The difference between BIODYNAMIC and ORGANIC

There are HUGE differences between ORGANIC and BIODYNAMICc but I'm only going to touch on them superficially here.  For details, you'll have to access the links provided below.

If you don't know what biodynamic agriculture is, this is the best concise description of Biodynamic Agriculture that I've found. Basically, it "works with the energies which create and maintain life".

In the current evolution stage of planet Earth, even without the harmful effects of human activities of our time, it is necessary to use practices that heal and rejuvenate the declining vitality of the natural world. We practice biodynamic because we strive to grow food that nourishes and heals the human body and supports the development of the human soul. We are inspired to produce food that is full of vitality. Food that is medicine.

From a consumers perspective, biodynamic is organic on steroids.

Organic agriculture standards are determined by the government's NOSB (National Organic Standards Board), and the standards are continually being eroded by agribusinesses that want a piece of the organic monetary pie but don't want to provide an organic product in return.  There are over 100 chemicals - many of them dangerous - which are approved for organic farming.  Originally, these were meant to be reviewed periodically, and eliminated if natural alternatives became available, but the standards board has removed the 'sunset' provision and they are now here to stay forever.

Don't get me wrong - organic is still MILES better than conventional, which allows thousands of chemicals to be used - but there s a better option: BIODYNAMIC.

• Biodynamic agriculture uses NO CHEMICALS!
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• Biodynamic agriculture must use clean water (organic certification does not test the water).
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• Biodynamic agriculture cannot be subverted by agribusiness.

You can learn more about Biodynamic certification here: DEMETER Association, Inc.  (Demeter - pronounced DEM'-eh-ter - is the certifying body.)

PLEASE!  Support biodynamic agriculture (by purchasing biodynamic products)!
Look for the Demeter seal:

For more information, contact The Biodynamic Association

Small farms that cannot afford certification but do farm biodynamically will often reference Rudolph Steiner on their websites and other promotional material.  Steiner's name is another way to find biodynamic products when you're shopping.  I will periodically do a Google search on 'biodynamic' or 'steiner' to see if any new sources have emerged.  There are three CSAs in our area that farm biodynamically but are not certified.  If you know your farmer, certification is not necessary.