to link changes in in potential positions of influence nature today is reminding agricultural practice to address we should seek to find ways of us at all levels. climate change is also of expressing these deep truths, not fundamental importance. We need with esoteric words or other language this policy seems at last to be at to restore the soil to vital health, which has the impact of separating least potentially within reach! Even and we can do that through the biodynamic movement from the more strangely, this opportunity for the application of organic and farming community, not to mention transforming agricultural practice biodynamic principles, not just the rest of humanity, but speaking has emerged through a combination by increasing soil organic matter simply, drawing from our own of the Brexit-triggered agricultural levels but also through soil building, personal experiences and insights, policy review and the growing public making sure that the processes which are available to all of us on a recognition that we need to create are biological, not merely mineral daily basis, when we connect with an economic environment where or chemical. Once again, these our bodies, our cells and through sustainable farming and relocalised principles lie at the very heart of them with nature. food distribution systems pay better biodynamic farming. Underneath than the dreadful industrial centralised this lies another of the principles Further information: systems we have right now. that Steiner highlighted, that farmers Sustainable Food Trust: I’m now pinning my hopes for are stewards of nature, yes, but https://sustainablefoodtrust.org/ this transformation on the small actually part of nature too. Let us but enlightened Welsh Agricultural hope then that this approach towards Sustainable Farming - team! We in the Sustainable Food seeing the farm as an organism A Conversation with Patrick Holden: Trust are working closely with the which includes the human being https://youtu.be/YkrMsR-frOw Welsh Government because they prevails in Agricultural policy reform! seem to be shaping what could be I think it is also appropriate Patrick Holden CBE is Patron of the a policy package aimed to support to make mention of the UK Biodynamic Association and Director of the truly regenerative farming, including Government’s current apparent Sustainable Food Trust.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 7 GARDENING

“I love the Biodynamic Gardening Club – I learn so much!” NEWS FROM THE BIODYNAMIC GARDENING CLUB

LYNDA BROWN

It’s been a fantastic year for the Biodynamic Garden Club. Our mission is to reach out and help as many people as possible to create a biodynamic haven for nature and their own wellbeing, and grow food full of biodynamic health and vitality. So far, so biodynamically growing!

Highlights include the success of supportive community we’d hoped BDA are automatically members our Introduction to Biodynamic for, where ideas, advice, pictures and of our online gardening club. If you Gardening series of YouTube videos videos of members’ gardens and haven’t already done so and to make – over 9500 viewings so far which crops are freely shared. Thanks to sure you benefit from Hans’ wisdom, you can watch on the BDA YouTube everyone who has contributed join in the fun and sign up to the channel (along with our Cook’s and helped make it the ‘hive mind’ Facebook group. Garden webinars); and our amazing of our club. Sadly, due to Covid, The preparations are at the heart visit to Charles Dowding’s garden we had to postpone our popular of biodynamics. Next year we are in September. BD Open Gardens days, but these, planning to introduce a member Our member Facebook group has along with others, including one ‘living BD preps’ project carrying blossomed into the warm, friendly about growing and making your out Rudolf Steiner’s core philosophy own biodynamic wine are already – to try, observe, and see what works planned for next year. for you - so we can begin to build Throughout the summer We also have some exciting news. and share know-how on how best to Throughout the summer we were use them in your garden. Interested? we were talking to BBC TV talking to BBC TV Gardeners’ World. We hope so. Email Jessica Standing Gardeners’ World. A feature A feature on biodynamic gardening and we’ll be in touch. on biodynamic gardening is is scheduled for next summer to be filmed at Weleda and presented by scheduled for next summer our very own Claire Hattersley. In Put a date in your diary, too to be filmed at Weleda and June, lecturer, lifelong biodynamic for our forthcoming webinar. presented by our very own gardener and founder of Wholistic Living, Hans-Gunther Kern joined GENE EDITING Claire Hattersley. our team to share his expertise and Thursday advice with members 22nd October, His popular illuminating weekly hosted by Pat Thomas, Facebook group posts bring breath co-founder as well as depth. Members of the of Beyond GM.

We are immensely Christmas has come early! To celebrate the launch of their proud to announce new reprint of the Dorling Kindersley Biodynamic Gardening the arrival of Book, Weleda are offering BDA members an exclusive special Weleda’s brand offer for one month only of 30% off the retail price of £12.99. new reprint of the The offer ends on the 30th November. Dorling Kindersley’s Order through the Weleda website www.weleda.co.uk Biodynamic using the promotional code BDA30.* Gardening Book. *Offer available for UK members only

8 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 CLIMATE CHANGE

CLIMATE CHANGE GARDENING

LYNDA BROWN INTERVIEWS KIM STODDART

How has climate change Kim Stoddart, co-author of The Climate gardening enriched your gardening life? Change Garden, shares her insights. Massively – it‘s transformative and has taken my gardening to a whole What is climate You also use the Maria new level. Helping my garden to be change gardening? Thun Calendar; do you find resilient has made me much more It’s fundamentally about how we that helpful? resilient and given me more personal can afford our gardens greater Very much so. I’ve been using it for confidence – I automatically repair, resilience against more frequent 10 years now, it makes sense to me, re-use, re-cycle, save seeds, and am extreme weather patterns – be and is easy to work with. I use it as a not afraid to try novel solutions – they floods, hot dry summers, tool to guide my gardening practices. and is immensely empowering and freak storms, etc., and how we I’ve even experimented with sowing fulfilling. I have also learnt from the re-set our gardening compasses to on unfavourable days, for example, past and pre-Victorian, medieval deal with the sustainability issues just to see – and found growth was methods, rather than expecting facing the 21st century. stunted, so avoid those days now! your garden to be picture postcard Resilience and connectivity – perfect. Being rigid in the way we cornerstones of the biodynamic What about edible crops? garden, and trying to control nature approach - are themes running Climate Change gardening is an is a recipe for vulnerability and throughout your book. How opportunity to experiment with disaster where climate change important are they? crops like edamame beans, is concerned. They’re key. The secret of creating lentils and chick peas, but also Above all, I look to the natural a resilient garden is to be a resilient to incorporate hardier perennial world to be my guide, and have gardener, to re-connect with nature, crops such as Jerusalem artichokes, found the more you look the more and to be prepared to be inventive seakale, oca, rhubarb, asparagus, you learn, I truly believe the future and tear up the standard rule book sorrel and tree onions. for gardening is working in harmony to find adaptive/novel/new solutions! Heritage varieties may fare and developing an ever- deepening better than more commercial, connection with nature. It’s also Where does biodiversity fit into modern varieties in the extreme hugely therapeutic, and brings much climate change gardening? weather future. greater wellbeing for us as gardeners, It’s essential, both below and above Adopting a potager – peasant our gardens, and the planet we all the ground. A soil rich in organic gardener mentality and mixing up cherish so much. matter and humus, full of microbial your crops, dotting them here and life has in-built resilience, retains there; and experimenting growing What next? water better, and provides the best crops for longer - letting lettuce I’ve heard a lot about the Biodynamic conditions for healthy nutrient- reshoot after you’ve cut it to produce preparations, especially the soil dense resilient crops. Creating as new leaves and then let it seed, and activator/ horn manure and plant much biodiversity possible above treating Swiss chard and kales as ‘strengthener’/ horn silica, and feel the ground, making sure you have perennial crops, for example – are they could be a real aid to improving trees, shrubs, a pond, nectar rich all small changes with big rewards. resilience, so looking forward to flowers, habits for wildlife, and so trying those next! on – is the best defence to help ward off pests & diseases and to Find out more about Kim’s online climate change gardening courses on her website: ensure sustainability. http://greenrocketcourses.com

BDA Member Offer

The Climate Change Garden Kim’s book will empower you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become a climate change savvy gardener. On offer to BDA members for £13, including p&p (RRP £16.99). Order via: http://www.climatechangegarden.uk (quoting code CCG13). Offer valid until end of December 2020

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 9 CLIMATE CHANGE

the meaning of the

Anna Cecilia Grünn works as a vegetable gardener in a Demeter market garden for the being of the by Lake Constance. She has the special gift of being able to perceive forces, elements and phenomena in the supersensible world. In what follows she shows how important the sun is for the earth. The question is, how can the earth be strong enough to be able to receive the sun’s forces without burning? ANNA CECILIA GRÜNN

In February this year the theme of the annual Biodynamic Conference in Dornach was ‘Finding the Spirit in Agriculture’. One of the highlights was a spirited talk by a young biodynamic gardener Anna Cecilia Grünn, of which we publish the edited transcript below. It is reproduced here with kind permission of the Agriculture Section in Dornach.

“The earth is burning!” Fires in many parts of the world, heatwaves, hardened soils and droughts – we As gardeners and farmers have the feeling that this can no we fortunately can have a longer be endured and the sun is direct effect on the realms much too strong. But it is not the sun that is too of life forces in the earth, strong, but the earth that is too in plants and in the living weak to be able to absorb and humus layer of the soil. process the forces which stream towards it from the sun – the positive and in fact strengthening forces. and become free, streams from Looked at spiritually, it is the the sun onto the earth. And it is sun angel Michael 1 who acts to very important for the earth to feel help the earth via the sun. He is this, because our human destiny is the only one of the seven archangels connected with that of the earth. who still believes in man’s ability Our destiny is the earth and we to develop towards freedom. humans are the earth’s destiny. One hundred years ago Another aspect is that the souls Rudolf Steiner described how the who have not yet been born work on planetary archangels had given up the earth through the sun and want hope, confidence and belief that to help form the earth as their future human beings could still develop home. They work alongside Michael towards freedom. and – as described by Rudolf Steiner So it is all the more important – even through the weather. Through that Michael still believes in us. the sun’s rays the earth experiences Michael’s confidence in us human the forces of unborn human souls: beings, in our ability to develop goodwill and care.

1. Michael is the spirit who, according to Rudolf Steiner’s research, has taken on the spiritual guidance of mankind since 1879 and who does this in a way that totally respects human freedom.

10 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 “The earth is burning!” Fires in many parts of the world, heatwaves, hardened soils and droughts

The opposite pole of this is the It is also particularly important Ahrimanic forces that want to that we perceive the earth not as To treat the earth and destroy everything living and an object but as a living being. to transform the earth into pure This is easy to understand if we naturally our fellow human matter, as well as the openness of experience the difference between beings with wakefulness, many people, for their purposes. the perception of a chair and a consideration and The Ahrimanic influence has person by gently touching them. consequences such as climate Many people nowadays are excluded friendliness is an attitude change and species extinction: the from this contact with the living we should cultivate so that earth’s life forces become weaker earth and agriculture. So we should sun forces, Michaelic forces, and retreat further and further. invite as many people as possible to The life is lost from the interpersonal have this experience on our farms can arise in our hearts. realm. Human beings become and in our gardens because there alienated from other human beings are people coming to the earth who as a being very seriously. To treat and from the earth. It is not only were unable to develop a good the earth and naturally our fellow the currently incarnated people who connection to it before birth. These human beings with wakefulness, lose their connection to the earth: people are in urgent need of what we consideration and friendliness is an also the unborn souls can no longer have to offer, particularly the young attitude we should cultivate so that make such a strong connection to people who are now so courageously sun forces, Michaelic forces, can arise the earth as they would like to and and determinedly getting involved in our hearts. Human heart forces in fact must do. in climate change issues in front of are related to the sun forces and we After these discoveries the the world public. In my view, this can radiate sun forces for the earth question is, what can we do? movement is also accompanied by when we meet it in this conscious As gardeners and farmers we Michaelic forces. Michael is really way. The earth can receive these fortunately can have a direct effect behind these people – they have from the physical outer sun – and on the realms of life forces in the brought this impulse from before birth, we do everything to help it to be earth, in plants and in the living carry it in their lives and know that able to absorb and process them, humus layer of the soil. The humus they now need to do something for the so that they can have a healing layer is also a very special carrier of earth, now it needs our help, right now! influence. Then sun forces can stream the Christ forces. Nowadays we have Simply being a Demeter farmer to the earth as human heart forces. a very remarkable process in which is maybe not enough nowadays. This is why it is so incredibly Christ reconnects to the life forces There is also a pressing task to stand important that, now in particular, we of the earth. up and tell the world what we do. get involved in the question of the Enlivening care for plants and Because it is the inner attitude spiritual in agriculture, in the world soil and strengthening through the of the person that determines and in us. Rudolf Steiner said of use of biodynamic preparations what is important in human activities the secret of the heart: “The human are important influences that are (nature conservation, organic heart arises from the gold that lives available to us to develop life forces, agriculture, etc.), we should take everywhere in the light and that approach cosmic influences and this special inner attitude with streams in from the universe and assimilate them into the earth. which we can encounter the earth actually forms the human heart.”

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 11 CLIMATE CHANGE

change

I would like firstly to commend and obscene excesses of our global strengthened the contention that

Star & Furrow for encouraging a consumerist-driven economic CO2 is a very serious issue requiring genuine dialogue about climate system. Both need to be addressed our appropriate responses. change. I would also like to in precisely the way Bernard However, this mode of science wholeheartedly commend Bernard suggests, by treating the earth not can take us only so far after which Jarman for what struck me as as a resource to be exploited but a new kind of science based on a respectful and considerate as a living being that needs caring intuition can perhaps provide greater contribution. Above all else the for and managing. certainty. And there was one other debates of our times call upon Let us now look past the dialectic critical thing I realised eighteen years us to engage empathically and debates, past the hypotheses ago: that the converse is also true. collaboratively, to listen to each and counterhypotheses, and look Even Bernard’s counterhypothesis other at least as much as to convey squarely at the essential moral about deforestation can take us so opinion and views. Only through questions which are before us: How far. Indeed, it is just as wrong to state this approach can we ever hope must we as human beings respond categorically that “human beings are to deepen our own personal to what we can intuitively experience definitely not causing climate change knowledge, and to find our way as a climate crisis, and yet how can by emitting CO2”! Both voices, for safely through the darkness of we do so in the midst of imperfect and against climate change actions, our present times of acrimony knowledge about the earth climate can take on a dogmatic form. They and polarisation. system? How do we respond in the can state definitively what they I want in this article to focus face of uncertainty? How do we act cannot justify evidentially. We can primarily on the essential moral decisively? How will we, in the future, all of course strive to be clairvoyant question posed by climate change, answer the questions posed to us founded as this is on the uncertainties by our grandchildren and great- in our knowledge on all sides. Before grandchildren when they ask us “how How indeed will we in I do so, I would like to comment on did you respond to this when you two aspects of Bernard’s article. had the chance to act decisively??!!” future respond to our The first, that the earth is a Eighteen years ago, I studied grandchildren’s and great- complex living being, I strongly agree scientists sceptical of climate change with. The second – that deforestation while undertaking a Master’s degree. grandchildren’s questions? and CO2 emissions are mutually I found that they raised one and intuitive to deepen our certainty. exclusive, as it were, in so far as the important valid point. That it was But this takes time and unfortunately, former is the causal agent and the wrong to state categorically that we do not have the time to wait. The latter insignificant with regard to “human beings are definitely times we live in call upon us to act. climate change, I, with the greatest causing climate changes through Therefore, in face of uncertainty we of respect, take issue with precisely CO2 emissions”. This is not due need to adopt two things: (1) humility on the basis of the first. For the earth to climate science being “wrong” and (2) a sense of responsibility as to system encompasses both CO2 and per se, but due to the inherent what we actually DO. the living canopy of tree cover. limitations of a mode of science If an expert should tell us that our

