What is biodynamic agriculture?
Biodynamic Agriculture is a “holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition” based on a series of lectures given by Dr. Rudolf Steiner (Demeter International). Dr. Steiner’s comprehensive organic farming method requires biodynamic farmers to reconnect with the Spiritual side of Nature, creating and managing a farm as a closed spherical system (Microcosm). Preceding the USDA NOP organic standards by decades, biodynamic farming practices are Self-generating, meeting all of its fertility and regenerative needs from the Living Dynamics of the Farm itself. We harmonize our efforts with the Moon, as she has dominion over water on Earth including the distant Constellations/Astrological signs, which elementally influence the forces of creation here on Earth. These ‘Forces’ are amplified in concert with the Moon’s waxing or waning gravitational forces that influence the flow of all water/life in all on Earth (Oceans at high or low tide). The key of “Alchemy” is the timing of things, specifically as it relates to coalescence of these forces to our farm’s location here in Detroit, Michigan.
ROI Urban Farms practices Dr. Steiner’s “Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture” via the Scientific Method (truth in numbers), as we honor the ROC and Senator Thomas Palmer’s (33-degree GAR “Guardian of the Light”) contributions to Humanity.
The heart of the Regenerative-Biodynamic Farm’s fertility system is the sequestering/recycling of the carbon that it creates, in essence a cradle-to-cradle solution. Crop rotation and integration of herbivore ONLY mammal manure, assist in ELIMINATING any and all petrochemical inputs as compared to ‘Conventional Agricultural’, which can be based on sewage sludge that contaminates the land and erodes into the watershed. Polluted stormwater runoff is devastating to future generations, (think Round-up, red tides, and algae blooms in the Great Lakes Watershed where we live). These factors, in addition to Regenerative-Biodynamic farming’s focus on improving soil health, and biodiversity combine to make it the world’s one and only true agricultural Gold Standard.
For us, the living, breathing ideal model of a complete living ecosystem, (much like you would find in, “a Virgin Forest”.) In such an ecosystem, there is a high degree of self-sufficiency for all biological inputs/outputs and survival is interdependently connected. Choosing to practice our work in Palmer Park, Detroit, (next to the largest virgin forest within 30 miles of any major US city) was a perfect fit in accordance with Dr. Steiner’s 1924 recommendations. “Fertility and feed arise out of recycling organic material that the Forest- Farm-Local-Horse system generates”. Virgin Oak leaf tissue, volumetrically 1000 of cubic meters, is blended with locally sourced Horse Manure, inoculated with “the biodynamic compost preparations #502-#507”. We combine these elements in harmony with the Spring or Fall Equinoxes, “about 3-weeks before to about 3-weeks after each event”, working with the Moon and Stars in Unity so as to create a spring of Fertility. Pests, insects, and fungus are kept at bay by the virtue of the farm’s Living Vitality. This Fertility/Creation is coupled/married to organic genetic diversity, which enhances the biological vigor of all plants. We are convinced that all disease, (insect infestations mold etc..) are part of Mother Nature’s survival-of-the-fittest divine, regenerative, designed system. They are summoned into action by plants that are weak or suffering. A natural response to a signal of distress, given off by all plants suffering. Typically, this is caused by the soil’s lack of Fertility. These “pests” are part of the Kingdoms of Nature that are specifically purposed with the task of Regeneration/Natural selection which dictates that all weak or subordinate species must fall down and be consumed to help rebuild the living soil biology, keeping it alive and well fed.
The Longview suggests that Rural farming fails with the end of fossil fuel and will soon be challenged, having to pay for watering vast monocrop fields. The West Coast continues to burn, the Aquifers are drying up or have become contaminated with PFAS. In 2009, our hope was to meet the world here in Detroit in 2020. We shot an arrow out into the future with Detroit/Palmer Park being our “Bullseye”. With our ROI-Biodynamic Detroit based system, outside watering is rarely required and relies primarily on Rainwater that is efficiently absorbed and held onto by our living compost blends. Food seen as medicine produced from this model are naturally filled with Nutritive Density, (other words for Elemental Weight).
Without Corruption or Politics, the Sun and Earth Certification is highest paradigm of sustainable regenerative agriculture to exist in the United States of America. Locally brought to you by our Biodynamic Detroit based Team.
-Jamie Meyers