DEMETER BIO-DYNAMIC CONTACTS

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Bio-dynamic Research Institute

The Bio-dynamic Research Institute (also known as BDRI) is an Australian government approved organic certification organisation.

In 1967, the Bio-dynamic Research Institute registered the Demeter trademark in Australia, and developed the first organic/Biodynamic certification scheme here,
to guarantee the integrity of Biodynamic produce to consumers.

The Bio-Dynamic Research Institute owns the DEMETER Bio-Dynamic Trademark in Australia. Operators who meet exacting Quality Standards may apply for certification to use this prestigious quality mark on their products.

The office is open 10 am to 3 pm Monday and Thursday.

You can contact them online www.demeter.org.au

By phone: 03 5966 7333

By facsimile: 03 5966 7433

Bio-dynamic Australian Agriculture Association of Australia

The Bio-dynamic Agricultural Association of Australia (also known as BDAAA) was founded in the mid 1950s.  It was then an association of farmers practicing the “Australian Demeter-standard” method of Biodynamics as developed by Alex Podolinsky.

Their primary aims were to rejuvenate soil and nature, to provide a sound future for the earth and to produce healthy food for consumers.

In 1967, the Bio-dynamic Research Institute registered the Demeter trademark in Australia, and developed the first organic/Biodynamic certification scheme here, to guarantee the integrity of Biodynamic produce to consumers.

 

Biodynamic Growers Australia – Training & Introductory Field Days

BDGA is an Incorporated Association which has evolved from the BD Gardeners group established by Alex Podolinsky, in the 1970’s, to accommodate growers who were not farmers.

We practice the same Australian Demeter Biodynamic method as BDAAA, basing our practice on the Australian Demeter preparations. Our Trainers are located in most states of Australia and our members are spread across the country.

The Trainers act as focal points for inquiries. They run practical introductory days, as a pre-requisite for membership of BDGA. Essential points of BD management are covered at these field days, and Trainers often maintain contact with newer members while they gain confidence in their practice. We keep in touch and share experience via a seasonal newsletter. Volunteers co-ordinate the provision of resources to Trainers and all members.

Introductory days are open to growers on any scale – from backyards, to a few acres, to broad acres.

General Inquiries: Thelma Newman: thelma.tjn08@gmail.com

Training: Darren Aitken: bdaaa@demeterbiodynamic.com.au

Membership queries: bdga@demeterbiodynamic.com.au

Biodynamic Marketing

The  Biodynamic Marketing Company Ltd – a not-for-profit company, was founded in 1981 to distribute Demeter Biodynamic produce to consumers.

The Company has a warehouse in Lilydale in the outer Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, distributing daily to Customers Australia wide.

A wide range of Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Organic product is now stocked including rice, grains, yoghurt, milk, nuts, flours and fruit juices.

Fresh Certified Demeter Biodynamic and Organic produce is also distributed from the Melbourne Fresh markets at Epping in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne.

Visit their website on www.biodynamic.com.au 

Biodynamic Growing Magazine

  • Was Australia’s foremost Biodynamic magazine, featuring the Australian Demeter Biodynamic method developed by Alex Podolinsky and the farmers of the Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association of Australia. This magazine is no longer in production, however back issues are available.

  • Articles, knowledge and techniques from Biodynamic farmers, small scale producers and gardeners.

  • The website contains a wealth of information and articles from the magazines as well as an ONLINE SHOP where you can purchase past issues (including E-versions) and many Biodynamic and related books and DVDs.

Visit their website on www.bdgrowing.com to know more.

Demeter Biodynamics Australia Future Farmers

This is a group of farmers practicing and interested in the Australian Demeter Bio-dynamic method.  They have a Facebook page here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What Is Demeter Bio-dynamic

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Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic

Demeter Bio-dynamic briefly explained

Australian Demeter Bio-dynamic is the oldest method and highest certification for organic farming and gardening in the World, which today is important when growing food.

Australian Demeter Bio-dynamic is the name used to identify the Biodynamic method developed in Australia by Alex Podolinsky, since 1952.

It is based on Biodynamic preparations of the highest organic quality, which has been refined in Australia under Alex’s guidance, working from the insights of
Rudolf Steiner and the scientific experimentation of Ehrenfried Pfeiffer.

The practical application of the farmers of the Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Associationof Australia (BDAAA) has established Australian Demeter BD as a world leader in the development of:

  • soil structure

  • the humus on which that soil depends for its fertility and resilience

  • the growth of healthy plants under the influence of the sun– and produce of the highest quality in both flavour and nutrient density

The success of the method depends on plants feeding themselves according to nature, through nutrients which are held within the humus content of the soil, not through water soluble nutrient in the soil water.

Ideally, each farm operates as a closed unit, using the preparations in combination with the soil, climate and seasonal variation with which the farmer works.

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History of Demeter Bio-dynamic

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Rudolph Steiner introduced the fundamental principles of a new organic agriculture method back in 1924 that what we today call Australian Demeter Biodynamics

Rudolph Steiner

The beginnings

The beginnings of Demeter Bio-dynamic go back to 1924 in Austria.

Then Rudolph Steiner gave a series of eight lectures introducing the fundamental principles of a new organic agriculture method. These lectures were developed following the concerns expressed by a group of property owners. The fundamental principles were developed into what we now call Biodynamics.

Rudolph Steiner asked at the time a young scientist, Ehrenfried Preiffer to determine the most effective method of making each preparations and how to apply them.  At that point there was no one with the capacity to develop the overall sustainable farming method to insure soil building and plant structuring power of the biodynamic preparations.

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Alex Podolinsky

Alex Podolinsky

Alex was gifted in many areas of HUMAN endeavour but chose as his main focus the development of the Australian Demeter Biodynamic method. With help from the pioneering Australian farmers, he took the original impulse of Rudolph Steiner and developed a practical Biodynamic method based on quality and results, rather than just an  anthroposophical belief that Biodynamics works, as it came from Steiner. Results that presented to farmers an objective reality of what quality preparations and practical approach could achieve. His development of prepared 500 was a major step in bringing the influence of the preparations to large farms.

Alex was dynamic, vibrantly creative, artistic, actively perceptive and he gifted his knowledge to the world. He was emotionally deep with an astonishing intellect. When giving lectures the intensity of his concentration was obvious. He didn’t speak with abstract concepts. He created living pictures through his words. He would find the most exact, moral and true way of characterising his subject–devoid of exaggeration and ambiguity.

He forged on undaunted in the face of scepticism and outright opposition from the agricultural establishment. His impulse saw the development of mechanical stirrers and practical spraying equipment suitable for broad acre use.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s he founded the Bio Dynamic Agricultural Association of Australia, The Bio Dynamic Research Institute and registered the Demeter Trademark.

Around this time he began testing and recording the increasing organic matter levels of his soil. He spoke extensively of the importance of this work for both the health of the soil and the climate. His unique description of plant metabolism clearly and simply explained the need to feed plants from humus rather than with water soluble salts. For decades he travelled extensively throughout Australia voluntarily mentoring farmers.

Alex also took the method back to Europe and established new pioneers of the method in different European countries, finding the appropriate farmers to work with in developing the method there and finding the right people in Europe to make quality preparations. While not getting to visit Asia, Alex and his work are having a major impact on soils in many Asian countries.

He taught us well and many farmers around the world are dedicated to continuing Alex’s work in developing and teaching the practicality, reality, integrity and quality of the Australian Demeter Method across the globe.

In 2019, Alex Podolinsky passed away peacefully just shy of his 94th birthday. He lived at home on his farm in Powelltown, Victoria until the end of his life. With perception, vibrant energy and creativity, he gifted knowledge to the world.

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Getting Started

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You are interested to know more:

We suggest three options:

  • Buy recommended books and DVDs

  • Enrol in an Introductory Field Day with the Biodynamic Growers Australia.  
    Contact details can be found in the Biodynamic Growers Australia section here.

You are a small grower:

We suggest four options:

  • Complete the Enquiry Form and you will be contacted with more information.

  • Buy recommended books and DVDs

  • Enrol in an Introductory Field Day with the Biodynamic Growers Australia.
    Contact details can be found in the Biodynamic Growers Australia section here.

  • The Biodynamic Research Institute holds the rights to the Demeter trademark and manages all certification. Contact them regarding certification at Biodynamic Research Institute

You are a farmer:

We suggest four options

  • Complete the Enquiry Form and you will be contacted with more information.
    • Buy recommended books and DVDs

    • Enrol in an Introductory Field Day with the Biodynamic Growers Australia.

      Contact details can be found in the Biodynamic Growers Australia section here.

    • The Biodynamic Research Institute holds the rights to the Demeter trademark and manages all certification.  Contact them regarding certification at Biodynamic Research Institute

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FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. – Is Demeter Bio-dynamic the same as Organic?

A. – Demeter Bio-dynamic can be defined as an enhanced organic certification applying the strictest standards. Our Bio-Dynamic research and practice in Australia has produced a totally new and dynamic approach to farming, with over 60 years of experience and practical application refining the Bio-Dynamic method to suit Australian conditions.

Q. – Where do I find farmers and other food produce suppliers that are certified Bio-dynamic?

A. – Refer to www.demeter.org.au for a list of existing certified bio dynamic growers and suppliers. 

Q. – What do I need to do to begin farming using the Demeter Bio-dynamic method ?

A. – Visit this page for books, and this page for dvds and more information on how to get started with bio-dynamic practices.

Q. – I’m a small home grower and would like to know more – what do I do next?

A. – Visit this page which will guide to you some books, dvds and more information on how to get started with bio-dynamic practices.

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EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS

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Introductory Field Days

23 March, 2020.

Attention all members of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Australia;

We regret to inform you that the upcoming BDAAA Conference has been cancelled.