Deforestation and CO2 emissions that is based on hypothesis and the house is a serious fire risk and there are integral aspects of one highly seeking for supportive evidence. is a high likelihood it will burn down complex living system. In excess, both The evidence has indeed been unless we take actions to mitigate

CO2 and deforestation are problems. mounting in the ensuing eighteen the risk, we may be sceptical of their Both are symptomatic of the gross years and if anything has significantly scientific basis. If sceptical we could

12 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 what is our The theme of the year as suggested by the Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum is ‘Breathing with the moral Climate Crisis – ecologically – socially – spiritually’. This will culminate in the annual conference in Dornach, position? Switzerland in February 2021. Here former teacher, Alex Fornal, gives a personal perspective on how we could respond to the current climate crisis. ALEX FORNAL

yet where there is strong reasoned I want to close by stating that Eating less red meat, justification to mitigate the threats. above all we need to carefully pick where animal welfare By “sensible” I mean win-win and choose where we direct our actions that also have wider criticism and how we criticize is paramount, the benefits beyond that for which others. Environmentalists are not animal’s life is grazed they are primarily intended. the enemy. I recently joined my For example, we could move toward local Extinction Rebellion group. and is less intensively biodynamic, organic and more I would strongly encourage others managed, would lead sustainable forms of agriculture, with if not to join them then at least to reduced obesity and a greater mix of landscape elements to reach out to them, and to the that include, in some instances, young people of the Youth Strikes, better human health. greater amounts of tree cover. This in common dialogue. This at very respond in one of two ways: (1) we would transform our landscape, least in order to avoid caricaturing could do nothing, by emphatically benefit wildlife and improve food them in what they stand for. If one insisting that “our house will quality as well as human health. It genuinely gets to know such people definitely not burn down!”, would also strongly mitigate climate – i.e. meeting them face to face this despite having no definitive change by sequestering carbon and engaging them in empathic evidential basis to justify such into the soil. Eating less red meat, dialogue - one finds out that they certainty, or (2) we could be where animal welfare is paramount, are compassionate and deeply, even completely honest with ourselves the animal’s life is grazed and is less spiritually, concerned for the future and admit there is uncertainty. intensively managed, would lead to of the earth. I would hasten to add We could take sensible reduced obesity and better human that the vast majority of them do not precautionary actions to mitigate health. It would also substantially seek the eradication of human beings the risk “just in case …”. And we reduce CO2 emissions. from the face of the earth! could do so thinking not only of We need to see CO2 emissions, On the contrary they care deeply ourselves but of our children, family deforestation, species loss, declining for each other and for all human and the other people living in our human health, and the many other beings. Yes, they do - and in my house. It is perfectly possible to be a 21st century problems plaguing our opinion rightly - characterise the “sceptic” and yet to act as if we were living earth as mutually inclusive present predominantly exploitative a proponent. Indeed, this is the only and as requiring our comprehensive human relationship to the earth as morally defensible course of action. Is moral responses. To the degree to parasitic. They pull no punches in it not telling that Greta Thunberg has which we are certain we must act. this respect. But one will find that also used this very same analogy? But the times we live in also call upon they are not adversaries. They are I suggest that, similarly, the only us to act decisively even in the face potential allies. This is of course what morally defensible position to take of uncertainty, in accordance with makes the Biodynamic Association on the issue of climate change is common sense and precautionary so great an organisation, and one sensible precaution. And for that measures. To do otherwise is morally for which I am immensely proud to matter also on a host of other indefensible. How indeed will we in be a member: Because its members 21st century threats to our civilisation future respond to our grandchildren’s and its leadership take to heart such as 5G, species and biodiversity and great-grandchildren’s questions? that it is only by way of genuine loss, declining food quality, etc, Especially if in the course of time it collaboration that the manifold where our science (both conventional turns out that the climate scientists 21st century crises humanity faces and “spiritual”) is uncertain and are, at least partially, right?! can be adequately addressed.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 13 CLIMATE CHANGE farmingBiodynamic and solutions it offers to the problems of climate change

MARINA O’CONNELL

Current food production systems The manufacture of nitrogen contribute approximately 30 percent fertilisers and pesticides requires of our total carbon emissions in the a lot of energy and have “embedded global north.1 carbon” that comes with their use. Nitrate fertilisers also produce Carbon emissions in farming nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas far come from; more potent than Carbon dioxide. 1. The use of fossil fuels for tractors, Cattle in industrial farming produce 2. Nitrogen-based fertilisers more methane than grass fed cattle, and pesticides and methane itself is a far more 3. Methane produced by cows, potent greenhouse gas than carbon 4. Transport and refrigeration of dioxide. A recent study by Chatham food all around the world House showed that worldwide 5. Unseasonal production of food livestock production is responsible 6. Plastic packaging required for 15 percent of worldwide carbon for long distance travel. emissions, the same as the tailpipe gases from vehicles.2 To put this in a context, we all know We are now experiencing that we can go to a supermarket Climate change in real time, with and expect to buy, for instance non extreme weather events, high Biodynamic farming is organic French Beans wrapped in rainfall, high wind, late frosts, warm plastic, in January flown in from spells in winter, drought and very almost 100 years old. Kenya, We also know that the high temperatures in the summer. It was the first form of increasing fashion to eat more beef Farming by its very nature relies on sustainable farming system across the world in the transition predictable weather patterns. For economies has created huge instance in 2019 the wettest winter to arise in response to “feedlots” or sheds full of cattle, in on record prevented some of the the industrialisation of countries for example like China, that sowing of the winter wheat crops agriculture. It is one of are fed with soya imported from the in the UK. Spring wheat went cleared rainforests of the Amazon. in instead, but then the wettest the highest performing All grown using tractors, fertilisers August on record in 2020 made farming systems in respect and pesticides. This epitomizes the the harvesting of the wheat almost major fault lines in industrial farming impossible, with predictions of the to climate change and and how it contributes towards overall wheat harvest in the UK down has a great deal to offer climate change. by 30 percent. farmers and policy makers Target carbon emissions reduction have been set by the International trying to understand how to We are now experiencing Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at produce enough food for an Climate change in real the Paris COP in 2015 and ratified by increasing population, whilst time, with extreme weather most of the world’s countries. The current aim is to reduce emissions reducing carbon emissions events, high rainfall, high by 100 per cent by 2050, in order from farming to net zero, wind, late frosts, warm to keep the global temperature sequestering carbon whilst spells in winter, drought increase to a sustainable level set at two degrees Celsius. The NFU has adapting to the increasingly and very high temperatures suggested farming in the UK should erratic weather patterns. in the summer. aim for net zero carbon emissions

14 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 Marina O’Connell (centre) speaking with visitors Picture credits: Apricot Centre, Huxhams Farm by 2040, and Extinction Rebellion transforming the organic matter suggests 2030. To achieve this The lesson that Biodynamic into humus that can soak up target in 10-20 years the time to carbon from the atmosphere.5 start creating low carbon resilient farms can offer is a Industrial farmers might well ask farms is in fact NOW. systems rethink for the Biodynamic farmers how they From a farming and growing industrial model. achieve their incredible results of perspective solving the challenge sequestering carbon so well. The of climate change is approached Research at FIBL (Federal Institute lesson that Biodynamic farms can from two directions mitigation and of Biological Agriculture Switzerland) offer is a systems rethink for the adaption. Farming systems can has found that organic farms industrial model. mitigate climate change by changing sequester two tonnes of carbon Biodynamic farms are designed farm practices to reduce carbon dioxide per hectare in their soils per to become an “organism” or to be as emissions and at the same time year. Biodynamic farms sequester ‘closed loop’ as possible. They have sequester carbon into soils and carbon at a 25 percent higher rate pioneered creating their own source trees. Farms can potentially soak than organic farms.3 This is because of nutrition, pest and disease control, up more carbon than they produce Biodynamic soils have a higher and weed control in house rather becoming “carbon positive”. Farming amount of humus in them that soaks than using pesticides and fertilisers. systems will also have to adapt up and stores carbon. Yatesbury Biodynamic farms use green manures to climate change by change of Biodynamic farm in Wiltshire, has and livestock for fertility, functional practice, to become more resilient completed a carbon audit with the biodiversity for pest control, crop and productive whilst coping Farm Carbon Toolkit and found that timing, crop diversity, and mechanical with extreme and changeable their soil carbon is growing at a rate weeding methods to produce local weather patterns. of 0.27 percent per year, and that, seasonal delicious food. These Biodynamic farming is one of they with the help of their cattle, methods all reduce the dependence the most highly functioning farming are sequestering 10 times as much on inputs from outside the farm with systems that can both mitigate carbon as they are emitting.4 the embedded carbon and energy and adapt to climate change at the Biodynamic soils have this that this entails for nitrate fertilisers same time. extraordinary capacity to sequester and pesticides. carbon because of the biodynamic Policy makers might well ask Mitigation of Climate change preparations that possibly inoculate Biodynamic farmers how they Biodynamic farming methods the soil with a very high diversity can produce enough food whilst mitigate climate change by of soil microbes, and therefore adapting to climate change. Another sequestering more carbon in the have high levels of resilient system rethink Biodynamic farms soils than industrial farming methods. microbial activity. It is this that is have pioneered is the concept of

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 15 CLIMATE CHANGE

rainfall, holding on to it, releasing it slowly. This helps reduce flooding and soil erosion. It also means in a drought it will hold on to water longer so that less irrigation is required, or crop yields remain high. Biodynamic farms also choose to use open pollinated seeds and varieties, some of the grain crops chosen are populations or genetically diverse races of crops. This genetic diversity also lends resilience to the crops in extreme weather situations. Huxhams Cross Farm was set up five years ago in partnership with the Biodynamic land trust with the aim to be resilient to climate change and to be carbon positive in the long term, amongst other things. We have transformed our soil using deep rooted green manures and the humus content of the soil. Patrick Biodynamic preparations, and key Biodynamic cows are Holden (Sustainable Food Trust and line ploughing. We have planted Patron of the BDA) points out that thousands of agroforestry trees pasture fed, and not small mixed farms build fertility by along the contours to improve water grain fed, and no nitrogen growing grass leys and grazing these retention and sequester carbon. We fertilisers are used. by cattle. This system replaces have installed large scale rainwater the carbon lost in the years when harvesting systems for our irrigation, community supported agriculture. the soil is used for growing arable and PV panels to power our cold (CSA). This system allows for or vegetable crops. Permanent stores. We are producing small scale customers to pay a weekly pasture stores a great deal of local grains and flour, eggs, fruit and subscription and receive a bog of carbon, third highest after forests vegetables all sold within a 20 mile produce from the farm chosen by and wetlands. Biodynamic farms radius. We are just about coping with the grower and not the customer, excel at these rotations. the wild weather of 2020, and during so sharing the economic risk of Trees also sequester carbon, lockdown saw our sales increase by crop failures and the gluts of other Biodynamic farms on principle put a multiple of four as people craved produce. Supplying customers down at least 10 per cent of their a secure source of healthy nutritious directly with local, seasonal delicious farmland into biodiversity, often food. We grow YQ populations wheat, food directly via the CSA model in the form of hedgerows or small this stands for Yield and Quality and reduces plastic packaging, transport, woodlands. These can sequester is an “out bred” form of population cold storage supply chains and four tonnes of carbon per year wheat that is very genetically diverse. food waste as the customers are per hectare. We sowed it in October 2019, and happy to take slightly mis-shaped The mindset of a Biodynamic it withstood the wettest winter on produce, often being mixed farms farmer is to make every effort to record, with no pest or disease issues, the grade-outs are fed to livestock. be sustainable, and will often invest it ripened up and was harvested just The increased diversity of the in renewable energy on the farm, before the deluge in August, and we cropping plan on the farm to supply installing PV panels on a roof of had exactly the same yield as all the food in this way also improves the a barn for instance, or installing previous years. We will be completing resilience of the farm to climate rainwater harvesting systems for a study over the next 6 months to pull change weather events. If it’s a irrigation water. together our carbon figures with the challenging year for carrots it is The big picture is that organic “Farm carbon tool kit” and our social probably a good year for tomatoes. and biodynamic require 20 percent impact in partnership with CAWR at A key aspect of the Biodynamic less energy to produce the same Coventry University.6 farm organism is cattle, and these unit of yield as the industrial model are frequently cited as a major of farming as proved by research cause of climate change. However at FIBL.5 1. J. Pretty Agri-culture Earthscan, London, 2002 2. L. Wellesley C. Happer, A Froggatt “Changing Climate, Biodynamic cows are pasture fed, Changing diets” Chatham House Report 2015 and not grain fed, and no nitrogen Adapting to Climate change 3. soil association report 2009, Soil carbon fertilisers are used. At low stocking Biodynamic soils are resilient to and organic farming www.soilassocation.org rates when grazed on deep rooted extreme weathers caused by climate 4. https://yatesbury.webs.com/ 5. https://www.fibl.org/en/themes/soil-info/soil- meadows they contribute towards change. The high levels of organic background.html the building of organic matter and matter and hums in the soils means 6. Apricot centre Huxhams cross farm fertility in the soil and their manure that Biodynamic soils behave like www.apricotcentre.co.uk feeds the soil microbes increasing sponges, soaking up excessive

16 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 THE BIODYNAMIC LAND TRUST Stewardship supporting a patch of soil for food growing?

GABRIEL KAYE, IAN NICHOLSON, AND TOM BRENAN, BD LAND TRUST

and can therefore also play a role make profit. Such caring can in mitigating climate change.3 With be referred to as stewardship. an emphasis on quality produce We want to create positive for health and vitality, biodynamics agreements with landlords across can play a positive cultural role too. the UK, for food, for soil life, for This means that, from a number of living landscapes, rural livelihoods perspectives, biodynamic land is very and engaged communities. much a part of an agroecological There can be many sorts of regenerative solution for a healthier stewardship agreements and they planet and people. can all be aspects or main aims However, in 2019 statistics of a food growing tenancy. show that in the UK only 2.9% of What does food mean to you? agricultural holdings were farmed For example stewardship for: The cultural aspect of food plays organically4 and, of these, only 1% • Conservation – to support, an important role in diet and the biodynamically.5 As the UK adjusts increase and conserve nature National Food Strategy: Part One1 to the impacts of Covid-19 and the on the site while growing food report published in July notes that end of the EU transition period in • Carbon Neutral – to farm in such in the UK we do not put as high a December we have an opportunity way as to sequester more carbon value on food and cooking as our to change our approach to food than is used in the farming – continental neighbours. However, it and farming and establish a local very possible with regenerative indicates that the recent lockdown food culture. biodynamic practice restrictions did see a growth in To increase the reality of • Soil and water – to re-enliven soil, people buying local and cooking food local food systems for a greater include more organic matter to from scratch. The report highlights number of people and for the next reduce water run-off and put in the connection between diet and generation, we need to secure more other systems that care for the health and the urgent need for steps land for organic biodynamic food water on the land. to ensure that children, particularly growing. Securing land in parcels those from disadvantaged for horticulture and small mixed The BD Land Trust is currently backgrounds, are well nourished. farms is vital to feeding more seeking funding to engage a It’s not just about peoples’ health people with locally grown health- development worker to help us though. The health of the planet is supporting food. support more projects. With a focus also suffering from our approach to Securing land does not on the production and supply of food. WWF’s Living Planet Report necessarily mean we have to buy it. local food these will benefit the 20202, published in September, We can also negotiate Farm Business health and wellbeing of people and highlights the serious decline in Tenancies of suitable duration, so it’s the natural world. Such projects also species numbers and soil health worth putting in the hard work that provide an opportunity to encourage that unsustainable agricultural is conversion from chemical farming better food literacy, highlight the practices have had across the to living soil and landscape. connection between a flourishing world. The report points out that The BD Land Trust can secure ecosystem and quality produce, biodiversity is fundamental to land in agreements where soil and and develop a local food culture. human life on Earth and indicates nature are cared for rather than In other words, stewardship for agriculture’s potential role in the treated as an industrial adjunct to planet-friendly farming. recovery of species and ecosystems. Enhancing and improving Gabriel Kaye, Ian Nicholson, and Tom Brenan, BD Land Trust biodiversity is a key part of www.biodynamiclandtrust.org.uk biodynamic farming with a 1. https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.org/partone/ certification requirement to maintain 2. https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-gb/ an area of biodiversity reserve 3. – https://www.fibl.org/en/locations/switzerland/departments/soil-sciences/bw-projekte/dok-trial.html; within a holding. Studies have also – https://www.bonterra.com/soil-study/ demonstrated that soils farmed 4. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/organic-farming-statistics-2019 biodynamically store more carbon 5. Biodynamic Association Certification statistics. than those managed conventionally

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 17 BIODYNAMIC FARMING Living farms: Potential of biodynamic places in a changing

LIN BAUTZE world During the last months, our world changed in many ways. Regulations regarding our health, but also travelling, or production processes and social interactions, in general, shifted from one day to the next and will continue to do so.

Though change and the adaptation have always been a part of human existence, it is safe to say that this situation is new and unexplored territory for many of us. A healthy nature and the spirit of biodynamic farms can maintain a grounding effect for many of us during this time and beyond. The approaches of how a healthy and resilient farm looks like and can be created differ locally in the world. Nevertheless, they all depend on the individual farmers, their ideas, visions and decisions about how “their” farm will look like. In biodynamic agriculture, the approach of the farm organism and farm individuality can provide one basis to create such a farm. A farm that despite all of the global changes and challenges, be it climate change or Covid-19, practices a locally adapted, resilient and sustainable form of agriculture – balancing human needs and nature’s capacities.

Children at the Rudolf Steiner School Mbagathi, Kenya A farm that can be an inspiration for others and a learning place. Picture credits: Lin Bautze

18 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 BIODYNAMIC FARMING

Farmer showing her diversity from the Limbua Group Children shelling beans from their own garden changing

farmers. These personal portraits The second biodynamic place is the Their primary motivation are a complementary portfolio Rudolf Steiner Mbagathi School on of the various possibilities that the outskirts of Nairobi. It is a quiet is curiosity: curiosity farms offer to become local food haven where, from the kindergarten about nature, curiosity laboratories. As the individual through to class 9, biodynamic farmers vary, the forms, shapes, agriculture can be experienced by about the preparations products and marketing of these the children. and compost and curiosity differ as well. The gardener, Francis Kilonzo, is about the effect of the Before the Covid-19 lockdown, mainly driven by the motivation to we visited two farms in Kenya. The supply the children with sufficient, new farming approach. first biodynamic place, the LIMBUA healthy food. Therefore, he tills his In the “Living Farms” project, Group, is an amalgamation of 4.5 hectare farming land with we visit a selection of these 3,000 small farmers. Together, they profound care and concerns himself biodynamic places that create such produce macadamia nuts under one devotedly with the preparations. an inspirational power. We make umbrella and market them mostly in All these people, as different them visible and accessible for Germany. From the very start that is as they may be, have the will to people all over the world to initiate since 2006 they have been certified create a better agriculture; to break an inspirational process. This can be as organic. Recently they decided new ground in research, to develop for farmers for their farm, but also to introduce biodynamics gradually. themselves further and to take every consumer to think about the Their primary motivation is curiosity: different steps bravely. They are origin of their food. Mainly, we do this curiosity about nature, curiosity united by the willingness to observe in the format of short videos, where about the preparations and compost their actions, to question and, as we show the thoughts, strategies and and curiosity about the effect of necessary, to adapt themselves options for actions of the different the new farming approach. accordingly. They have the capacity to dedicate themselves, to open themselves time and again to the unknown and, nonetheless, remain themselves, by remaining true to their own individuality and expressing it in a quite personal form of farming. These can be important characteristics in times where the whole world changes on a daily basis. Sometimes, pictures speak more than written language. Therefore, I would like to invite you to watch the videos yourself, to get to know these two farms in Kenya and the others. They are found on www.livingfarms.net with links to Youtube, Facebook and Instagram.

Lin Bautze is project leader of the Living

Testing preparations in the Limbua Group nursery Farms Project at the Agriculture Section in Dornach, Switzerland.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 19 BIODYNAMIC FARMING Our responsibility towards UELI HURTER animals

Picture credits: BFDI

Humans and animals so is based on the mechanisation Are there alternatives? The coronavirus seems to have of keeping, breeding and feeding Industrialised intensive livestock come from animals to us humans. livestock. Intensive livestock farming farming has gone off the rails There are many indications that reduces the space and environment in a variety of ways. It does not point to a “jump” of this kind. From for each animal to the absolute respect humans or animals. It has a purely biological causative angle, minimum. The example we all know a shocking environmental balance this would make the animals the is the battery hen. Breeding is so sheet, particularly through polluting cause of the Covid-19 pandemic. carefully worked out via repeated air, water and soil with excrements. So, in future should we be afraid hybridisation (and, increasingly, gene It can lead to antibiotic resistance of animals? Or is it in fact, the manipulation) that the whole animal and it is a ticking bio time bomb, for converse, that animals are is “programmed” in a single direction which the Covid pandemic might pressurised by us humans? Is the for egg production. The feed is be only a warning shot. There is no outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus a cocktail of optimised chemical sensible reason for not stopping from its natural environment to be components, often with hormone this industrial intensive farming. The thought of as a (bio)logical reaction additives, which is calculated solely question is, what is the alternative? of the cornered animals? for maximising production. This Is it good and realistic to try to The threat to wild animals from system is used not only for hens but renounce animal husbandry in the effects of our global civilisation also for pigs, animals bred for fur favour of radical veganism? Is there has been studied and known for or fish, and also for dairy cows and a way back to the “idyllic world” of decades. Species extinction also beef cattle. Hundreds of millions of traditional animal husbandry? Or are continues, despite the large number animals are kept under industrial their sustainable ways to live up to of programmes to save the wild conditions. They are managed our responsibility towards animals? In fauna and their habitats. The threat like “machines” but their nature is particular, modern organic farming, to the biological balance from still that of living organisms. This and biodynamic research and intensive livestock farming has means they are subject to a high practice, has developed approaches entered the general consciousness degree of permanent stress and as for integrated animal husbandry in to an even lesser degree but is no a consequence, they are constantly the areas of rearing, breeding and less real. The corona crisis is a wake- on the edge of collapse. Massive feeding, which do not just reduce up call to examine this danger, to amounts of antibiotics are used to the damage but actually create understand it and to do something avoid huge numbers of deaths. But added value. about it. there are outbreaks of bacteria and viruses which are simply produced Land-based animal husbandry Intensive livestock farming from the immunological stress and Animals live in close contact with The animal industry that has can contaminate the environment, their environment. For domestic developed over the last 70 years or e.g. human beings. animals, the primary concern is the

20 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 BIODYNAMIC FARMING

A scientific field study also recorded a reduction of Our responsibility over half of greenhouse gas emissions on biodynamic soils in comparison to chemically fertilised soils.

flow of substances of which they are a part. On the one hand, there is an uptake of substances through the feed and on the other the output of substances in the dung. It is a matter of connecting these loose ends and setting up a healthy closed substance cycle. The feed comes from the farm’s own land and the animals eat this for their maintenance and saleable products (meat, milk, eggs, etc.). The dung is processed on the farm, composted and returned to the soil as high-quality compost, increasing the soil fertility in both the good progress in this respect. Respectful treatment short and longer-term. This creates This should be emphasised, as the The alternative to industrialised a closed farm cycle. The animals are efforts for animal welfare are still intensive animal husbandry is fully integrated in this, in fact due to often the opposite the maximum integrated animal husbandry. This their “ensoulment” of the substance exploitation in intensive animal is based on the most up-to-date flow they are actually the ‘mover’ of husbandry. For biodynamic farmers, scientific research and participative this cycle of life. The entire farm is set the close relationship between man field research by many dedicated up in such a way that the different and animal is also important. Animals livestock owners. The ecological animals have enough feed with their are sentient beings and careful balance of integrated animal dung supplying the correct manure regular contact with human beings husbandry is positive, especially for the farm. The knowledge and is an enrichment for both parties. due to binding greenhouse gases in practice of this kind of integrated This gives rise to something like the soil humus. The social balance animal husbandry is subject to an emotional and biological anti- is positive because it gives rise to ongoing research and development. stress habitat. Beyond the personal bacteriological and viral “health The positive feedback effect due to level, this is a real contribution to a biotopes”. The cultural balance is the farm’s own manure production sustainable health potential for the positive because the respect towards was measured bacteriologically whole of society. “brother animal” also supports and the authors called this the human dignity and the respectful “homefield advantage” effect. A Breeding our brother animal treatment of the whole natural world. scientific field study has recorded a Breeding efforts enable humans to reduction of over half of greenhouse have a strong influence on an animal Ueli Hurter is joint leader of the Section for gas emissions on biodynamic variety within the given biological Agriculture at the Goetheanum in Dornach. soils in comparison to chemically limits. Breeding can concentrate very fertilised soils. Practitioners know one-sidedly such as on only egg from generations of experience production for the female hens. that a closed substance cycle due The males that are born are then of to integrated animal husbandry no use and are shredded or gassed stabilises the farm and increases by the millions in hatcheries. In resilience, thus guaranteeing security breeds that are only produced for of income at a medium level. fattening, the female chicks are “worthless” and are destroyed the Animal welfare day they hatch. The alternative is Issues around keeping animals are the dual-purpose breed, where referred to nowadays as animal the females have a medium egg welfare. This includes the housing production and the males a medium and grazing systems which enable meat production. Practical research the animals’ natural behaviour in partnership with conscious according to current behavioural consumers could launch highly research. Swiss agriculture is making promising programmes in this area.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 21 BIODYNAMIC FARMING

IN CONVERSATION WITH A shepherdess NINA DE WINTER

Picture credits: BFDI

was show me what I didn’t want I recently had the opportunity to talk to be doing. A lot of the routes into agriculture to Gala Bailey-Barker of Plaw Hatch are conventional, and up until recently you could only study Farm in Forest Row, to gain some insight Organic Agriculture at Masters level, so I decided to do an Archeology and opinion from a new generation of Degree, which I also found farmer on the front line of biodynamic interesting. I was aware of Plaw Hatch, as I went to Brighton Steiner agriculture here in the UK. school, and after finishing my degree and working all summer I realised I Gala is one of four female farmers, when things don’t go well. needed something to do, so I offered running different areas of the As a biodynamic farmer, the to volunteer at Plaw Hatch, became biodynamic mixed farm enterprise. approach for Gala is to understand an apprentice and I’ve been here ever Under her care is a flock of Lleyn her land and experiment with what since. Eight years now. and Romney sheep and over two works best in each case. Not all I suppose what really made hundred pasture foraging hens and experiments work and she made a me think about farming again was chicks. As a woman in farming in point of saying it is really important picking up the Plaw Hatch-Tablehurst the UK, she is part of a growing to also share this with her followers, book, paging through it and movement of women on social to be real and authentic. I was seeing the very thing I love about media that share their daily trials curious what inspired this dynamic biodynamics:” and tribulations with the world young woman to engage with “This whole self sustaining and in so doing, help connect us biodynamics when she decided to organism and how it all fits together to where our food comes from. start farming, and her journey will and all of those parts have to work In the last four to five years, inspire many others who do not together, it’s fascinating. Instagram in particular, has grown come from a farming family It is so satisfying trying to make to become the platform of choice or background. those things all work together and for female farmers and there is a “I wanted to be a farmer from actually complement each other real sense of community and support when I was very small, but my rather than compete.” among them. As farmers spend a family aren’t farmers. They were Having spent her formative lot of time out on their fields, it has working in the arts. I wasn’t really farming years at a mixed farm, she provided a great way to connect even sure how to get into farming, can’t imagine being a single farm with each other, ask for advice and even though I grew up on a big enterprise. Even though she loves give empathy and feedback even conventional farm. All this did sheep and they are her favourite,

22 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 BIODYNAMIC FARMING

encourages the ability to adapt and be resilient in the face of change. The thing about A change that is also evident in biodynamics is that it the recent uptake and discussion makes you work with of Regenerative Agriculture. This movement has found traction your land, if you do amongst farmers who are starting to anything else it won’t work. look for solutions beyond chemical agriculture but may not want to if all she ever did was look after a convert to certification out of shepherdess thousand sheep all day, she would principle. Again social media and miss the opportunity to learn and Instagram have become a platform grow in other areas. The co-working for discussion and sharing of and supportive relationship she has information around the topic. with the other female farmers at Plaw “The concern with Regenerative Hatch, means that they often help Agriculture is, it’s a catch all term each other with various tasks on the that could mean anything. There farm and so there are always new are no standards and it risks only one organic run a year. So challenges and inputs. becoming another form of planning and quantities are hard From her perspective, she finds it greenwashing. I do get where to project. very interesting how akin biodynamic people are coming from, when This leads to being innovative in agriculture is to very traditional they make a good business selling running your farm business. Gala now forms of agriculture, going back to product that has been raised or hosts wool plant-dyeing workshops the pre-chemical revolution. If she is grown regeneratively, and they have with her mother, who is a specialist, looking for information about what a whole marketing team behind and they have become very popular to feed a pig for example, she will go it. But there is a reason we have among a new breed of designers who back to older books on agriculture, Organic standards and Biodynamic care where their textiles come from before pigs were fed soya and they standards, so that customers can and how they are produced. She is were bred to have so much meat that be sure of what they buy and eat. also a member of the South West they have to be fed soya. More importantly it pushes you as England Fibreshed, a project aimed When interacting with other a farmer, to do better and find a at building a community of fibre and farmers who don’t know much about solution, rather than just jump on dye growers, processors, makers and biodynamics, they will often see the a bandwagon” manufacturers across the South West parallels with traditional farming and However, to try to convert to start a conversation about how it just so happens that it is organic as conventional land to Organic or they can produce more home-grown well. But of course traditional mixed Biodynamic is really hard and costly textiles and garments in a more farming was organic, before the so a step towards Regenerative healthy, resilient and regenerative advent of chemicals. Agriculture is still a step in the textile ecosystem. “The thing about biodynamics right direction. She recently had a Overall this interview gives me is that it makes you work with conversation with another Instragram hope that many small changes and your land, if you do anything else Farmer who has garnered a big conversations all add up. If more it won’t work” following. Three years ago he was young farmers embraced these Talking of land, I asked Gala convinced it was justifiable to use principles and they keep using these if she has experienced any direct Glyphosate, but by learning about platforms to inspire and learn from consequences of Climate Change. the whole food system he is now each other, our farmers really are in The answer: a surrounding yes. converting to Organic and embracing a position to change the direction The most recent example being agroecology. So there is hope, that of the tide on very big issues like that they had come out of one of these conversations can still inspire climate change and how we correct the wettest winters to a drought in other farmers to rethink how some of our broken food systems. summer, which resulted in very slow they farm. growing grass. Here is where farming It’s easy to be critical of farmers, For a daily biodynamically really does start to but when you listen to the statistics dose of sheep present a solution. Being a mixed you can understand how difficult it and farm life, enterprise means that when one area is. You need about a 1000 breeding find Gala on struggles due to the weather, another ewes per person to make any Instagram part can still flourish and support the semblance of a profit. @farmergala farm as a whole. The focus on soil The market dictates how and health is also key and even though what people farm. The price of there is a lot still to learn and figure wool is at an all time low, and as out, that approach means that they her flock produce organic wool, can experiment and adapt. The Natural Fibre Company is the That diversity of enterprise is only place in the UK where it can echoed in diversity of pasture and in be processed. Due to low demand turn the diversity of landscape. This the prices are high and there is

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 23 SECTION TITLE The following is an infographic of some of the key results arising from the DOK trial carried out by Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Switzerland. It was originally published in the German biodynamic journal Lebendige Erde and reproduced here with their kind permission. (Translated by David Heaf)

BIODYNAMICS CONNECTS SOIL AND PLANT

Biodynamic compared with organic and conventional (=100%) with comparable levels of fertiliser application and equal crop rotations. Selected experimental results from long-term trials.

