Get Certified!
Biodynamic® farming is free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the same manner as certified organic farming. In order to qualify for Demeter Biodynamic® status a farm must first meet the same 3-year transition requirement that NOP certified organic farming requires. NOP and ISO 65 accredited organic certification is available through Demeter’s sister company, Stellar Certification Services, at no additional licensing fee. Demeter also offers whole-farm certification as Aurora Certified Organic.
Because each farm is unique, it is not possible to apply “standardized” threshold levels to the spectrum of all farms involved with Demeter certification. Instead, Demeter certification approaches each farm as an individuality with its own beginning point and inherited environmental and social conditions. What is critical to Demeter Biodynamic certification is that a farm evolves towards its maximum potential. Some applicants may enter this program very close to it. Others will require an evolution towards it. While Demeter is here to provide an assurance that its rigorous standards are met, it is also here to nurture willing farmers and their farms towards this ideal.
Our membership is growing by leaps and bounds. In the last three years it has tripled, and our office receives requests for applications daily now. We have found that the reasons organizations pursue certification are almost as diverse as the members themselves. Some are drawn to Biodynamic farming because of an interest in product purity. Others, because of a sense of environmental responsibility. Many seek certification because their customers demand it. But we have found that all of our members, once having embarked on the Biodynamic path, speak of a closer connection to their farms, their products, their customers, and their community.
We invite you to join the Demeter family. Please feel free to give us a call, or write. We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Jim Fullmer
Executive Director
Sally Lammers
Program Manager
