Biodynamic® Product Spotlight

Lundberg Family Farms Biodynamic®
Short Grain Brown Rice

Spanning generations rooted deeply in a respect for the land, the Lundberg Family Farms' trajectory of ecological land stewardship follows that of the Biodynamic movement itself, leading to the inevitable crossing of paths of farming practices and farming ideals.

The early 1900’s illustrated both the enormous potential and the devastating effects of man's influence on ecology and agriculture. In Europe, Rudolph Steiner gave a series of lectures that would seed the development of the Biodynamic movement, emphasizing that agriculture needed to move away from the industrial model and instead view the farm as a living organism: self contained, self sustaining, following the cycles of nature. By the mid-1930's Biodynamic farming was being practiced in Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Sweden, Norway and the U. K.

Around this time in the United States, Albert and Frances Lundberg found themselves displaced by the Dust Bowl, a combination of severe drought and industrialized farming practices that led to catastrophic soil erosion and forced tens of thousands of families to abandon their farms. Having witnessed the destructive consequences of short-sighted land management and irresponsible farming techniques, the Lundbergs moved from Nebraska to California's fertile Sacramento Valley in 1937, embracing a philosophy of soil enhancing, ecological stewardship that is upheld by the third and fourth generations of the Lundberg family today.

Founded upon Albert Lundberg's ethos of 'Leaving the land better than you found it', the Lundberg's commitment to sustainability is implemented through diverse programs encompassing all aspects of responsible farm management. This includes certification by both Demeter USA and California Certified Organic Farmers, participation in the Non-GMO Project, the generation and purchasing of green power, support of research investigating self-generating energy through the gasification of rice hull by-products, implementation of aggressive waste and recycling programs, rice-breeding nursery development/selection of heirloom rice varietals displaying shorter season traits that would increase water efficiency, and a myriad of other innovative programs all with the goal of respecting and maintaining the delicate balance of nature.

The Lundberg's dedication to the land is matched only by their commitment to quality in their products.  Specializing in organic, gluten-free, and whole grain rice products, Lundberg offers over 150, including the latest introduction of Biodynamic Short Grain Brown Rice.  Lance Benson, Lundberg Grower Services Manager and the farmer who grew this special rice, says, "I personally think it tastes much sweeter, less diluted, probably more expression of what the true genetic varietal taste should be." This rice is an expression not only of varietal, but also of holistic stewardship that is the mission and soul of Biodynamic farming.  Congratulations Lundberg and thanks so much for joining with Demeter to help heal our planet, and its people, through agriculture.