ROOT PENETRATION INTENSITY1 WEIGHT OF EARTHWORMS 4 Section 0 - 55 cm, winter rye, LZDV DA Grams per square metre, DOK

157 % 103 %100 % 140 % 130 % 100 %

ACTIVITY OF MICROORGANISMS 5 SYMBIOSIS WITH ROOT FUNGI 2 Section 0 - 55 cm, winter rye, LZDV DA Proportion of roots with arbuscular mycorrhizae, DOK

161 % 143 % 100 % 133% 140% 100%

NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS 3 SOIL CRUMB STABILITY6 N2O measured throughout the crop rotation, DOK Proportion of stable aggregates > 0.25 mm, DOK

57 %75% 100 % 125 % 104 %100 %

References

1 Bachinger J: (1996):Der Einflussunterschiedlicher Düngungsarten 2 Mäder P, Edenhofer S, Boller T, WiemkenA, NiggliU:(2000) 4 Pfiner L, Mäder P(1997):EectsofBiodynamic, Organicand (mineralisch, organisch, biologisch-dynamisch) aufdie zeitliche Arbuscular mcorrhizae in along termfield trial comparinglow input Conventional Production SystemsinEarthworm Populations. Dynamik und räumliche Verteilungvon bodenchemischen und (organic, biological) and high input (conventional)farming systemsin Biol.Agric. Hortic.15: 3-10 -mikrobiologischenParametern der C- und N-Dynamik sowie auf an crop rotation. Bio. Fertil. Soils 31:150-156 5 RauppJ(2001):Wirkungen derbiologisch-dynamischen Präparate das Pflanzen- und Wurzelwachstumvon Winterroggen. Schriften- 3 Minarsch EM,Gattinger A, SkinnerC,Mäder P(2020): Potenziale im Langzeit-Düngungsversuch, LE 5-01,42-44 reihe des Forschungsring/IBDF Bd.7 des Ökolandbaus in Zeitendes Klimawandels: GeringereLachgas 6 SiegristS,SchaubD,Pfiner Lund MäderP(1998): Does organic Emissionen vorallem auf biodynamischen Ackerböden. LE 2-20, 40-45 agriculture reducesoilerodibility?The results of along-term field studyonloess in Switzerland. Agric. Ecosys. Environ 69:253-26

24 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 You wouldn’t believe when walking across a field rich in flora and insects at Yatesbury House Farm on a balmy summer’s day, that many years previously the ground was deemed to be ‘like concrete’. The transformation at Yatesbury is phenomenal. The soil is rich and fertile, more BIODYNAMICS CONNECTS SOIL AND PLANT carbon is being sequestered than emitted and the animals are roaming. Biodynamic compared with organic and conventional (=100%) with comparable levels of fertiliser application and equal crop rotations. Selected experimental results from long-term trials.

ROOT PENETRATION INTENSITY1 WEIGHT OF EARTHWORMS4 Section 0 - 55 cm, winter rye, LZDV DA Grams per square metre, DOK Yatesbury

157 % 103 %100 % 140 % 130 % 100 %

ACTIVITY OF MICROORGANISMS 5 SYMBIOSIS WITH ROOT FUNGI 2 HouseFarm Section 0 - 55 cm, winter rye, LZDV DA Proportion of roots with arbuscular mycorrhizae, DOK soil carbon and life

RICHARD SWANN

Carbon sequestration C0 e (kg/year) % total emissions As a result of considered and precise management, the 2 soil organic matter has been increasing by 0.25% each Fuel 97,581 9.76% 161 % 143 % 100 % 133% 140% 100% year since organic conversion and as a consequence Materials 4,815 0.48% the amount of carbon sequestered has also increased. NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS 3 SOIL CRUMB STABILITY6 According to latest figures this means that Yatesbury Farm Capital Items 31,988 3.20% N2O measured throughout the crop rotation, DOK Proportion of stable aggregates > 0.25 mm, DOK sequesters ten times more carbon than it emits due to Livestock 727,836 72.76% careful land management (using the Farm Carbon Cutting Toolkit’s webtool). Fertility 136,360 13.63%

The recent research, as part of the Case Study Agro-chemicals 0 0.00% Research on four UK biodynamic farms reported in the Distribution 1,557 0.16% last issue of Star and Furrow, shows that their total carbon

balance is declared as being -9,622,657kg of CO2/year. Waste 130 0.01% This can be analysed out as follows:

Yatesbury farmer Richard Gantlett C02e (kg/year) % total sequestration Picture credit: Richard Gantlett Field Margins 11,892 0.11% 57 %75% 100 % 125 % 104 %100 % Soil Organic Matter 10,273,747 96.71%

Orchards & Vineyards 0 0.00% References

1 Bachinger J: (1996):Der Einflussunterschiedlicher Düngungsarten 2 Mäder P, Edenhofer S, Boller T, WiemkenA, NiggliU:(2000) 4 Pfiner L, Mäder P(1997):EectsofBiodynamic, Organicand Wetland 0 0.00% (mineralisch, organisch, biologisch-dynamisch) aufdie zeitliche Arbuscular mcorrhizae in along termfield trial comparinglow input Conventional Production SystemsinEarthworm Populations. Dynamik und räumliche Verteilungvon bodenchemischen und (organic, biological) and high input (conventional)farming systemsin Biol.Agric. Hortic.15: 3-10 Woodland & Hedges 337,284 3.18% -mikrobiologischenParametern der C- und N-Dynamik sowie auf an crop rotation. Bio. Fertil. Soils 31:150-156 5 RauppJ(2001):Wirkungen derbiologisch-dynamischen Präparate das Pflanzen- und Wurzelwachstumvon Winterroggen. Schriften- 3 Minarsch EM,Gattinger A, SkinnerC,Mäder P(2020): Potenziale im Langzeit-Düngungsversuch, LE 5-01,42-44 Woodland (detailed analysis) 0 0.00% reihe des Forschungsring/IBDF Bd.7 des Ökolandbaus in Zeitendes Klimawandels: GeringereLachgas 6 SiegristS,SchaubD,Pfiner Lund MäderP(1998): Does organic Emissionen vorallem auf biodynamischen Ackerböden. LE 2-20, 40-45 agriculture reducesoilerodibility?The results of along-term field studyonloess in Switzerland. Agric. Ecosys. Environ 69:253-26

25 SECTIONYATESBURY TITLE HOUSE FARM

Working sustainably, organically and biodynamically

Picture credits: Richard Swann

(7,200kg CO2/c EU av.) - i.e. in excess done, I am now tweaking the system The farm, on the edge of farm balance. This is equivalent to to make it even more effective at fixing how much 1721 people would emit carbon, which we’re now in a position of the Wiltshire Downs, per year. to do so.’ covers 534 ha, all of When asked about this Yatesbury Yatesbury House Farm is farmer Richard Gantlett says; ‘We managed by the quiet spoken but which is managed haven’t gone out to fix carbon in very determined Richard Gantlett, biodynamically and is the soil. No, we’ve gone out to make his wife, two sons and daughter. Demeter certified. a sustainable farming system that The farm had been in the family produces healthy quality food. And by since 1968 but in 1998 work was And further, in the presentation chance, it happened to be very good started to convert it to organic of the research at the Oxford Real at fixing carbon and that’s really where which led to being biodynamically Farming Conference earlier this year you want to come from. Now, because managed since 2003. it was announced that in 2018 the we understand the carbon fixing The farm, on the edge of the farm offset 5,590kg CO2 / capita process from the research that I’ve Wiltshire Downs, covers 534 ha, all of which is managed biodynamically and is Demeter certified. Another 120 ha are rented in another location which are certified organic, making around 650 ha in all. It is very close to World Heritage site, Avebury and there is acknowledgement of the local heritage with the Neolithic enclosure Windmill Hill adjoining the farm. Crop circles have been known to appear on the farm several years ago.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 YATESBURYSECTION TITLE HOUSE FARM

However there is nothing Neolithic about Yatesbury. State of art machinery and modern thinking are all part and parcel of the farm strategy. In developing the farm, Richard has been influenced by the work of biodynamic farmer, pioneer and teacher Alex Podolinsky, who died last year. He first came across him when reading the book ‘Secrets of the Soil’ by Christopher Bird and really stuck out as well as the Diversity of Plants Peter Thompkins in which there is colour of the soil between the vines. At Yatesbury 23 species of plants a chapter dedicated to Podolinsky’s So I decided to give it a go.’ go in to make up the mixture for work. That led to following him Podolinsky was very direct and the pastures. The mixture was across France where he was visiting didn’t beat about the bush when specially developed in cooperation and giving advice on farms and giving advice. Many people may with Cotswold Seeds. These provide vineyards. When seeing conventional, have been put off by that but not a mix of deep and shallow rooting organic and biodynamic vines Richard who accepted all the advice plants which occupy different root growing next to each other Richard given and saw it as a challenge. zones in the soil. According to was impressed by the stark Four principles underlined Richard, the root interactions difference in the way they grew. Podolinsky’s approach to treating helps them explore further and thus ‘The biodynamic one was just the soil: draw up more nutrients. completely different and you could 1. Diversity of plants ‘The discussion in my PhD just see that vitality in the plants by 2. Cultivations actually was a lot about how all these the way that the plants grew and 3. Biodynamic Preparations plants work together and how the the uprightness in the shoots. That 4. Cattle management organisms communicate in the soil

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 27 and whether we really understand biodynamic conference in 2014, to help with the fertility, but since that communication. Clearly inspired Richard to adopt minimum the soil has enlivened they get there are different levels to this till methods and to sell his plough. incorporated more easily now. understanding, but from a scientific Using a deep cultivator to lift the point of view, you know this is soil along with deep rooting plants Produce right on the cusp of what we’re he was able to stabilise the soil. All the produce from the farm is learning at the moment.’ sold on to third parties. None is The ley mixture is used across Biodynamic Preparations marketed under the Yatesbury name. the whole farm as part of the Podolinsky developed the Meat is sold on to the organic meat refined six year rotation (3 years Biodynamic Preparation 500P which trade. Oats are sent for making into ley followed by 3 years arable). has all the compost preparations organic porridge oats. Spelt is sold The pastures help build up the soil combined with the horn manure for milling into organic spelt flour. organic matter through the biomass preparation to allow all them to reach And the barley makes its way north and nitrogen fixation. The carbon all parts of the farm. Water is first across the border to Bruichladdich then helps to feed the crops in the warmed and then the preparation is on Islay to provide the basis for the following years. machine stirred for an hour before ‘biodynamic’ whisky. In fact this was Richard adds; ‘You know the spraying out. Because they have a started several years ago with many other thing we found is that our lot of rain, Richard feels that Horn casks of spirit being made from the system naturally attracts more Silica Preparation is essential in their barley grown at Yatesbury. These wildlife and it provides more food region. That helps with the ripening have now matured and will be ready for wildlife, more flowers for processes in the plants, so essential for bottling soon. After a lapse of a pollinators just as part of the way for good quality grain such as oats, few years Richard is again growing it works. It’s not that we’ve gone barley and spelt. barley for the whisky. out to do that, but by the other goals we’ve had such using less Cattle management Inspiration fuel and wanting to generally A large herd of Aberdeen Angus The research used for the farm improve the soil they have been roams the fields. They especially development provided the basis for fortunate by products.’ enjoy sheltering under the trees. Richard’s recently completed PhD They were chosen as they are a thesis: ‘High biomass rotation and its Cultivations native breed, calve easily and fatten impact on soil health, weed burden The soil is a heavy silty clay loam on pasture well for meat. They and crop quality’. He will present over lower grey chalk. This is were selected before biodynamic some of his findings at next year’s probably as a result of deposits from management started and Richard International Biodynamic Research glaciers long in the past. When the discovered the importance of Conference in the UK. Hopefully, farm was farmed conventionally the horns. the measures implemented at the soil used to turn into ‘concrete The cattle are grazed using a Yatesbury House Farm can also be an blocks’ when ploughed. There was method called rotational grazing. inspiration for other farmers looking no life in the soil. That has all They are thus moved every 3-6 days for solutions to improve their soil changed now due to the measures depending on the growth of the and at the same time make a positive put into place to restore the pasture. This method gives a good contribution to the environment. rehabilitated soil. amount of freedom for the cattle to Friedrich Wenz, who some roam and follow their herd instinct. More on Yatesbury House Farm can be found may remember spoke at the UK In the past, the cowpats were spread at https://yatesbury.wixsite.com/yatesbury

28 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 genome editing INVASIVE AND HOLLOWING OUT THE WHOLE

LAWRENCE WOODWARD

Genome editing is becoming the latest ‘sustainability’ mantra but there is hesitation abroad about using the words out loud.

For example, in the recent House of The government refused to made about this ‘game-changing’ Lords consideration of amendments back the amendment and it technology which, it is claimed, to the Agriculture Bill1 there were was withdrawn after ministers is ‘akin to natural processes’ but frequent references to ‘precision confirmed their commitment to ‘more precise’ and has such benefits breeding’, ‘new plant breeding ‘freeing’ the technology from and negligible risk that it should techniques’ and ‘modern breeding regulatory constraint. Yet, they immediately be freed of regulatory methods’ for plants and livestock – know this is not enough. They oversight where it will lead the way all of them are euphemisms for need to make it acceptable to the in a transformative ‘bioeconomy’. genome editing but the term itself market and consumers. To do that was systematically avoided. they have to remove the taint of Surprising support This was in line with the GMOs and genetic engineering for genome editing character of one highly controversial and to repackage it as something In the past, such claims for amendment which sought to change progressive, sustainable and wholly GMOs have been met with incredulity, the definition of GMOs in UK law environment and health friendly. a healthy dose of scepticism and through a piece of underhand Of course, it is genetic more than a little bit of ridicule from regulatory chicanery2 which even the engineering and the European NGOs and civil society. Not now. government couldn’t bring itself to Court of Justice ruled in 2018 that There is an increasing willingness swallow. Backed by the biotech lobby it should be fully regulated as a in some quarters to accept that and the research establishment, GMO – a decision which launched3 genome editing has – at least the several peers sought to change the a paroxysm of indignation, outrage potential – to advance the cause of definition of GMOs, which is set and activity from the industry and ‘sustainable’ food and farming, have out in the existing Environmental research establishment. animal welfare benefits and more Protection Act, to one which would This latest incarnation of genetic speedily tackle some of the difficult exempt genome editing, thereby engineering technology is not one issues caused by climate change. removing all requirements for particular method. It is a whole suite Some have begun to accept the monitoring, labelling and safety of them with differing characteristics. claims that genome editing impacts assessments of the technology But you wouldn’t know that from in a way that is similar to natural post-Brexit. the sweeping generalisations processes and could be accepted

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 29 GENOME EDITING

genome and at on-target sites (at the desired editing site). These unintended effects will change gene function, which in turn will lead to compositional changes in the plants. Potentially these could include the production of new mRNA molecules and new proteins, which could prove to be toxic and/ or allergenic.