In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Australia has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Conference.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.  We are planning on live streaming some presentations.  Keep checking your email over the coming weeks for more information.  There may be an opportunity for a get-together later in the year, however given the current unpredictable climate this will need to be confirmed in a few months. As we move forward into these uncertain times, we encourage you to take comfort and nourishment in the qualities of our Biodynamic produce and look after each other

More Information

Introductory field days are held across the country at different times of the year.

Topics covered include:

  • History and development of Biodynamic Farming & Growing

  • Plant feeding within nature

  • Soil cultivation to improve soil structure

  • Soil humus formation and microbial activity

  • Biodynamic plant expression

  • Using Biodynamic preparation 500

  • Prepared 500 (Podolinsky introduced: 500 plus 502-507)

  • Using Biodynamic preparation 501

  • Stirring and applying the Biodynamic preparations

  • Preparing soil to receive the  Biodynamic preparations at the most beneficial time

  • Building a B.D. compost heap and using compost preparations 502-507

  • Sheet composting and green manures

  • Using the Biodynamic Astrological sowing chart

Activities include:

  • Participatory demonstrations of stirring, spraying preparations, building a compost heap and green manuring

  • Where applicable, farm walks showing Biodynamic results and discussing practical aspects of Biodynamic farming

  • Quality Australian Demeter Biodynamic preparations are displayed

Successful completion of an introductory field day facilitates full membership of the Biodynamic Growers Australia. 

Information and application forms are available on the day.

 

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BOOKS, DVD’s and RESOURCES

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Books, DVD, learning material, Demeter, biodynamic

Resources for Demeter Bio-dynamic method

A series of books and DVD’s covering the Australian Demeter Bio-dynamic practices

can be purchased at the following site – biodynamic.com.au

For booksclick here.

Suggested books to start with are

  • Alex Podolinsky Lectures, Volume 1

  • Living Agriculture

For DVD’s – click here.

Download Resources 

  2011 Lecture
Written version of an address given to farmers at a field day on a bio-dynamic grazing
/ cropping property near Young, NSW, Australia.
Discusses (world-wide) problem of loss of water storage due to compaction of soils.
Shows how bio-dynamics can remedy this situation.

Biodynamics Agriculture of the Future
Excellent introduction to the bio-dynamic method, provides a comprehensive, yet easily readable,
explanation of the difference between organic and bio-dynamic farming and resulting product quality.

Living Agriculture
Topics include: reclamation of salt affected farming land under bio-dynamic management
/ humus vs organic matter and their qualitatively differing effects on soil and plant feeding
/ education and training of farmers.

Living Knowledge
Topics include: Classic Natural Science vs Hypothetical Science
/ correct stirring of 500 reflected in Kepler’s 3 Laws / life implanting action of Chaos
/ 3 types of viewing – imagination, intuition, inspiration.

Biodynamic Agriculture Introductory Lectures – vol. 3
Farmer most important item on a farm / nutrition / disease / purpose of existence / soil structure,
organic matter and humus
/ sick plants mean sick soil / bio-dynamic preparations / living-breathing earth
/ sustainability of humus.

IFOAM Conference Address 2005
Addresses the problem of Australian agriculture as world phosphate reserves diminish,
providing a truly sustainable alternative
to the modern approach of “input” farming –
which is occurring even on organic farms.

  Several videos are available to view here
Soil Conversion
5 Bio-dynamic Farms
Compost Making

Cosmo Earthly Ecology
Vortex Vegies

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Australian Demeter Bio-dynamic

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Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic

Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic is the name used to identify the Biodynamic method developed in Australia by Alex Podolinsky, since 1952.

It is based on Bio-Dynamic preparations of the highest quality, which have been refined in Australia under Alex’s guidance, working from the insights of Rudolf Steiner and the scientific experimentation of Ehrenfried Pfeiffer.

The practical application of the farmers of the Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association of Australia (BDAAA)

has established Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic as a world leader in the development of:

  • soil structure

  • the humus on which that soil depends for its fertility and resilience

  • the growth of healthy plants under the influence of the sun

  • and produce of the highest quality in both flavour and nutrient density

The success of the method depends on plants feeding themselves according to nature, through nutrients which are held within the humus content of the soil, not through water-soluble nutrient in the soil water.

Ideally, each farm operates as a closed unit, using the preparations in combination with the soil, climate and seasonal variation with which the farmer works.

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FAQ old

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FAQ

Q – Is Demeter Bio-dynamic the same as organic?

A – Demeter Bio-dynamic is part of the organic certified body.  It does stand on its own as a certification body.
It is defines as an enhance organic certification applying the strictest standards.

Q. – How many farmers in Australia use the Demeter method ?

A – I am not sure.  Will need to check with Linda or the directors …
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AUSTRALIAN DEMETER BIO-DYNAMIC

Phone: 0428 968 504

Email: info@demeterbiodynamic.com.au

Address: C/- Post Office, Powelltown, Victoria, 3797



AUSTRALIAN DEMETER BIODYNAMIC - in association with the Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Australia (BDAAA) and Biodynamic Growers Australia (BDGA)

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