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News
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Issue of Consequence
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Recently, it has become an issue of consequence that the term ‘biodynamic’ should become a registered trademark. This it has become.
Quite a shock!
However, it has been obvious for some time that the term itself is in danger of becoming a meaningless term with a variety of people applying the term according to a plethora of interpretations and motives.
If the term is to have meaning it requires definition.
‘Biodynamics’, biodynamic agriculture, is an agricultural science with over 80 years of broad based research behind it. This website presents a history of the movement from which you will see that scientific rigour has characterized the movement from the outset: Steiner having arranged for the farmers involved to work with the Natural Science section of the Goetheanum (General Anthroposophical Society) to investigate and develop the indications presented in his lectures. Farmers continue to work with the science sections to this day.
Unfortuneately, in recent times ‘biodynamics’ has been as susceptible to the ‘charlatan master’ as other disciplines. Equally to the well intentioned but naïve proselytizer.
In recent years we have encountered a variety of self professed 'experts' wandering the country purporting to teach “biodynamics”. One recent example that comes to mind is that of an elderly gentleman, obviously well intentioned, who was quite an experienced, successful and enthusiastic organic farmer. However, typical of the current crop of 'experts', his lectures offered explanations that contradicted the lectures of Rudolf Steiner and demonstrated no apparent awareness of the worldview that underpins the indications of Rudolf Steiner.
At the end of the lecture the gentleman was queried as to whether he had read any of the work of Rudolf Steiner. The response was that he had read the agricultural lectures but nothing beyond them, and, quite sincerely, could not see the relevance of doing so.
This particular gentleman doesn’t seem to be alone in this view. There are a number of ‘experts’ in Australia, both within the various “biodynamic” organizations and independently of them, who do not recognize the context which is the source and substance of Biodynamics. Consequently, they make something else of it, and encourage others to do the same … and not all ‘experts’ are as well intentioned as the example just mentioned.
Consequently, the trademark.
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| Co-op Produce Orders
| | | | | The monthly ordering system has changed hands. Orders are now to be emailed to this address the first week of each month. The order will be delivered to Deloraine on the Wednesday of the second week as usual.
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| Potatoes
| | | | | The potato breeding program has enjoyed a good season, with one exception: the 'Commonwealth' planting was hit by January frost.
The co-op now has a solid seed bank of: Brownell, Dutch Cream, Nicola, Pink Eye, Pink Fir Apple, Purple Congo, Royal Blue and Tasman.
A good supply of Dutch Cream and Nicola is assured for consumption this year.
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Organic Proof
Eating organic is better for you, and that is according to the EU, reports London ’s Sunday Times.
The EU’s biggest study to date of whether there is merit in claims that organic is better has uncovered fairly convincing data. It finds organic fruit and vegetables contain as much as 40% more antioxidants – which scientists believe can cut the risks of cancer and heart disease – than conventional produce. Levels of antioxidants in milk from organics herds are up to 90% higher than in milk from conventional herds.
The EU says the study took four years and cost $28 million. Researchers grew fruit and vegetables and reared cattle on adjacent organic and non-organic sites on a 293ha farm attached to Britain’s Newcastle University and at other sites in Europe .
Project co-ordinator Professor Carlo Leifert says there is enough evidence now that the level of good things is higher in organics. The differences are so marked, he says, that organic produce will help to increase nutrient intake.
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Composting Increases Yields
The world's largest single study of its kind now shows that composting increases yields two to three-fold and outperforms chemical fertilizers by more than 30 percent.
See Postings.
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In Consideration |
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In view of recent developments perhaps the co-operative should state its position.
Our intention with this website is twofold.
One is the practical application of providing for the functioning of a regional co-operative.
The other is to present information.
Information on sound farming practices, the contribution of 'biodynamics' to sound farming practices and insight into the worldview that underpins the 'biodynamic’ culture.
This website, although not officially affiliated with the General Anthroposophical Society, does not present information that would contradict the science or culture.
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FAO Promotes Organic Agriculture
FAO Report says organic farming fights hunger, tackles climate change, good for farmers, consumers and the environment.
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has come out in favour of organic agriculture. Its report Organic Agriculture and Food Security explicitly states that organic agriculture can address local and global food security challenges
Sam Burcher, 10th September 2007
Full report:
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/ FAOPromotesOrganicAgriculture.php
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Scientists Find Organic Agriculture Can Feed the World & More
Comprehensive study gives the lie to claims that organic agriculture cannot feed the world because it gives low yields and there is insufficient organic fertilizer.
Dr. Mae-Wan Ho, 6th September 2007
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/ organicagriculturefeedtheworld.php
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GM is Dangerous and Futile
Dr Mae-Wan Ho
New genetics research invalidates the science underpinning the $73.5 billon global biotech industry and confirms why genetic modification is futile and dangerous; we must implement organic sustainable food and energy systems now
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/GMDangerousFutile.php
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