- Genome editing is a laboratory- based artificial genetic modification procedure, which in no way resembles natural breeding. And its products, if examined carefully, appear very different from naturally bred products. No one has ever produced a gene-edited crop or food, sequenced its entire genome, and found an identical organism existing in nature. The type and in regenerative, agroecological and editing, noting: ‘I’m not adamantly frequency of mutations caused by even organic farming. Beyond GM, against the technology’ and that genome editing are completely has been running a programme ‘If you could give us a blight resistant different from what can happen called ‘A Bigger Conversation’ potato, I would find it very hard in nature. exploring the claims, perspectives to argue against.’ He nevertheless and attitudes surrounding genome expressed real concerns around the - Genome editing can scramble editing. Some of the findings have system, which seems to go hand in genomes in many ways and at many been surprising – from all sides. hand with GM technology. locations. In order to avoid serious The latest event in this As the ‘Bigger Conversation’ impacts on health and/or the programme was a webinar which programme has revealed7 these environment, developers of gene- started out to explore the broader perspectives are becoming more edited crops and foods must check issues of ‘sustainability’ – whatever widely held. It seems that the their products via whole genome that means nowadays4, which all the industry propaganda about the sequencing, in-depth molecular panellists agreed isn’t very much. potential benefit and absence of profiling (‘omics’) analyses to But when the conversation got risk claimed for the technology identify any potentially toxic or down to the potential benefits is undermining the long-standing allergenic compounds or proteins, of genome editing some really coalition for precaution. and animal feeding studies such controversial things emerged.5 This has caused immense as those required under EU law for Compassion in World Farming frustration amongst scientists such as old-style transgenic GMOs. CEO Philip Lymbery was concerned The European Network of Scientists that adoption of genome editing for Social and Environmental The antithesis of whole health could entrench industrial farming Responsibility (ENSSER)8, who are Some people and organisations systems but he nevertheless, committed to the application of the might be convinced that there supported its use in some precautionary principle. The team can be a role for genome editing circumstances. He asked: ‘What if, at GM Watch, who are ENSSER in something that is called chickens were successfully gene members, have produced a scientific ‘sustainability’ but I am adamant edited so the only eggs with female briefing9 summarising evidence that it is the antithesis of a whole embryos are viable… If successful, that genome editing is not precise, system approach to health, which is this technology could be a revolution, not natural and creates food safety built on the integrity of the whole ending at a stroke, the killing of birth and environmental risks akin to and living organism, be it soil life, plants, of 5 billion sentient creatures a year.’ possibly greater than those caused animals and man within a living, In an earlier Bigger Conversation by ‘traditional’ GMOs. functioning ecosystem. meeting6, support had been I recently had an online exchange expressed for the use of genome The briefing highlights: with Hugh Jones, Professor of editing to deal with dehorning cattle. - Gene-editing techniques are Translational Genomics for Plant Lymbery also voiced support for not precise. A large and growing Breeding at Aberystwyth University cell-based meat analogues. While not number of scientific studies10 about these concepts and practices. all of these involve genome editing show that they give rise to The discussion can be viewed online some of them do. numerous unintended effects, on the Bigger Conversation website11 Organic farmer Guy Singh-Watson including mutations (DNA damage) and from it lots of background also offered some support for gene at both off-target sites in the references to genome editing, plant

30 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 GENOME EDITING

Protecting the whole It is therefore important to: In her excellent article on genetic - Campaign to ensure that genome engineering in the Summer 2018 editing technology is regulated edition of Star and Furrow, Alysoun and is transparent, with proper and Bolger13, rightly pointed out that robust labelling and monitoring the biodynamic movement and Demeter standards were clear that - Ensure organic and biodynamic genome editing does not conform to systems are evaluated to spot biodynamic principles and practice. the areas of vulnerability and to She also pointed out that some in strengthen them. Organic systems the organic sector feel that some are more vulnerable than Demeter genome editing could be compatible. certified systems but as Alysoun Since then it is clear that this pointed out in her article use of feeling has increased and spread. hybrid and conventional seed is a For example, one part of the Danish grey area, the use of material from organic sector seems to have conventional plant and animal accepted that genome editing could breeding is another. be accepted in organic standards. It is unclear how many others will - Develop, promote and educate breeding approaches, the wholistic follow that lead but there is no around the narrative of farming for philosophy behind the organic doubt that if genome editing is de- health and whole systems which approach to health and perspectives regulated i.e. it is no longer defined have lost ground to vague notions on gene function can be accessed. in law as a GMO, the organic sector of ‘carbon farming’, regenerative During the exchange, I noted that will be faced with internal as well as agriculture’ and the more flexible ‘The development of the concepts external challenges. ideas of ‘agro-ecology’. of organic plant and seed breeding This will happen in the UK has been primarily driven by ideas before it happens in the EU because Overall, we haven’t developed rooted in, anthroposophical, holistic, genome editing is a technology discrete, stand alone farm and food socially focussed agroecological which is central to the government’s systems enough over the years perspectives12. From these emerge post- Brexit agri-tech strategy. and some of the grey areas in the the precept to ‘respect the genome In any event, fully de-regulated production and supply chain need and the cell as an indivisible or not, genome editing will be now to be examined and dealt with. functional entity’ and to ‘follow the promoted and used in the farming This is vital for the survival of concept of respecting integrity and food system in both the UK and whole health farming systems and of life.’ the EU in the coming years. Because the food that comes from them. And The consequence of this precept the technology is so invasive those that is vital to protect society from for organic plant (and animal) of us who believe in farming and further slippage into a reductionist, breeding is that: ‘any technical or food systems based on the integrity technocratic and unhealthy farm physical invasion into the isolated cell of whole system organisms can no and food future. is refrained from and plant specific longer be complacent. Unlabelled, crossing barriers are respected, unregulated gene-edited products Lawrence Woodward OBE – is a director irrespective of potential benefit can be used in open pollinated seed and co-founder of Beyond GM and Whole risk assessments.’ varieties, can be used in traditional Health Agriculture. Genome editing is clearly invasive livestock breeds, can be used to and is not wholistic. There have not produce herbal remedies – and if For more on the debate around gene been enough studies to determine there is enough money in the market editing see: how much of a risk it is to the they will be. – GM Watch: process of health and well-being. These may or may not be https://www.gmwatch.org/en/ And there are no studies to indicate extreme examples; the more likely – A Bigger Conversation: any benefit to the function of the scenario is that ‘sustainable’, ‘low- https://abiggerconversation.org/ process of health but as the rationale external input’, ‘pesticide-free’ – GM Freeze: behind genome editing is to ‘cut and production and products will appear https://www.gmfreeze.org/ paste’, ‘cut and delete’, it is surely alongside organic and biodynamic – Sustain: reasonable to call it ‘hollowing out causing confusion to farmers and https://www.sustainweb.org/ the whole’. consumers alike.

1. https://services.parliament.uk/Bills/2019-21/agriculture/stages.html 8. https://ensser.org/publications/ngmt-statement/ 2. https://rb.gy/vxy6ny 9. https://gmwatch.org/en/news/latest-news/19455 3. https://beyond-gm.org/we-dont-need-no-regulation/ 10. https://gmwatch.org/en/news/latest-news/19223 4. https://rb.gy/h51ubc 11. https://abiggerconversation.org/continuing-the-dialogue-on-organic-and-gmos/ 5. https://rb.gy/4a2e8l 12. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/9/1/18/htm 6. https://abiggerconversation.org/new-report-brings-focus-to-gene-edited-farm-animals/ 13. Star and Furrow Summer 2018 7. https://abiggerconversation.org/category/news/

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 31 SECTION TITLE When is seed

chaos?GLEN ATKINSON PHD Within biodynamics there is a quirky ‘idea’ entitled ‘Seed Chaos’. This is the period in a plant’s growth when the star forces, which carry the ’architectural’ 1 species impulse of a plant, joins with the growing plant, to direct the new seed and its subsequent plant, through its growth cycle.

In his book ‘The Working germination. I contend that it he carried out to conclude. “Chaos of the Planets and the Life occurs at pollination. took place between 24 and 36 hours” Several ’big names’ within the (after sowing). (Podolinsky, 2002) Processes in Man and Earth’ biodynamic movement promote Italian researcher, Enzo Nastati Bernard Lievegoed identifies this. Maria Thun is often quoted, makes it one of the central premise this as the ‘Saturn 1’ process, however as close as I have found of his book ‘Basic BD Agriculture in her say is “The moment at which 9 Meetings’. Quoting the Podolinsky once this star force reaches the seed is entrusted to the Earth trials he says “Initially it happened the planetary sphere. has the strongest formative that the seed becomes chaoticised. (Lievegoed, 1951). It is fair to influence.” (Thun, 1999). It begins to swell and life which is US researcher, Hugh Courtney latent in the previous season begins ask, why does this matter? offers in his Applied Biodynamics to show itself, Afterwards this life It is important because, if it is newsletter “Seed soaks are useful collapses in order to begin again, possible to influence the architectural to help bring plants back to their and the moment in which it collapses plans of a species, it could be connection with the plant cosmic into chaos is when ‘the idea’ enters’.” possible to make dramatic steps in archetype or the “blueprint” for (Nastati, 2018). plant development, such as having a that plant. …. even organic seeds This collective belief gives perennial coriander plant, which will have often lost their connection the ‘moon planting’ movement a not rush off to seed immediately, or to their archetype. It takes several ‘glittering’ philosophic justification, some other significant trait we might generations for seeds to come back for the many scientific trials that do like. The specifics of how to do this to their proper connection with the show, the time of sowing seed has is a separate topic and a suggestion cosmic archetype. Seed soaks will some influence upon the subsequent is offered in ‘A Suggestion for Plant assist this connection and help the growth of the plant. A keen observer Development’ (Atkinson, 2020). seeds in germination and growth. of plant growth, however, will have This assistance happens from the noted that there are many such First, we must establish when, moment of germination with the use possible moments in a plant’s Seed Chaos occurs. of seed soaks.” (Courtney, 2020) development. Thun says even tilling It is very common to hear that this Alex Podolinsky provides pictures the soil can make significant changes ‘Seed Chaos’ event takes place at in his book Living Knowledge of trials in the plant. Also, whether there

32 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 SEED CHAOS

is light or not, whether it is a wet And when this little chaos of world- “If I draw the organism here season or not, and what biodynamic dust is there, the whole surrounding (see below), and here the germ sprays are applied and when, all cosmos begins to work upon it to – and therefore the beginning can be seen to have a significant stamp it with its own image and to of the embryo – the germ is effect on the subsequent plant build up in it a structure conditioned the most chaotic of all as far as development. So yes, sowing time by the forces of the Universe, the conglomeration of material does influence plant growth, but working in upon it from every substance is concerned. is this the event that can influence side (see drawing). Thus, the seed the way in which a species expresses becomes an image of the Cosmos. itself. Is Steiner’s description of Every time this happens, and seed this seed chaos event, talking formation is carried through to the seed about germination? point of chaos, the new organism My study of Rudolf Steiner’s is built up from the seed-chaos comments regarding ‘Seed Chaos’, by the activity of the cosmos. shows he saw it as occurring at The parent organism has only the pollination. The ‘money shot’ is in tendency to bring the seed to such the Agriculture Course, in the cosmic position that through its Discussion after Lecture IV — affinity with this cosmic position “If there is fertilised seed at all, the cosmic forces will act in the the chaos is complete.” (Steiner, proper direction so that, e.g. a 1924). I would have thought this dandelion will give rise to another This germ is something that has would be the end of the matter, dandelion and not a berberis. emancipated itself from all forces however as But the new thing that is built of crystallization, from all chemical we can see, the ‘germination’ belief up is always the image of some forces of the mineral kingdom, and is very much alive and well. cosmic constellation. It is built up so on. Absolute chaos has arisen in During 2018, while addressing out of the cosmos. And if in the this one spot, which is held together Rudolf Steiner’s Plant Growth Earth we would make effective the only by the rest of the organism. story (Dr Steiner’s Plant Story – forces of the cosmos, we must drive Because of the fact that here this GLENOPATHY, 2020) and Enzo’s the earthly elements into the state chaotic protein has appeared, there lectures, I had a discussion with, of greatest possible chaos. This has is the possibility for the forces of a fellow BD enthusiast, Stewart to be the case whenever we want the entire universe to act upon this Lundy, on this topic. He was very the cosmos to act upon our Earth. protein, so that this protein is in fact helpful with various lecture quotes In the case of plant-growth this is a copy of the forces of the entire and has compiled his ‘fruits’ of that in a certain sense provided for by universe. Precisely those forces that conversation into an essay entitled nature herself. But just because then become formative forces for the “Bringing Order to Seed Chaos”. every new organism is built up by etheric body and for the astral body (Lundy, 2020) He gives a more the Cosmos it is necessary that the are present in the female egg cell, scholarly presentation than I have, cosmic principles must be allowed without fertilization yet having taken and provides a broader context of freedom to work in the organisms place. Through fertilization, this other instances of ‘Diffused Chaos’ until the seed-formation formation also acquires the physical discussed by Steiner. This is a good is completed.” body and the I, the sheath of the I,

contribution to the conversation Agriculture Course – and therefore that which constitutes and well worth reading. Lecture 2, Koberwitz, June 10, 1924 the formation of the I. This arises through fertilization.”

So, let’s allow Dr Steiner Remembering the ‘money shot’, Therapeutic Insights: speak for himself: in the Discussion after Lecture IV – Earthly and Cosmic Laws — Lecture 3, Dornach, July 1, 1921 “It is that we know the conditions “If there is fertilised seed which the forces of the cosmic at all, the chaos is complete.” What more needs to be said, but how spaces can work upon the earthly (Steiner, 2013). do we test and use this knowledge? realm. Let us begin with seed formation. The seed which gives Footnote Stourbridge: Experimental Circle of Anthroposophical rise to the embryo of the plant is Farmers and Gardeners. Available at: 1. Since Paracelsus, we have had the image, that the • Lundy, S., 2020. Bringing Order to Seed Chaos. [online] References and science lays great stress upon Available at: this interpretation. Available at: . What happens is that when the Meetings. HUDSON: LINDISFARNE STEINER Books. • Courtney, H., 2020. Seed Soaks with the Biodynamic embryonic structure has reached the • Podolinsky, A., 2002. Living Knowledge. Powelltown: Preparations. Applied Biodynamics, (40). Bio-Dynamic Agriculture Association of Australia. highest stage of complexity in the • Garudabd.org. 2020. Dr Steiner’s Plant Story – • Steiner, R., Pfeiffer, E. and Adams, G., 2013. Agriculture GLENOPATHY. [online] Available at: . becomes a “little chaos”. It breaks • Thun, M., 1999. Gardening For Life. Stroud: • Lievegoed, C., 1951. The Working of the Planets and Hawthorn, p.18. up and dissolves, one might say, into the Life Processes in Man and Earth. [online] Clent, “world-dust”. (DNA splitting – Ed).

