DemeterLOCAL

A peer-to-peer Biodynamic® education and certification program

Currently a pilot program, DemeterLOCAL seeks to foster the growth of Biodynamic education and farming within pre-defined geographic areas through the development of regional groups composed of farmers, educators, students, and anyone interested in Biodynamic agriculture.   The goals of this program are the growth of Biodynamic farming and certification amongst family farms and the development of regional Biodynamic food sheds.  DemeterLOCAL will accomplish these goals by facilitating education in Biodynamic principles and practices, empowering peer-to-peer certification, and localizing the administrative requirements resulting in a more cost effective certification program.  In order to qualify, the farm’s Biodynamic production must be sold within a 200-mile radius of the farm.   Exceptions may be made for non-profits whose agricultural production functions to further the Biodynamic movement on a regional or national level.  These groups will naturally express the local ecology and cultural landscape.

DemeterLOCAL requires three components:

• The Farmer
• Reviews, understands, and supports the Demeter Farm Standard
• Farms in compliance with its principles and practices
• Abides by the DemeterLOCAL policies and procedures
• Agrees to be visited on an annual basis by other farmers from the LOCAL group and should participate as a Farm Evaluator

• The LOCAL Group
• Works with Demeter to define geographic boundary
• Appoints representative responsible for communication with Demeter
• Chooses and oversees Farm Evaluators
• Facilitates and coordinates farmer-to-farmer visits
• Assists in educational efforts for farmers and community
• Forwards certification recommendations and required paperwork to Demeter office

• The Demeter office
• Approves composition and geographic boundaries of LOCAL groups and acts as conduit of educational materials and communications between and across groups
• Approves all Farm Evaluators
• Provides certification requirements of the Demeter Farm Standard
• Provides necessary forms and paperwork
• Makes all final Biodynamic® certification decisions

Please contact Jim Fullmer at the Demeter office for more information.