We’re excited to share a new feature dedicated to highlighting the farmers and processors who bring Biodynamic® products to life. Demeter’s online Biodynamic Directory is a tool for both producers and consumers. We hope this new feature will serve to deepen the connection between consumers and the Biodynamic products they love and trust.
Photo above of Filigreen Farm
Filigreen Farm
Situated between hills of mixed coniferous redwood forest to the west and oak woodlands to the east, Filigreen Farm is located on 97 acres in the Anderson Valley of Mendocino County, California. It is a Demeter-certified Biodynamic® and CCOF certified organic diversified farm, producing an array of orchard fruits, blueberries, olives, wine and table grapes, vegetables, cut-flowers, and herbs. Year-round offerings of value-added products include olive oil, everlasting flowers, dried fruit, and tea. The farm also houses an apiary and an ongoing inquiry into water revitalization through the use of flowforms and other vortices by design.
Experimentation and research are central to Filigreen’s mission. New cultivars, rootstocks, training methods and nursery techniques are continually developed, applied, and adapted, which give the farm the independence it needs for intensive production. The successful riparian restoration of Anderson Creek, a major tributary of the Navarro River that bisects the farm, serves as an example and training ground for other riparian restoration efforts in the valley. Large portions of the farm are dedicated to natural spaces of forest and river habitat for native species. A conservation easement held by the Anderson Valley Land Trust ensures protection of the land to be used for organic and Biodynamic agriculture in perpetuity.
Website: www.filigreenfarm.com
Social Media: Filigreen Farm (@filigreenfarm) Instagram
Email: hello@filigreenfarm.com
NoniLand Farm
When David Avocado Wolfe began farming in Hawaii in 1997, he had a vision of developing an abundant tropical orchard, harmonious bee sanctuary, and training center.
Eventually, the vision transformed into NoniLand Farm: a Biodynamic laboratory of Sun, lava rock, sand, wood, rain, and spring water that has given rise to superfoods, chocolate discoveries, and innovative farming techniques. Noniland’s Biodynamic® products include freeze dried cacao beans and vanilla beans.
The Earth gives great harvests on land well-loved.
Noniland’s lush orchard produces several certified Biodynamic® products which are available in their online shop:
Freeze-Dried Cacao Beans
A truly unique product! Freeze-dried cacao beans, still blanketed in the luscious white pulp of the cacao pod, make for a healthy bitter-sweet bite! If you want to experience the Mana that Hawaii concentrates into foods, freeze-dried NoniLand cacao beans are a delicious and fascinating option.
NoniLand Vanilla Beans
One such blossom is the delicate orchid. Vanilla is generally difficult to grow, yet trusting in Biodynamics and his own instincts, David Wolfe tried growing Vanilla orchid vines on Cacao Trees. The success was startling!
Online Shop: shop.davidwolfe.com/collections/from-the-farm
Pu’u O Hōkū Ranch
Pu‘u O Hōkū Ranch is a family-owned Biodynamic and organic ranch and farm, rustic retreat center on the east end of Molokai, Hawaii. “Pu’u O Hoku” is true to its Hawaiian name — which means “Hill of Stars”— surrounded by more than 14,000 acres of protected land, immersed in the transcendent beauty of forest, sky and ocean.
The farm at Pu’u O Hōkū Ranch produces Demeter certified Biodynamic® dried bananas, fresh frozen Hawaiian ‘Awa root, honey, and a wide variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables. Our farm products are available at our ranch store and on the shelves of specialty stores throughout the islands.
Our Biodynamic dried bananas are made from the small apple banana, an unusual variety known for its sweet flavor. These chewy treats make a tasty snack for hiking or lunchboxes, and are great chopped up and added to granola, yogurt, or your favorite muffin recipe.
Our most important work at Pu’u O Hōkū is to restore the ‘aina (land in Hawaiian) of our beautiful ranch, from its green pastures that run up from coastal fishponds to Halawa Valley and the sea cliffs that tower above it. We are working on the reforestation of the ahupua’a (or watershed) and reducing the number of deer and pigs in our forest, as well as the sustainable cultivation of our arable lands in order to realize a bountiful land economy. We believe that Pu’u O Hōkū, by preserving the fertile east end of Molokai, has a special role to play in bringing the island closer to a food and energy self-sufficient community that can provide for generations to come.