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 33 The story began with Mark Reynier, CEO of Waterford Distillery, who identified that the terroir which is so famous in biodynamic wines, could be replicated One in whisky. What followed was a unique collaboration between biodynamic farmers and skilled distillers to develop a whisky in which the barley could be traced back to the field where it was grown. The attention to detail is farm astonishing. The barley is produced by experienced farmers who show a deep understanding of their soil one terroir biology. The whisky is distilled using careful processing techniques designed to extract maximum flavour and complexity from the high quality biodynamic barley. at a time Waterford say the most STUART CRAGG flavoursome nutrient-dense foods contain a complex array of minerals that are a direct result of being fed by a good, nutrient-rich living soil. In other words, soil nutrition equals flavour. The world’s greatest winemakers and chefs get it – so it’s not that much of a leap to understand that, should one respect barley, great whiskies can be made in this way too. This project has resulted in supporting and communicating biodynamics in Ireland to a wider audience. To better understand what is being achieved I interviewed farmers and distillers to find out more. The Biodynamic Association has been working with Irish biodynamic farmers and Waterford Distillery who are about to bottle ‘Luna’ their first biodynamic single malt whisky.

Picture credits: Waterford Distillery

34 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 WATERFORD DISTILLERY

Trevor Harris with his Eco-Dyn sprayer The Biodynamic Picture credit: Richard Swann barley growers

TREVOR HARRIS, NAAS, CO KILDARE. ALAN MOONEY, KILCOCK, CO KILDARE. JOHN MCDONNELL, CO MEATH. With many years of organic, biological farming experience behind them these three farmers with a passion for soil have come together to supply Waterford distillery with high quality barley. Trevor who had been farming organically some time and experimenting with biodynamics entered Demeter conversion after making a connection with Mark Reynier. He recognised that his soil was already improving under organic management, but was surprised that after applying biodynamic field sprays there was a marked increase in soil structure, mineral balance, Mark Newton, head Mark Reynier CEO biodiversity and resilience. Alan who of communications at of Waterford distillery. says his soil was already in good Waterford distillery. ‘I have been a convert to condition also saw a shift in fertility ‘We find it bemusing that much of biodynamics since my first visit to and a change in the quality and taste the industry treats with indifference master wine maker Phillipe Armenier, of the grain, which Waterford report the primary source of single malt Domaine de Marcoux in 1990. I have is easier to distil and yields more whisky’s extraordinary flavour: watched, listened and tasted as the complex tastes. barley. We have placed barley – biodynamic movement has taken off where and how it is grown – at the and moved out of the shadows to heart of what we do, curious about produce 15 of the top 20 wines. Biodynamic horn manure where the real whisky flavour may be Biodynamic winemakers have found. A natural progression of this adopted this as a way of life. It’s the and silica preparations philosophy is to see what not only whole philosophy which gives this are stirred and sprayed single farm origins can accomplish quality, from observational skills to using Eco-Dyn equipment but what organically grown closed cycle, self-sustaining estate barley - and by extension of that, management. It is the intensity, brought over from France. biodynamically grown barley - can do purity and definition that the when it is given the right platform. great wines have from following What is obvious and encouraging Mark Reynier was the first to trial biodynamic principles. After all, is that soil can recover. When asked this idea on a very small scale at there were more than 15,000 years how long this takes both Alan and Bruichladdich distillery in Scotland of accumulated farming knowhow - Trevor agreed that in a remarkably using English barley, as unfortunately before agrochemicals and industrial short time of say 5 years they have none was grown in Scotland. But mechanised farming put paid to that. seen increases in organic matter and here, in Ireland, home to some of the One doesn’t need to be an eco- soil fauna and flora. The barley is finest barley in the world, we have fanatic to appreciate biodynamic grown in well planned rotations of found farmers who have stepped up produce. Also being good in the 5 years or more using diverse cover to the challenge. fields doesn’t necessarily mean being crops with compost being applied Working closely on the project a great manufacturer, whether as in small but regular applications. with Minch Malt, we have sourced wine maker or distiller. Yet it usually Biodynamic horn manure and 50 tonnes of biodynamic barley from follows as the attention to detail silica preparations are stirred and Demeter certified Irish farms. That is there, and can be tasted in the sprayed using Eco-Dyn equipment means we’re not playing at it for quality. This quality of terroir cannot brought over from France. Trevor the sake of a headline; we lay down happen without good foundations was keen to point out that if he is over 100 casks of biodynamic spirit of winemaking and distilling, going to spend the time spraying a year. We buy all the Irish grown however, it’s no coincidence that preparations they need to be of top biodynamic malting barley that we biodynamic wines are so highly quality. Some preparations are made can get our hands on. So, is it worth praised. You have to be involved, on the farm in collaboration with it? We think so. What we lose in you have to be in the vine, in barley the Irish Biodynamic Association, yield and hair pulling, we gain in in the field – observing.’ whilst others are purchased from purity and definition of flavour.’ BioDynamie Services in France.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 35 WATERFORD DISTILLERY

there is a renewal. ‘People speak of of modern barley varieties will get Biodynamic Whisky – folk cultures in biodynamics, but their nutrients. Just a couple of years the barley grower’s year really it all just rings true of people’s into having converted from organic (reproduced with kind permission of Waterford Distillery) perception of the old ways. In our to biodynamic agriculture (he has own perception the earth has shed farmed organically since 1999) and AUTUMN its garment, its expression. We’re left Trevor Harris is now starting to see A biodynamic farm operates in with a skeletal structure, where we’re the rewards. That comes in the form endless cycles that feed each other, thinking towards mineral nature.’ of a balance of nutrients in the soil – which develop both down in the The barley itself won’t be sown humification of the soil. soil and the wider farm, and they until April or May, far later than our become increasingly involved and conventional barley growers, but WINTER sophisticated with each year. So the process begins by ensuring the Cover crops are important over this although there is no real start point soil is humming with life before that charging period. Plants release sugars to growing biodynamic barley, it is seed goes into the ground. Many produced by photosynthesis into the after the previous year’s harvest that sceptics of biodynamics might soil through root exudates and feed the grower immediately begins to recoil at phrases like that, to talk those microorganisms within, forging prepare for the following year’s crop. of a ‘humming’ soil, but there is a real symbiosis between the life in With the darkness drawing in, surprisingly high degree of scientific the soil and the plant. With those winter is often a time for hibernation method involved: a method to microorganisms being nourished, it and recuperation. In a manner of the madness? means the soil won’t be starting from speaking, this is no different to the To assist with the turbocharging scratch in spring. It’ll be ready to go. biodynamic farm as a whole: but of the microbial content of the Alan Mooney describes the it is more like charging a battery, a soil, to get it humming with life, ‘crystallisation’ process where the the growers apply two of the focus is on charging up the soil biodynamic preparations – 500 and When the previous year’s for the season to come. For John 501 horn manure and horn silica, from barley has been harvested, McDonnell, this time of year on the November to mid-February, often farm is experience as a ‘breathing up to once a month over the winter. the growers will plant a process’. Autumn and winter is a The idea with these preparations cover crop to keep the time of ‘inbreathing’. With falling is to have the biology working biology in the soil alive leaves, you have a loss. But with properly in the top soil – the top decomposition of the plant material 4 to 6 inches – where the roots over winter.

relationship with soil as one of balance. ‘The soil in its own right is able to produce a certain volume and when you force it, things go out of kilter. And we’re then chasing that problem with sprays… So if you go back to nature and get the chemical balance in the plants right, the more natural route will produce a better flavoured barley. That’s my fervent belief.’ When the previous year’s barley has been harvested, the growers will plant a cover crop to keep the biology in the soil alive over winter – something adherents of conventional agriculture are themselves starting to practice these days. Vetch, rye, forage rape, a diverse collection, will pull up any nutrition that’s soluble in the soil preventing them being lost through leeching and transform it to a biologically stable form that will be available for the spring crop. Their roots help work the soil, leaving it easier to sow a crop in the spring. These plants keep the ‘subterranean livestock’ fed for the winter. A handful of healthy soil contains some 7 billion micro- organisms. ‘We’ve livestock under our feed as well as beside us,’ Trevor says.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 SPRING The New Year passes and the biodynamic year transforms again. Companion crops play This phase of the year focuses on the a big role when growing growth above the ground – sowing biodynamic barley. the crop – and the life-force that comes from the sun: photosynthesis. applying; but biodynamics is going a ‘In a way, all the intelligence step further – you are applying extra and information regained from the preparations, biological amendments decomposition informs the future to get your soil working, trying plant,’ says John. ‘What’s described to create balance. When we have by some as cosmic forces, the plant problems with disease, pests or weeds is basically reaching, drawn up by it is a sign of an imbalance something the sun. And in the spring there’s may be missing.’ extra personal involvement: you’re ‘It’s a very holistic approach very really willing things on to grow and dear to my heart,’ Alan Mooney realise their highest expression and adds, ‘it would allow me hopefully potential. It’s a funny way of going to produce good quality food and to about things, but we like it.’ do it without the use of chemicals in The field for the year’s malting the long term. And to improve the barley is ploughed three or four biological activity and life in the soil.’ weeks before sowing. Cover crops from the winter are left to be SUMMER broken down – with the assistance Once the barley crop’s root Trevor Harris of preparation 500. The growers development gets off to a flying start then allow the soil to consolidate, with the seed drench, the plants start and then till to get a fine seed bed to photosynthesise. It then starts arvense) concoction, which contains – enough that they could sow seed, giving back to the soil, getting that silica that helps to strengthen the but don’t, not yet. up-down feeding from the plant plant and protect the boundaries of Weeds germinate, which will symbiotically with the subterranean the leaf so that it won’t get attacked be left for 8 to 10 days. Weeds have livestock. ‘As above, so below,’ in by fungi. very little by way of food reserves, Steiner’s classically inspired words. Two weeks before harvest, the and need to photosynthesise quickly Companion crops play a big role crop will receive 501 again along or they’ll die. At that point the field when growing biodynamic barley. with Valerian 507 (Valeriana officinalis). is tilled again, just lightly. That will The growers may broadcast plants The idea is that the horn silica and kill the first germination of weeds. such as vetch, sunflowers, Bird’s- 507 help with the grain’s ripening. This may have to be done twice – foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), It will also intensify the quality, weather permitting – but it means phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) and nutrition and flavours – and assist that barley crops will suffer much Black Medick (Medicago lupulina); with the keeping quality. less weed pressure. as legumes they fix nitrogen, and After the grain is harvested, it When it is time to sow the seed, they’re quite short so they won’t gets loaded onto the trailer and Trevor has set up his own system compete with the barley. Indeed, off to the malters Minch Malt. It on the seeder to apply a ‘drench’ there is a great symbiosis between goes with the driver along with directly on the seed as it hits the a legume and barley; each benefits the biodynamic certification and ground. This gives the barley an the other. Waterford Distillery passport, to organically-charged advantage It’s crucial to take soil samples, prove that the barley is going to over everything around it. That which Trevor Harris does regularly. He the right place – provenance with seed drench contains a feed of walks a ‘W’ pattern around the field, evidence. ‘You’re reaping and storing, kelp, potentised preparations, EM takes a soil sample every 50 yards, but there’s a certain satisfaction of (effective microorganisms – not and sends it off for analysis of its having reached safety by this point,’ unlike a probiotic yoghurt – devised mineral make-up – the Albrecht test. John observes. by a Japanese microbiologist). General farm tests are concerned The growers may either chop Shortly after the seed goes in, 500 will with soluble nutrients, which is only the straw, or store it for cattle be applied if it wasn’t applied already a snapshot of what’s there at a given bedding. As soon as the field is clear, then on goes preparation 501. moment. If there’s a shower of rain, they’re back in with the cover crop – Trevor explain that there is quite a that changes. An Albrecht test looks preferring not to leave bare soil for bit of science to it. ‘The stuff people for what’s in the soil, not just soluble any length of time. It’s important to would have heard about is the way- minerals. It’s a far more complete keep the biology humming – to keep out-there things – life forces, the picture of what’s available to the that subterranean livestock, John’s cosmos; things that people find hard barley. ‘I’m using the biology to feed ‘little buddies’ nourished. Those to grasp and these are important. But my plants, so I need to get a wider cover crops vary depending on the it’s the preparations – that’s a major suite of nutrients tested.’ time of year. difference between biodynamics During the summer, the and organics. Organics is focusing on barley receives preparation 508 – For further information: what you’re not doing, what you’re not a homemade Horsetail (Equisetum www.waterfordwhisky.com

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 37 Lord Northbourne the first

Lord Northbourne

farmer Rudolf Steiner wrote extensively on Goethe and developed CRAIG SAMS Anthroposophy on the foundation of what he called Goethe’s ‘spiritual- scientific basis’ of thinking. Goethe’s doctor was Christoph 80 YEARS of ‘Organic’ Hufeland, author of ‘Makrobiotik oder Die Kunst, das menschliche Leben food and farming zu verlängern (1796),’ (‘Macrobiotics: the Art of Living Long’’). He was a naturopath who was also doctor While since earliest times farmers to the King of Prussia Frederick have understood the importance Wilhelm lll, Schiller and Goethe, all of giving back to the land in return part of the Weimar set. His ideas on for the food that it provides us, human health and vitality mirrored the word ‘organic’ to describe this Goethe’s observations on plant way of farming was first used by health and vitality and he was a Lord Northbourne in his book ‘Look close friend of Samuel Hahnemann, to the Land’ published in 1940. It creator of homeopathy. Goethe came out at a time when industrial hosted a Freitagsgesellschaft (‘Friday farming had relentlessly destroyed Society’) at which Hufeland would the accumulated fertility of millennia read from his drafts of ‘Makrobiotik.’ and sparked a debate for sustainable Hufeland’s medicine envisaged a farming that continues to this day. life force that should be nourished But where did the inspiration come - the Hufelandist movement was for Northbourne’s ideas? The trail largely vegetarian and inspired leads back to the late 18th C and to the Lebensreform (‘Life Reform’) the ideas of the poet and philosopher movement in the rest of Germany Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, over the next century. whose 1790 book, ‘An Attempt to Steiner was an active proponent Interpret the Metamorphosis of of this Lebensreform movement Plants,’ laid the foundations for which sought a ‘back to nature’ way Lord Northbourne’s book ‘Look to the Land’ modern plant biology. of living, with an emphasis on healthy 200 years ago Goethe diet and alternative medicine. In 1924 propounded the idea that there was Steiner gave an agriculture course at a life force in plants. He saw that Koberwitz in which he called for the plants were driven by an ongoing development of agriculture without intensification and that a ‘cycle of synthetic chemicals. Ehrenfried expansions and contractions’ shaped Pfeiffer then went on to run the the plant, making either leaf, flower 800-acre biodynamic research farm or seed depending on the degree of at Loverendale in the Netherlands the ‘dynamic and creative interplay that provided the practical proof of opposites’. This is what underpins of Steiner’s ideas. So in 1939 when the harmony of the universe and the Lord Northbourne decided to set up harmony of life on earth down to the Britain’s first biodynamics conference Betteshanger House, Northbourne by Stephen-Richards tiniest life forms. he invited Pfeiffer to run it. The

38 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 LORD NORTHBOURNE

farming as “having a complex but necessary interrelationship In ‘Look to the Land’ of parts, similar to that in living Northbourne coins the things”. Although nobody had term ‘organic’ to describe previously used the word ‘organic’ to describe this way of farming, farming that sees the ‘Organic’ became, in English, the farm as an organism.” accepted descriptor. In 1943 Eve Balfour’s “The Living resulting Betteshanger Summer Soil” began by quoting across School and Conference brought several pages in her first chapter together a wide range of proponents directly from “Look to the Land.” of biodynamic farming. It was a She founded the Soil Association seminal event in the history of 3 years later in 1946, with support the organic farming movement. from Northbourne. Her book and A few months later Germany invaded Northbourne’s informed the debate principles, selling only whole Poland, World War ll broke out, about the future of farming in Britain, grains, eschewing sugar and making further collaboration a debate that was closed off by artificial ingredients and supporting difficult. A year later, in 1940, the Agriculture Act of 1947 where organic food. inspired by the visionary 9 days of “exhaustive” agriculture to maximise So it was that Goethe’s doctor the Betteshanger Summer School, production prevailed. Subsidies Christoph Hufeland coined the Lord Northbourne’s book ‘Look were given to farmers who used term “Makrobiotik” that drove to the Land’ was published. ICI’s chemical fertilisers and farmers the Lebensreform movement and It was hugely influential. In it who refused to “modernise” were inspired Rudolf Steiner to develop Northbourne identifies debt and threatened with land confiscation. the anthroposophical farming “exhaustive” farming as having Farming was nationalised and the principles known as ‘biodynamic,” the potential to lead to “the organic movement was marginalised. which were proven in practice by extermination of much of the earth’s In Japan, Sagen Ishizuka, Steiner’s follower Pfeiffer. Lord population by war or pestilence.” doctor to the Japanese imperial Northbourne’s book gave the He points out that if the land is family, followed up on Hufeland’s movement momentum and the name sick, then farming is sick and that macrobiotic ideas and developed “organic.” A Zen version of the same people will be sick. That Nature “is ‘shokuiku’ (‘Food Study’) and in principles emerged in the 1960s and imbued above all with the power 1907 created the Shokuyo (Food helped drive the natural and organic of love; by love she can after all be for Health) movement. A shokuiku transformation of farming, diet and conquered but in no other way.” follower, George Ohsawa, medicine that will ultimately restore In ‘Look to the Land’ Northbourne subsequently published a book our soils and thereby underpin the coins the term ‘organic’ to describe in 1960 setting out the principles health and vitality of us all. farming that sees the farm as an of healthy living and called it Craig Sams with his brother organism. “The mechanism of life is “Zen Macrobiotics.” opened Seed the first macrobiotic a continuous flow of matter through restaurant in London, in the 1960s. the architectural forms we know as He also founded Green and Blacks organisms. The form alone has any The natural foods stores and Carbon Gold biochar company. life or any organic identity.” In this he He is also former chairman of the mirrors Goethe’s writing on botany. adhered to macrobiotic Soil Association. He wrote that to quarrel with principles, selling only whole nature makes no more sense than grains, eschewing sugar and a ‘quarrel between a man’s head and his feet.’ He described ‘organic’ artificial. ingredients and supporting organic food.

Ohsawa knew of Christoph Hufeland and freely adopted Hufeland’s term ‘Macrobiotik’ to describe his diet based on similar principles, embodying a yin and yang approach to food. He sought out and met a descendant of Hufeland in 1958. Ohsawa’s seminal book was adopted by the emerging “ Who knows himself and alternative society and inspired others well / No longer may the natural foods movement of the ignore: / Orient and Occident 1960s that supported whole food dwell / Separately no more” and organic farming. The natural GOETHE foods stores adhered to macrobiotic

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 39 BIODYNAMIC FEDERATION – DEMETER INTERNATIONAL

We are aiming to ask questions that support reflection, promote active enquiry and encourage developmental progress.

notable exception of Fair Trade), the ethos of biodynamics and the vision expressed at the beginning of the standard definitely aim much higher, towards agriculture which is Biodynamic growers in Argentina in a celebratory mood not only ethical in its working with after making biodynamic preparations nature but also ethical in working with human beings. This is not a new conversation, it has been DIVERSITY, SOCIAL going on in the biodynamic and Demeter community for years. But RESPONSIBILITY AND the current climate has definitely brought it into sharp focus. In fact, FAIRNESS IN DEMETER during one session of the Members’ Assembly in June more than 85% of ALYSOUN BOLGER those attending said that including Social and Fair aspects in Demeter certification was a high priority. As Demeter International became the With clear guidance from the members, the work began of Biodynamic Federation – Demeter gathering standards, guidelines and tools with the aim of developing a International, one of the fundamental Demeter self-evaluation which can replace the self-declaration that principles of biodynamics (that diversity Demeter licensees currently sign. We are aiming to ask questions is a good thing) really became an that support reflection, promote inherent part of the organisation. active enquiry and encourage developmental progress. By including Demeter International had 19 biodynamic printed materials in different areas of consideration, members, mostly European with a Arabic, Mandarin and Turkish. With including a variety of indicators, and few outside Europe (New Zealand such a diverse group of members, aiming for transparency, the hope is and the United States for example). coordination, consultation and to outline some universal aims and But at the Members’ Assembly in finding common ground is really allow for some adaptation to specific June that expanded and diversified a challenging and satisfying task! circumstances. to 46 members in 35 countries, in At the same time as the The UK is in fact one of the so many time zones that scheduling membership became more diverse, countries that has volunteered to meetings when everyone is awake the question of what is social and fair pilot the self-evaluation tool, so if became a challenge. This then in agriculture became a much more you are a Demeter licensee, it may becomes a tangible task in working prominent theme. How can we work be making its way to you in the New with diversity, from member with principles that apply world- Year. Or if you are not a Demeter organisations that have a history wide, when every situation is unique? licensee but you are interested in the of biodynamics back to 1924 to What does socially responsible self-evaluation pilot, then please do new organisations founded in the mean? What is fair anyway? get in touch. past few years. Some member The Demeter Standard requires organisations represent farmers in licensees to complete a self- their thousands, some only in the declaration of social responsibility, Alysoun Bolger works for BDA and tens. We are working together in and although this is more than Demeter Certification and the Biodynamic English but there are requests for most certifications require (with the Federation – Demeter International

40 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 SECTION TITLE

DEMETER & BIODYNAMIC WORLDWIDE

AS OF 01.07.20

Biodynamic agriculture is found Almost all of the Biodynamic Associations right across the world - on farms, and the 19 certifying organizations are FINLAND

in associations and as Demeter NORWAY members of the Biodynamic Federation – SWEDEN certied businesses Demeter International. (www.demeter.net)

DENMARK LITHUANIA

IRELAND NETHERLANDS UK POLAND BELGIUM GERMANY

CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA LUXEMBOURG AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND HUNGARY FRANCE SLOVENIA ROMANIA ITALY CROATIA LIECHTENSTEIN SERBIA

ICELAND BULGARIA

FINLAND PORTUGALSPAIN NORWAY CANADA SWEDEN GREECE TURKEY SICILY

DENMARK LITHUANIA

IRELAND NETHERLANDS UK POLAND BELGIUM GERMANY

CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA LUXEMBOURG AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND HUNGARY FRANCE SLOVENIA ROMANIA ITALY CROATIA LIECHTENSTEIN SERBIA BULGARIA

PORTUGAL SPAIN USA GREECE TURKEY GEORGIA SICILY IS CHINA MOROCCO IRAN ISRAEL NEPAL TUNISIA MEXICO EGYPT DOM. REP. INDIA

HONDURAS ETHIOPIA SRI LANKA MALAYSIA COLOMBIA GUINEA-BISSAU

ECUADOR UGANDA TANZANIA BRAZIL PERU

AUSTRALIA PARAGUAY

CHILE SOUTH AFRICA

URUGUAY

ARGENTINA NEW ZEALAND

Countries with their own Countries with Countries with Biodynamic Associations Demeter certication body Demeter projects but without their own Demeter certication body

Demeter certied land areas and farms in Demeter certied land areas and businesses in countries with countries with a Demeter organization Demeter projects ha Businesses ha Businesses ha Businesses ha Businesses ha Betriebe Egypt 2,838 / 86 Austria 6,905 / 214 Argentina 1,106 / 35 Ireland 224 / 6 Romania 200 / 2 Brazil 3,349 / 24 Slovenia 255 / 32 Ethiopia 32 / 1 Israel 127 / 1 Serbia 45 / 1 Denmark 3,418 / 44 Spain 9,397 / 209 Belgium 299 / 12 Colombia 137 / 2 Sicily 426 / 25 Germany 91,583 /1,678 Sweden 853 / 13 Bulgaria 308 / 1 Croatia 68 / 1 Slovakia 157 / 1 Finland 384 / 17 Switzerland 5,612 / 319 Chile 1,361 / 21 Liechtenstein 45 / 2 South Africa 245 / 24 France 16,754 / 668 USA 5,469 / 148 China 53 / 4 Lithuania 1,338 / 9 Sri Lanka 1,493 / 1,422 UK 3,811 / 90 Total: 180,283 /4,156 Dom. Rep. 1,869 / 50 Mexico 304 / 5 Tanzania 31 / 1 India 9,029 / 35 Ecuador 475 / 88 Morocco 27 / 1 Czech Rep. 2,339 / 5 Italy 10,895 / 389 Georgia 5 / 2 Nepal 110 / 90 Tunisia 714 / 133 Luxembourg 543 / 13 Greece 466 / 45 Paraguay 926 / 54 Turkey 904 / 147 Netherlands 7,852 / 143 Guinea-Bissau 780 / 1 Peru 305 / 18 Uganda 477 / 2 New Zealand 815 / 13 Honduras 72 / 8 Poland 3,935 / 19 Hungar y 6,284 / 27 Norway 521 / 21 Iran 67 / 1 Portugal 798 / 15 Total: 28,552 /2,282

Reproduced with kind permission from Lebendige Erde

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 41 DEMETER INTERNATIONAL NEW CAMPAIGN you will grow

NINA DE WINTER Biodynamic Federation – Demeter International (BFDI) has spent the last 12 months working on new branding materials and a campaign that is focused on communicating the key values of biodynamics.

Part of this included a photoshoot movement that goes beyond the with several biodynamic farms and best organic and with a spiritual vineyards, across Europe. Here in dimension was identified as goals the UK, Orchard Eggs, Tablehurst for the new branding and campaign. and Plaw Hatch were also visited The visual materials produced and photographed for both the are forming part of a toolbox for key visuals of the campaign and all countries with BFDI support the new short film which will be to use and adapt. The campaign released in the autumn. focus is on communicating the core The key message for the values of biodynamics further with campaign is the slogan – “You will the message to; Eat more LOVE, grow” which has a dual play on VITALITY, RESPECT, COURAGE etc. the growing of plant, animal and We will adapt many of the materials soil life as well as personal for the UK but still show how we are development which is at the root part of the international movement of the biodynamic movement. and how now, more than ever, Furthermore, the need for clear these standards being governed communication around Demeter independently, make them even and biodynamic being a global more valuable.

Please have a look at the campaign website: you-will-grow.net

42 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 SECTION TITLE

PAMA’S IMMUNE BOOSTING WINTER KIMCHI SAUERKRAUT RECIPE

We are excited to share our recipe with you:

For this recipe you need Here at PAMA Plant Based Kitchen at Sheepdrove Organic Farm a jar size approx 1.5L our Vegan Kimchi Sauerkraut is an essential kitchen ingredient. We think it’s one of our most health boosting Krauts. 1kg Cabbage 100g Carrot, sliced or grated 1.  First remove the outer leaves and the centre core from the cabbages. Keep one leaf, you will need it later. Give the cabbages 100g Turnip, sliced or grated a quick rinse. 70g Leek, sliced into the rings 2. Using a mandolin slicer, carefully cut the cabbages into 30g Apple, sliced thin shreds. 18g Garlic, minced 3. Remove the dark green end of the leek. Thinly slice the leek into the rings. Transfer the sliced leek to a colander and rinse under 10g Ginger, grated the water removing any soil between the layers. 2-3 Chilli, or more 4. Wash the carrot, turnip and apple, removing the stems of 20g Natural salt the carrot and turnip. Remove core of the apple. Slice them into rings. Optional: 5. Chop the chillies. Remember to use gloves! 1tsp Tamari 6. In a big bowl, mix all your ingredients and knead it with your 2g Kelp hands until it starts to release juices. 7. Pack it tightly into your jar.

Once fermentation is complete, move 8. Make sure the cabbage is completely submerged under the juice. your kimchi to the refrigerator. 9. As a weight you can use an outer cabbage leaf or glass weights During the first week your kimchi will be for fermentation. bubbling. After 4 days it is important to open your jar to release gas and push the Ferment for 3-4 weeks at 18-21 degrees. wild fermented kimchi under the brine. Repeat this for another 4 to 5 days. After Enjoy! Patka & Martin (PaMa) two weeks the fermentation will become more stable and less active. PAMA is a small, vibrant independent company who make organic and biodynamic After 3 weeks you can try if the taste has fermented foods. They are based at Sheepdrove Farm in W. Berkshire your desired sourness. If you prefer a more sour taste you can ferment for one more week. Feel free to send us a message on social media if you have any questions www.pama-raw-food.com regarding fermentation, this kimchi www.instagram.com/pama.creations recipe or our products. www.facebook.com/PaMa.RAW

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 43 BOOK REVIEW Working Together

sprinkled with cameos of other THE associated enterprises from schools and research centres to Poyntzfield, MEDICINAL the Demeter certified herb nursery in Scotland. The information is very FOREST comprehensive with everything you could possibly need to know GARDEN as a beginner on a home plot to someone setting up a herb HANDBOOK business. This includes design, layout, cultivation, management, MICRONUTRIENTS Anne Stobart (e.g., pollarding and coppicing), Published by Permanent Publications, 2020 drying, preserving and even tincture making. Such an amazing amount of REVIEWED BY MICHAEL BATE detailed knowledge is now available and IMMUNITY compared to when I started out at Connections are increasingly Weleda forty years ago, when I had being recognised between to write to people for fact sheets the immune system with their high biodynamics, permaculture, alley produced on primitive copiers with content of Vitamin C, and it is easy cropping and forest gardening. notes of what they had discovered to grow, (a favourite in commercial They all have bio-diversity at about the cultivation of wild plants. landscaping), but you need one male heart. Biodynamics explicitly has The second half of the book is a to every ten female bushes for a the ideal of the holding as a directory of forty different trees and good harvest. complete self-sufficient organism shrubs, not all native, with thorough Incidentally, we had to cut consisting of animal pasture, guides to cultivation, application and down our Purging Buckthorn at Nutritious arable, vegetable crops, orchards, the latest scientific research about Weleda because of its extremely hedges, woodland and ponds with their medicinal qualities. For once vicious thorns! a wonderful harmony of animals, there is a handy glossary to all the Check on the hardiness of some Food Seaweed birds and insects. Permaculture terms used! Smaller herbs are not of the plants if you are further north. BDA CERTIFICATION brings the essential notion of forgotten with a shorter section. The merits of growing from seed thinking cultivation vertically Trees have become a bellwether are emphasised but bear in mind that in layers with trees as its base. to show us the consequences of our Mulberry and Walnut take at least lack of care for the planet and it is fifteen years to fruit and then all your This goes with the thought of the good to be reminded of how much walnuts may be foraged prematurely Capsules & food ingredients in all good health stores ideal diet as being as diverse as they can contribute to our health. by grey squirrels. possible and I was inspired last year Among those highlighted is Horse Finally, the resource section and by the information that people living Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), endnotes at the back will provide you directly off the land generally eat one of my favourites for its with even more ideas and links for over 80 different vegetables to see if fascinating processes of growth, further inspiration! I could emulate this figure. This led to including the presence of aesculin A very good complement to the delights of the world of perennial that inhibits UV radiation, so making this wonderful book is Restoration vegetables like Good King Henry it useful in sun lotions. It also Agriculture by Mark Shepard which (named after a Teutonic elf!), Bistort, produces saponins so shouldn’t be describes alley cropping and ways to Samphires and Mallows plus a lot of grown near ponds where the falling add value to your harvest. Although Japanese greens and Buck’s horn leaves and conkers can make the this may seem to require many plantain and then foraging for the water harmful for fish. And how we hands, community-formed initiatives likes of Dandelions and Sweet Cicely miss the Weleda Chestnut bath milk are the future! to make astonishingly diverse salads. that was so good at soothing those However, without eating an incredible strained and tired legs and backs Michael Bate, now retired, used to work as number of Allium species, I fell well from digging! head gardener at Weleda UK. short! Of course, many of these foods I didn’t know you could eat have medicinal qualities as well. Forsythia flowers as a bitter garnish Feed the Foundation of Health This book encompasses all these in salads and make tea from them for Special Offer diverse aspects of trees and shrubs, sore throats, nor, on the other hand, concentrating on medicine, and that lime flowers are said to develop 10% discount on the based on the personal experiences of narcotic properties as they age so website price, valid until Anne Stobart as a herbalist creating should be harvested when young! 31st December 2020. a medicinal forest garden in Devon There is a tremendous demand www.seagreens.co.uk/overview from the conversion of a Sikta Spruce now for the berries of Sea Buckthorn Discount code: STARMFG plantation. It is also delightfully (Eleagnus rhamnoides) to boost 01444 400403 for help & info www.seagreens.co.uk/products [email protected] www.seagreens.co.uk/stockists 44 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020

