Bio-Dynamic Farming in the Philippines

In the recent workshop we attended about Bio-Dynamic Farming organized by The Institute for Steiner’s Ideas in Practice (ISIP), we thought of sharing some frequently asked questions on bio-dynamic agriculture from the Practical Abundance Workbook:

What is bio-dynamic agriculture or bio-dynamic farming?

The bio-dynamic agricultural method activates the life of soil and plants. Fundamental to the method are the activating sprays and soil starter preparations called BD500-508 derived from cow manure, herbs and mineral substances to be applied to soil and plants at very small rates, measured in parts per million. Timely applications revitalize the weakened life forces and stimulate root growth, soil microorganism production and humus formation. Bio-dynamic farming method have been around for over 80 years and are popular in the US, Europe, and Australia.

How did the bio-dynamic system begin?

The concept of “agricultural individuality”, or farm organism was introduced in the teachings of Austrian philosopher and social thinker rudolf Steiner in 1924. He introduced an idea for a farming system based upon on-farm biological cycling through mixing crops and livestock. While the mixed -farming approach predates Steiner, it was his idea of the farm as an organism that helped to create a new system of agriculture. The information presented by Steiner contained cosmological underpinnings, which were part of a philosophy he referred to as Anthroposophy, or spiritual science. Steiners’ Philosophy is also connected to ideas practiced in education , art, economics, medicine, dance therapy, and work with the handicapped and mentally ill.

We’ve heard of organic farming. What’s the difference between organic and bio-dynamic?

Organic food production means the use of safe, sustainable way of farming, producing healthy crops and livestock without damage to the environment. No artificial or chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used, and animals are reared without routine use of antibiotics and drugs. the health of the soil is maintained and the welfare of livestock considered.

Bio-dynamic farmers take the organic concept even further. The approach is holistic, recognizing that there are invisible forces embedded in plants and animals, and these forces work i partnership. The whole Earth is viewed as a living organism in harmony with the vast cosmos and each farm is unique. The result is food within nature’s organization bursting with health and vitality.

To learn more about Bio-Dynamic Farming, you may contact:

The Institute for Steiner’s Ideas in Practice (ISIP) Philippines

+632 899 4677

+63920 983 1329

ISIP.philippines@yahoo.com