Online Store: puuohokustore.com
Address: Pu’u O Hoku Ranch, Mm 25, Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Hours: Mon – Sun, 9am – 3pm
Marian Farms
Marian Farms, located in Fresno, CA, offers a variety of Biodynamic® fruits and nuts including almonds, table grapes, raisins, oranges, and lemons. Owner Gena Nonini began managing the farm, founded by her grandfather, in the 1990s, and began conversion to Biodynamic methods. She is known for her innovative farm management and often teaches younger farmers about Biodynamics, helping ensure that the next generation learns about this very sustainable, ecological method.
The Biodynamic® practices at Marian Farms are a return to traditional farming methods. They practice soil conservation, crop rotation, and do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides on crops. They make their own compost and Biodynamic® preparations (homeopathic combinations of plant materials and minerals that aid plant growth and health). They grow a range of fruit and vegetables that thrive in the year-round growing season of the Central Valley. Their commitment to Biodynamic® farming involves managing the farm holistically, honoring the farm’s spiritual component, and hard work.
Biodynamic® Products
Our oranges have been grown for over half a century on heritage heirloom rootstock. The oranges are hand-picked at perfect ripeness, when they are at their sweetest, ensuring that the customer receives a superior tasting orange. Our organic oranges are also unique in that they are never treated with gibberellic acid, commonly used on both organic and conventional oranges. Gibberellic acid is a plant growth hormone which is sprayed on oranges to stimulate growth and uniformity, but often at the expense of flavor. Marian Farms grows the Washington navel – the classic navel orange. It is the gold standard when it comes to California citrus. It peels easily when fully mature, is bright orange, and has richly-flavored and sweet flesh with balanced sugar and acidity. It is seedless and separates into easy-to-eat segments. The Washington navel is a wonderful dessert orange and excellent as a snack.
Our Demeter-certified Biodynamic® organic lemons have been grown naturally for decades in our family’ Central California orchard without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. We feature heirloom Meyer lemons. The Meyer lemon is a cross between a lemon and an orange or mandarin. It is thinner skinned, sweeter, and less acidic than the traditional Eureka lemon. Meyer lemons are fabulous in desserts, making the best tarts and curds. They are also excellent for juicing and can be used well in sweet or savory dressings. They make great marinades for vegetables, meat and fish. As with all of our products, our organic lemons are harvested at peak ripeness and are of superior quality. Marian Farms Meyer organic lemons are big, juicy, and bursting with flavor!
Marian Farms grows grapes using Biodynamic agricultural practices and then hand picks the grapes at peak ripeness. Marian Farms takes care to harvest grapes when they are at their sweetest, and ensures that the customer receives ripe, full, and attractive clusters. The grapes are picked when they are a translucent green-yellow or have a golden-amber color. Marian Farms grapes are also unique in that, unlike both organic and conventionally grown grapes, they are never treated with gibberellic acid (known as “gibbing” in the trade). Gibberellic acid is a commercially produced plant growth hormone which is sprayed on seedless grapes to increase grape size and yield. Marian Farms believes that grapes should be eaten in a naturally delicious state, as they have been for centuries. We also believe that our Biodynamic Thompsons contribute to the rejuvenation of one’s spirit, body and soul.
Marian Farms certified Biodynamic® organic raisins are made from the very grapes that make our table fruit so popular – our delicious, juicy Thompson Seedless grapes. These organic grapes have been grown on our family’s heirloom grape rootstock for generations without chemicals. Our organic raisins are dried in the warm California sun and never contain preservatives. Certified organic safflower oil is lightly sprayed on the raisins to prevent clumping, making for easy pouring and scooping. The care taken throughout our agricultural practices, handling, packing, storage and shipment serve to produce the sweetest tasting raisin available on the market today. Our customers have come to treasure them and always come back for more! They make a great energy-boosting snack or addition to a wide range of healthy recipes. Marian Farms raisins have the vital life forces that come from our Biodynamic growing practices, thus maintaining their flavor well beyond other brands.