Seagreens - Working Together A4 v5b.indd 1 16/Apr/20 10:08 Working Together

MICRONUTRIENTS and IMMUNITY

Nutritious Food Seaweed BDA CERTIFICATION

Capsules & food ingredients in all good health stores

Feed the Foundation of Health

www.seagreens.co.uk/overview 01444 400403 for help & info www.seagreens.co.uk/products [email protected] www.seagreens.co.uk/stockists STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 45

Seagreens - Working Together A4 v5b.indd 1 16/Apr/20 10:08 TRIBUTES

Matthias Thun 29th February 1948 – 22nd June 2020 BERNARD JARMAN

For the last eight years Matthias Dexbach was thus set up to provide Thun has been preparing the annual most of what was required to Maria Thun Sowing and Planting support the family’s basic needs. Calendar without the support Apart from managing the farm and guidance of his mother. For Matthias then developed the Thun this of course he was well trained Verlag so that the calendar and other having worked closely with her for books by Maria Thun could be made many years, been responsible for widely available. In the latter years, preparing the text and publishing it as he gave increasing support to his through the Thun Verlag. mother’s work on the calendar, this Matthias was born in Marburg on became his main task. His particular Courtesy: Floris Books 29th February 1948 – a leap year’s interest on the farm however and child and born on a Sunday which in relation to the calendar, was his in its production for a few years, they according to legend pre-destined work with bees. He always managed are wholly responsible for the future him to finding a treasure – the a number of hives and shared his editions of the Sowing and Planting golden spinning wheel in the river interest and experience widely. Each Calendar. They are enthusiastic and Lahn. Perhaps the many years spent year he dedicated a section of the confident but are also clear that farming and then publishing books calendar to advice on bee keeping. some things will need to change about the research can be seen as As the calendar became ever including how the calendar is laid the golden treasure he was able to more widely known, Maria Thun was out. Their intention is to make better spin with it. Matthias grew up on the invited to give talks and workshops use of the website and also to look family farm with his sister Christine. all over the world. On these journeys beyond their own farm for inspiration His father Walther Thun died she was always accompanied by and enlist the help of others where some thirty years ago. He was Matthias who ensured she had the necessary. The aim is to open things a prolific artist and many of his necessary support. As far as I am out without losing the essential focus paintings have been reproduced in aware their one and only visit to of the calendar. No new experiments successive editions of the calendar. Britain was to Ruskin Mill in the will be carried out in the immediate Matthias took on the management early 2000s. After her death in future. There are however many texts of the farm and dedicated his life 2012 Matthias faithfully continued written by Maria Thun that are still to supporting the research work producing the calendar including that in need of revising and publishing. that his mother had started in 1952 for the coming year. Then on 22nd This is a task of many years and will when he was four years old. Maria June he suffered a sudden heart involve repeating some of her trials. Thun herself came from a traditional attack and died. In the longer term they hope to take farming family and brought with her His two children Friedrich and up and address some remaining the ethos of hard work, self-reliance Titia – aged 23 and 25 respectively questions that their grandmother and family identity that was so – have resolved to take on the farm had been unable to answer and then much part of traditional peasant life. and continue with the publishing. initiate their own research with trials The farm which they established in This means that now having assisted and experiments. Hugh Lovel June 30, 1947 - August 25, 2020 AN APPRECIATION FROM MARK MOODIE

Rereading some of the many long with a twitch of his inclined white discursive posts that Hugh Lovel moustache, to see if you were still contributed to the online discussions following, and then press on to at BdNow, I now hear these in his build it up further, and inevitably own unhurried southern US voice. further still. I experience them as a continuum One might start discussing with face-to-face discussions in a particular ‘hungry’ soil and its which he would explore a point, analysis (including total as well as bring his focus back to the room to soluble mineral levels), meander look up slightly askance, possibly leisurely but surely via boron levels Courtesy of Shabari Bird (quantumagriculture.com)

46 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 TRIBUTES

and sap pressure, visible signs in and own. He told us about cooking and him in a crowd. But the commitment around the plants, and pause before drinking, growing ginger around the to sharing his way of thinking and going on to preparations and field planet, wrangles with biodynamic to instructing those interested does broadcasters without any change officials, bobbing and weaving under not seem to have faltered. Having in pace. By him would probably be and through regulations he didn’t avoided joining institutions how Shabari who let him do almost all respect in all areas of life and the could he retire? the talking in the seminars, but once trouble this brought him. Again I There remain the archives the formal part of an event was imagine that steady pace with the of BdNow and his books over the roles reversed with Hugh occasional throaty laugh as a long (A Biodynamic Farm and Quantum being cajoled along by Shabari at forgotten aspect of something came Agriculture) and the web site treble Hugh’s words per minute into back to him. quantumagriculture.com with the sharing this anecdote or confirming This pace slowed latterly as his fruit of Shabari’s untiring recording. her understanding: “Oh you tell them health deteriorated and he had, for That legacy is a gateway into Hugh’s Hugh.” And he did tell us about his instance, to be measured in his climb earthly work and I imagine nothing unconventional life-path tangential to up the hill to the Goetheanum this would please him more than people institutional academia but covering February wearing the red sweater tuning in and trying to understand, the same ground and making it his bought by Shabari so she could find and then getting down to work. Jochen Bockemühl 18 Nov. 1928 - 21 May 2020

Jochen Bockemühl crossed the for young farmers (with Georg Maier threshold on 21 May 2020. He had and Kari Järvinen) and for physicians worked at the Natural Science (with Friedrich Edelhäuser), Section’s Research Institute in exploring the Goethean method in Dornoach, Switzerland since 1956 relation to these professions, and and as head of the Section from later on he carried them into the 1971 to 1996 he greatly influenced world at large, offering seminars on the anthroposophical approach to all continents with his wife Almut. Goethean science. Jochen Bockemühl, the son His investigations into the of an electrical engineer and a metamorphosis of leaves and the painter, began his earthly journey Courtesy: Anthroposophie weltweit, issue 7-8/20 by Ruth Richter and Johannes Wirz development of individual leaves on 18 November 1928 in Dresden, with their reverse form changes Germany. In his working biography Practical approach belong to the classics of Goethean he took a path from science via In a third phase, Jochen Bockemühl’s morphology. He worked equally the arts to religion. Having studied striving for spiritual insight focused creatively on questions of inheritance biology, he gained his doctorate on the study of nature as a way of and the atmosphere, essential in Tübingen in 1955 with a study achieving consciousness of his own characteristics of landscapes and on collembola, or springtails. He thinking activity and capacity for on plants used in preparations and started his career in the Natural experience. His research into the in medicine. Observation and the Science Section as a photographer, true relationship between human formation of ideas were for him providing material for documentaries. beings and the world, between micro stepping stones on the way to a Later he began to paint, an activity – and macrocosm, was not based on deepened understanding of the that he did not see as ‘art’ but as a theory but on the living practice. This relationship we have with nature path of inner development. When constituted the religious deepening and with ourselves. For Jochen returning from hikes, excursions of his scientific endeavours. The Bockemühl, the self-experience or his many journeys he would sit sadness to have lost him as a friend in the individual cognitive process down, usually in the evening, and and colleague is mixed with gratitude was the crucial step on the way transform his impressions into large and joy in having been allowed to join from understanding nature to scale pastel drawings. He must have him on part of his journey: his legacy spirit-knowledge. done hundreds. Painting allowed will live on through his many students him to enter more deeply into the around the world. Explorer of Goetheanism mood and essence of landscapes, Originally published in Together with Georg Maier Jochen and – in keeping with what Rudolf Anthroposophie weltweit, issue Bockemühl helped many students Steiner said about the relationship 7-8/20 by Ruth Richter and Johannes on the courses on anthroposophical of memory and imagination – to Wirz. It is reproduced here with their natural science to find access develop his imaginative faculties. kind permission. to Goetheanism. In Dornach, he developed courses for pharmacists Note: There will be a colloquium in (initiated by Weleda staff members), memory of Jochen Bockemühl on 13th and 14th March 2021 in Dornach, Switzerland.

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 47 www.templelodge.com

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48 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 year practical Biodynamic Training: 2course growing the land, growing people

This two-year practical course aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become independent and confident practitioners in biodynamic agriculture and horticulture. In addition it provides participants with the opportunity and the skills to work with people with differing educational and developmental needs in a therapeutic context through land-based activities. This latter aspect is founded on the unique Practical Skills Therapeutic Education method developed by Ruskin Mill Trust. BIODYNAMIC TRAINEES (CHARITY VOLUNTEERS) Ruskin Mill Trust offers a number of trainee placements in its provisions, which provides voluntary work in a biodynamic or aspiring biodynamic setting working alongside the students. In return trainees will receive RMT training, accommodation (if required), subsistence and expenses, and will have the opportunity to undertake the Ruskin Mill Biodynamic Training programme. Open to EU citizens. We are currently working with a national awarding organisation with the intention of putting in place an accredited outcome at level 3 on the Regulated Qualification Framework for this course. COURSE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION e: [email protected] w: biodynamictraining.org

year biodynamic forestry practical trees in a changing world 1 course The aim of this one-year course is to highlight the importance of forest for the future of the Earth. This course will explore working with wood and the woodland from a biodynamic perspective. It is ideal for the practitioner sourcing materials from woodland. Held mostly outdoors, the course encourages an awareness of woodland health and diversity, studying how to regenerate, protect and tend wooded land in tune with planetary rhythms using biodynamic preparations. It employs close-to-nature forestry principles and Goethean science observational methods to develop a unique approach to biodynamic forestry.

Faculty: Nick Raeside, expert in Biodynamic Forestry

Dates: 2020: 18 - 20 Sept, 9 - 11 Oct, 6 - 8 Nov 2021: 22 - 24 Jan, 12 - 14 Mar, 23 - 25 Apr, 21 - 23 May, 25 - 27 June

Venue: The Field Centre, Gloucestershire GL6 0QE

Fee: £650 (incl. VAT, refreshments, lunch and supper)

Course information and application: email: [email protected] web: thefieldcentre.org.uk

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 49 MARKETPLACE

England’s oldest biodynamic vineyard, the first to win an award for a biodynamic English wine, celebrated its 40th birthday in 2019.

Director Sophie Balmer receiving a 2018 silver medal from Oz Clarke.

Buy a bottle or book a tour online: www.englishorganicwine.co.uk

Albury Organic Vineyard is situated in the beautiful Surrey Hills. The vines are the traditional Champagne varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, The producing English wine of the highest quality. Visitors welcome at weekends. Market www.alburyvineyard.com Place

Autumn 2017 £6.00

Winter 2017-18 £6.00 magazine Published at Easter, Midsummer, Michaelmas and Christmas Disseminating Rudolf Steiner’s world-view and important insights Summer 2018 £6.00 into the world through contemporary authors from around the world. Content includes • The Land • Education • Health • Art • Philosophy • Science • Poems • Historical and world events • Contemporary issues • Book Reviews, Advertisements & more. Subscribe and have New View delivered four times a year – £28 for UK addresses, £38 for Europe, £40 for Rest of World – Digital downloadable version available as a cheaper option (no postage!) Contact: New View, 198/15 Lindsay Road, Edinburgh EH6 6ND, Scotland. T: 0207 431 1608 ~ E: [email protected] ~ www.newview.org.uk

Your one stop shop for the very best Biodynamic-Organic goods and services.

50 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 Please support all our lovely advertisers. They are leading the way promoting more biodynamic-organic goods in our shops.

BUY ONLINE AND ASK FOR THEM IN STORE TOO

Discover our biodynamic range of condiments.

Support small sustainable producers. Nurture biodiversity, Protect agronomic heritage.

Change the world with your fork.

www.olivocracy.co.uk

Try Shipton Mill’s Biodynamic Stoneground Wholemeal Flour

From our French Burr millstones, we slowly grind this nutritious biodynamic wholemeal flour. A beautiful flour for baking rich wholemeal breads or adding to biscuits and cookies for a taste of wheat in all its glory!

Milled from wheat grown on biodynamic farms.

www.shipton-mill.com

STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 51 Goetheanum Section for Agriculture Goetheanum Youth Section

Agriculture Conference 2021 Breathing with the Climate Crisis ecologically – socially – spiritually

Annual International Conference of the biodynamic movement at the Goetheanum Dornach, Switzerland Thursday 11th February until Sunday 14th February 2021 The Section for Agriculture and the Youth Section are joint organisers of the Agriculture Conference 2021. It is planned as a conference on earth, climate, culture. Special conference ticket offer for young people in training!

52 STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 SECTION TITLE Leaving a legacy: With your will we can regenerate our world

‘As your proud patron of the Biodynamic Association, I urge you to consider making a bequest in your will to support the ongoing work of the Association. Nearly a century after Rudolf Steiner shared his vision for the future of farming in his Agricultural Lectures, his impulse is alive and well, manifesting in the inspiring work of the BDA. Your legacy will help ensure the BDA can leave our planet, her soils, plants and animals in a better state for those that follow us.’

Patrick Holden, CBE, Patron of the Biodynamic Association Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Sustainable Food Trust

Our vision What are the benefits? To ensure biodynamic farming and gardening In addition supporting the ongoing work of remains a constant inspiration for the 21st BDA, your legacy can have financial benefits century. Becoming a benefactor means so for your family. Its value will be deducted much and will help ensure all our valuable from your estate before inheritance tax. work prospers practically and spiritually. Like planting an oak tree, it will leave a lasting legacy for our world. How do I leave a legacy to the BDA? Adding a codicil to your existing will is easy. Email Jess at [email protected] or telephone 01453 759501. Our codicil form is also available from our website at www. STAR & FURROW • AUTUMN 2020 biodynamic.org.uk/connect/#giving 53 SECTION TITLE

Daniel Hoeberichts Orchard Eggs, UK

EAT MORE RESPECT

you will grow