Farming using biodynamic practices requires a new way of understanding nature in which we percieve the living, form-giving forces that actively regulate the growing process of the plants, animals and soils. A certified biodynamic farm meets all the USDA and California standards for organic agriculture, as well as those specific to Biodynamic farming. Specific requirements of biodynamic farms include:

• No use of chemically synthesized fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or fumigants, no hormones, antibiotics, growth regulators or GMOs.

• The basis of crop fertility is compost, manures, green manuring, and crop rotations, along with regular application of the biodynamic compost preparations and field sprays.

• Weeds are controlled by similar means, by cultivation and by other mechanical methods.

• Composting materials, transplants, and animal feed imported from off the farm are very limited in quantity and must be of good quality.

• Farms are visited and re-evaluated annually. Contracts for use of the certification marks are also annual.

• The farm must be free of prohibited inputs for 36 months, and under biodynamic management for 12-24 months.

• Rights to use the certification mark or language are not transferable to processors and packagers.

• Demeter Association Inc. standards meet or exceed Demeter International, EU, and OFPA standards.

More information about biodynamic farming can be found through the website of the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, as well as by visiting the links on our Biodynamics Resources page in this website.