Feeling the Joy of Biodynamic Farming
Our ‘Feel The Joy’ Campaign highlights the essence of biodynamic farming, as a holistic, ethical, and ecological approach to farming caring for the people and the planet. Today, biodynamic farming is practiced in over 65 countries, with more than 7,000 farmers stewarding 255,000 hectares of land. Read on to discover what makes biodynamic farming an agriculture for the future.
One health approach
Biodynamic farming is rooted in the understanding that human health and development is inseparable from the health and well-being of the farm and the planet. Aligned with the principles of the One Health approach, biodynamic farming views people, animals, plants, and the environment as parts of an interconnected whole, working in harmony to support both human and planetary health.
Introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO), the One Health approach is a wholistic framework that seeks to balance and optimise the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems addressing several complex global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, food safety, and ecosystem degradation. It recognises that the wellbeing of each is deeply interdependent and connected, and that sustaining one means caring for all.
“I find that there is much potential for healing, for a better society, for a better world, because biodynamics integrates so many aspects, so many different things. “
— Rafael Anguita, Biodynamic Beekeeper, Chile
Climate Change
Biodynamic farming plays a vital role in addressing climate change by promoting agricultural practices that regenerate the Earth. While agriculture contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, it also has the potential to significantly reduce or even reverse these emissions. For this purpose, biodynamic farming focuses on restoring soil health, preserving biodiversity, and using the planet’s natural cycles to reduce CO₂ emissions and help mitigate climate change.
At the heart of biodynamic climate action is soil regeneration. Through methods like crop rotation, composting, cover crops, and integrating animal and green manure, biodynamic farmers build rich, humus-filled soils that act as natural carbon sinks. This process binds atmospheric CO₂ and stores it safely in the ground, helping to mitigate climate change from the ground up. And because chemical fertilisers and pesticides are prohibited in biodynamic farming, emissions associated with their production and application are avoided entirely, making biodynamic farms significantly more climate friendly.
Biodynamic farming also emphasises responsible use of natural resources, protecting high value conservation areas and managing water resources responsibly. These principles not only reduce the farm’s environmental footprint but also protect wider ecosystems and conserve resources for future generations.
“Biodynamics has responses to so many of the challenges we see in the world today.“
— Anthony Mecca, Co-Director, Biodynamic Association, United States of America
Community development
Biodynamic farming is deeply rooted in community and collaboration. Rooted in the belief that farming is a lifelong learning process, biodynamic farming emphasises continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptability. Biodynamic farmers are encouraged to share knowledge and work collaboratively which not only strengthens the resilience and sustainability of farms but also fosters deeper connections between people and the planet they care for. Beyond growing food, shared ownership models, cooperative animal husbandry, and the development of local food systems are just some of the ways community and collaboration are built into biodynamic farming.
Social justice, respect, and empowerment are core values of biodynamic farming. That’s why fair working conditions and equal opportunities — regardless of background or gender — are fundamental to the Demeter Standard. To reinforce this commitment, the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International has introduced a dedicated Social Responsibility Standard, applied through a risk-based approach.
“With this holistic concept, we have a very unique methodology in the farming world, in the development world, and I believe that this is not only capable of creating some livelihoods in some areas of the world, but it’s also very much all the ingredients of the agriculture of the future.“
— Helmy Abouleish, CEO of Sekem, Egypt
Watch our interview from Helmy Abouleish , CEO of Sekem, Egypt, during Biofach 2025.
© Biodynamic Federation Demeter International e.V.
Contact: Holly – Meet the Team
Over 100 years of biodynamic farming
Discover a few of the many benefits of biodynamic farming.
