What Is Biodynamic Agriculture and How Does It Differ from Organic Farming?
Biodynamic agriculture is one of the oldest systemised forms of organic farming, with roots dating back to the early 20th century. It was pioneered by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who believed that farming should be more than just crop production - it should be a holistic, spiritual practice that nurtures the land, the farmer, and the wider ecosystem.
Today, biodynamic farming is widely recognised in the wine industry and is gaining traction in other sectors, including coffee production. But how exactly does it differ from organic farming?
Biodynamic vs Organic: What Sets Them Apart?
At first glance, biodynamic and organic farming share many similarities. Both avoid synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilisers, and both prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. However, biodynamic agriculture goes a step further, incorporating spiritual and ecological principles that treat the farm as a self-sustaining, living organism.
Key Differences:
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Holistic Farm Management: Biodynamic farms aim to be self-sufficient ecosystems. This means producing their own compost, animal feed, and fertilisers using on-site resources. The goal is to give back more to the land than is taken, creating a closed-loop system that regenerates itself naturally.
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Biodynamic Preparations: Farmers use special herbal and mineral-based preparations, often referred to as preparados, to enhance soil vitality and plant health. These are made from natural ingredients like yarrow, chamomile, nettle, and cow manure, and are applied in homeopathic doses to stimulate microbial activity and nutrient cycling in the soil.
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Cosmic Rhythms: One of the most distinctive aspects of biodynamic farming is its reliance on lunar and celestial cycles. Planting, cultivating, and harvesting are timed according to the phases of the moon and planetary alignments, based on the belief that cosmic forces influence plant growth and soil fertility.
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Spiritual and Ethical Foundations: Biodynamic agriculture is deeply rooted in anthroposophy, Steiner’s spiritual philosophy. It encourages farmers to cultivate a conscious relationship with the land, animals, and natural rhythms, fostering a deeper sense of stewardship and ecological responsibility.
Biodynamic Agriculture in 2025: A Global Movement
Biodynamic farming is no longer a niche practice - it’s becoming a global movement. At the 2025 International Biodynamic Agriculture Conference in Switzerland, over 700 participants from 47 countries gathered to explore how biodynamics can help heal the Earth. The event focused on themes such as “The Earth as a Living Being” and Rudolf Steiner’s Seven Life Processes, reinforcing the idea that biodynamic agriculture is not just a method, but a transformative philosophy.
Scientific Recognition and Sustainability
Biodynamic practices are increasingly supported by scientific research, particularly in areas like:
- Soil regeneration
- Carbon sequestration
- Biodiversity enhancement
These benefits were highlighted at the Oxford Real Farming Conference 2025, where experts discussed how biodynamic farming aligns with ecological and climate-resilient agriculture.
Consumer Demand and Certification
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, demand for biodynamic-certified products is rising. Certification through bodies like Demeter International ensures transparency and supports farmers who go the extra mile to farm in harmony with nature.
Why It Matters for Coffee
We believe the way biodynamic practices ensure a holistic and sustainable approach to coffee farming is not only environmentally vital but also delivers clear quality in the cup. We're very proud to have recently achieved biodynamic certification, which allows us to maintain the biodynamic approach through our logistics and roasting systems - and more importantly, supports the extra effort our certified producers have invested in.
Further Reading and Resources
If you're curious to learn more about biodynamic agriculture and its applications in coffee and beyond, here are some excellent resources: