Press release
At Biofach this year the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International celebrates 100 years of biodynamic farming. This is an opportunity to reflect on the beginnings of the movement, on the contribution of biodynamic farming towards sustainable food systems, and on what lies ahead.
Once again, the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International will be present at Biofach, the world´s leading trade fair for organic food, from February 13 to 16 in Nürnberg, Germany. This year, however, is a special year for the biodynamic movement as we celebrate 100 years of biodynamic farming. It all started in 1924 and has evolved ever since with more than 7,000 Demeter certified farms and 255,000 hectares of land in 62 countries around the world. Today, the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International represents both the biodynamic farming movement worldwide and the Demeter brand, which certifies products of biodynamic farming.
‘The biodynamic movement has been the spearhead of organic farming worldwide. And it aspires to remain a pacemaker, constantly developing an agriculture of the future. Biodynamic farming is a holistic, regenerative, and ethical approach to farming, aiming to sequester carbon, protect biodiversity, enhance animal welfare, deliver high quality food, and so much more. Further development is what drives us forward, therefore the 100 years anniversary is already the start of the next century’, says Clara Behr, Head of Policy and Public Relations.
To celebrate this special occasion with us, come and join us at our stand 305 in Hall 7! Our entire area is dedicated to the 100 years celebration, together with our partners from Demeter Germany and Italy. Our members and colleagues are looking forward to welcoming you and to introducing you to our association, guidelines, certification, and marketing activities around the 100 years celebration. You will also find Demeter products of biodynamic quality such as olive oil from Portugal (Risca Grande), varieties of fruit purees from France (Coteaux Nantais), exotic species from India (PDS Organic Species), and biodynamic seed varieties from Austria (Reinsaat). For a bite to eat or drink, Italian catering of biodynamic quality will also be available at our stand.
For an insightful look into the 100 years of biodynamic farming, join our congress sessions on February 15:
100 Years of Biodynamic Farming – An inspiration toward sustainable food systems
17:00 – 17:45 | NCC Ost | Room Kiew
In 2024 the biodynamic movement celebrates its hundred years of existence. A time to reflect on the beginnings of the movement, on the contribution of biodynamic farming towards sustainable food systems, and on what lies ahead. How can biodynamic farming help us to address the multiple crisis of today? How can it show that agriculture is part of the solution?
With: Helmy Abouleish, CEO of Sekem and President of the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International; Sophie Kraul, Demeter farmer from Germany; Gianluca Bergianti, winemaker from Italy; and Alexander Gerber, Executive Board of Demeter Germany.
Women as pioneers for sustainability
13:00 – 13:45 | NCC Ost | Room Istanbul
For the celebration of the 100 years of biodynamic agriculture, the biodynamic movement would like to highlight the crucial role of women in building a sustainable agriculture. Taking care of the land, they play a key role in paving the way to a just transition and in shaping an agriculture for the future.
With: Laura Patino, Farmer and adviser from Colombia; Naglaa Ahmed, Project manager from Sekem in Egypt; Ruth Laakmann, Farmer and adviser from Germany; and Clara Behr as moderator from the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International.