Marian Farms is the only producer of Demeter-certified Biodynamic® almonds in North America. Our Biodynamic® farming practices and special pasteurizing methods preserve the life forces in the almonds. Pasteurization of almonds is required by law. We use flash pasteurization, which only allows steam to touch the almonds for three seconds, and we do not roast the almonds. This preserves their living quality. They are still able to sprout and retain their enzymes and vitamins. Almonds are a great source of protein and fiber and high in Vitamin E, biotin, calcium, magnesium and unsaturated fats, making them an excellent heart-healthy snack. Our organic almonds are free from chemical residues sometimes found in conventionally-grown and processed almonds. Our methods result in crisp almonds with a complex flavor profile and a superior shelf life. We are pleased to offer two almond varieties: Nonpareil and Carmel. Nonpareil, sometimes called the “Queen of almonds”, have a delicate, sweet flavor and are commonly used in baking. Carmel almonds have a bolder, Amaretto-type flavor.
Availability — all products available in Marian Farms’ online shop
Lemons: available November through January in CA, AZ, NV, OR, and WA
Oranges: available from January through April in CA, AZ, NV, OR, and WA
Table Grapes: available August through October
Raisins: available year-round
Almonds: available year-round
Website: www.marianfarmsbiodynamic.com
Apricot Lane Farms
Set on 234 acres of beautiful countryside in Ventura County, California, Apricot Lane Farms is a Biodynamic working farm dedicated to growing nutrient-dense food in harmony with nature. Since 2011, the farm has implemented regenerative practices that have restored its soil while cultivating a dynamic, biodiverse ecosystem. Through practices like on-site Biodynamic preparation making, composting, and habitat restoration, the land is stewarded as a living, interconnected whole, resulting in deeply flavorful, nutrient-rich food.
Cows, pigs, sheep, goats, ducks and chickens are thoughtfully integrated with more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The orchards include 20+ varieties of Biodynamic citrus and 15+ varieties of Biodynamic avocados. To experience the harvest at its peak, explore the Seasonal Citrus Boxes and Seasonal Avocado Boxes—curated selections of the best of what’s ripening right now, shipped directly from the farm to your home. The farm also crafts an exceptional Extra Virgin Avocado Oil (the only Certified Biodynamic Avocado Oil in the world!) by pressing its Biodynamic Hass avocados.
About the Farm
The most unique aspect of Apricot Lane Farms is its purposeful integration within an intentionally reawakened ecosystem. The marriage between farm and nature is how we maximize the flavor of the food we grow and regulate the immune system of our land. And ultimately it all starts (and ends, and restarts) with the soil. The relationship between the health of our planet and everything that lives on it is regulated by the stability of microbially diverse soil systems. As John likes to say, “Whether we eat a cow or a carrot, it is only as nutritious as the soil that feeds it.” And healthy soil is built from the top down, which means every decision we make above it matters. In short, this is why ecologically regenerative farming methods that restore biodiversity above and within the soil (cover cropping, compost application, managed grazing, etc.) create some of the most nutrient-dense and flavorful food that only nature can provide.
Bringing to life this connection between food and ecosystems has been the guiding vision of Molly and John Chester since the farm was founded in 2011. Today the farm spans 234 acres of countryside in Moorpark, California, just 40 miles north of Los Angeles. We grow more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables, and raise cows, sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks on pastures and within our orchards. The farm is Certified Organic (CCOF) and Certified Biodynamic® (Demeter). Several of our restored habitat areas are Certified Wildlife Habitat, and our Holistic Livestock Program is Humane Certified.
Demeter’s audience can enjoy 50% off their first subscription box using code “biodynamic”
Email: info@apricotlanefarms.com
Online Shop: apricotlanefarms.com/shop
Website: www.apricotlanefarms.com/about-the-farm
Social media: @apricotlanefarms (Instagram)
Nekoosa Marsh
Nekoosa Marsh LLC grows and produces organic Biodynamic® fresh, frozen, dried and juice cranberry products. Their cranberries are certified by USDA, Demeter, Primus, AIB, GFSI, Kosher, HAACP, and others. Since 1975 customers have been able to buy directly from their farms, with over 4,000 acres in production.
Farming is a family tradition which started in 1975 with the purchase of an old farm in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. After experimenting with various crops and livestock, the family settled on cranberries, converting to organic methods and then, in 2012, Biodynamic production. They discovered that below their fields lay a vast artesian spring, so flooding for the cranberry harvest worked quite well.
Nekoosa now supplies cranberries to customers across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. They are considered the leading organic, Biodynamic cranberry grower in the world! They farm so future generations may find inspiration in our regenerative methods.
From the Family: We Are Organic & Biodynamic
Biodynamic® farming involves managing a farm by utilizing the principles of a living organism. This type of system is self-sufficient and regenerative. Fertility and feed arise out of the recycling of the organic material that the system generates. Avoidance of pest species is based on biological vigor and genetic diversity. Water is efficiently recycled through the farming system.
In day-to-day practice, the goal is to create a system that builds the vitality and biodiversity of the farm; every thing has a role to play, organized so that the waste of one part becomes the energy for another. For example, our cows create the compost necessary for our vines to grow, while the vines produce the oxygen for the animals to breathe. This approach to farming results in an increase in the farm’s capacity for self-renewal and ultimately makes the farm regenerative.
These farming methods heal us and our planet by growing fruit with more flavor and antioxidants, and by retaining more carbon in the soil which simultaneously feeds the plants and curbs climate change. Our cranberries were tested by Rutgers University and were found to contain double the antioxidants of conventional cranberries.
Our Superior Harvesting, Cleaning, and Storage Methods
Typical cranberry farms use highly automated methods that often bruise fruit (e.g. large pumps, harvest “dry”, or ship fruit great distances).
In comparison our gentle methods take more time and it’s worth it!
- Our special harvest tractors comb vines to pick the cranberries.
- We load fruit directly from spring fed water into boats and then small trucks for minimum handling.
- All work happens right on the farm with great care – fruit is picked, dried, sorted, quality-checked, and cooled/frozen the same day.
- Our gentle on-farm methods help our cranberries retain maximum nutrient value and shelf life.
Nekoosa Cranberries have double the anti-oxidants compared to other conventionally grown cranberries to help boost immunity.
Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. Cranberry is the best source of flavonoids among 30 plant foods studied (Aherne and O’Brien 2002), and the flavonol content of cranberry is twice as high as 12 other commonly consumed fruit juices, including pomegranate and grape (Mullen, Marks, and Crozier 2007).
Cranberries exhibit potent in vitro antiadhesion bioactivity and are present in much higher concentrations in cranberries than in other foods. Animal, human and epidemiologic studies show that various polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could have preventive and/or therapeutic effects for cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Suggested health benefits from cranberries:
- Fight Infections – Many people take cranberry supplements to prevent infections caused by bacteria. Specifically, the proanthocyanidins found in cranberry appear to block the adhesive strands on the E. coli bacteria from sticking to a surface whereby inhibiting their ability to stick to the cell walls in the body.
- Reduction of Dental Plaque – It is believed that cranberry juice can inhibit the aggregation of bacteria that cause dental plaque
Anti-Cancer Activity – Based on evaluation of several vitro screening tests, it has been suggested that the proanthocyanidin compounds found in cranberry may exhibit some anticarcinogenic activity. - Heart Disease – Cranberry extract has been shown to inhibit low density lipoprotein oxidation. Since this process is believed to be part of what can cause heart disease, prevention of oxidation through cranberry supplementation can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Kidney Stones – Some medical professionals and specialists believe that quinic acid abundant in cranberry may help to prevent the development of kidney stones.
Website: nekoosacranberries.com
Email: nick@nekoosacranberries.com
Phone: (312) 521-9342
Look forward to more Biodynamic Directory features! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get updates on these — and much more!
March — health supplements
April — grains
May — direct-marketed produce
June — compost makers
July — cooking oils
August — livestock products
Does your business produce any products in these categories? Please email us at newsletter@demeter-usa.org for details on how to be included.