From our roots to the future
From June 22 to 27 the members of the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International gathered in Poland for its 4th Members’ Assembly since the creation of the Federation. Around 100 participants from nearly all continents – Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia and Africa – came for this special edition as we celebrated the 100 years of biodynamic farming.
Working together towards the future
In light of the 100 years celebration the Members’ Assembly took place in Poland where it all started hundred years ago. A highlight of the assembly certainly was the visit of Koberwitz were Rudolf Steiner gave a serie of eight lectures in 1924 laying down the premises of biodynamic farming by answering the concerns of a group of farmers who noticed increased diseases and decreased resilience in both animals and plants.
Looking toward the future, the Members’ assembly serves as a platform for members from all around the world to get to know each other and take advantage from each ones expertises and experiences. Among the topics of discussions, market development, the future of certification, and organizational development were high on the agenda with vlaubale input from the members.
The participants also had a chance to take part in cultural activities such as the visit of the beautiful city of Wroclaw or of Swidnica Peace Church, along with various concerts that were organised in the different places. The farm visits were as usual an inspirational moment for everyone: the Juchowo farm in Poland and the Zdonov farm in Czech Republic.
Election of the Supervisory Board
The Members’ Assembly elected the members of the new Supervisory Board: Jean-Michel Florin from France, Maja Kolar from Slovenia, Juan-Martin Richter from Argentinia, Bettina Holenstein from Switzerland, Edouard Rousseau from France, Helga Bernold from Austria, Alexander Gerber from Germany and Volkert Engelsmann from the Netherlands
Jean-Michel Florin and Maja Kolar were elected as co-chairs of the Federation and will bring the agenda of the biodynamic movement forward for the next four years. Both of them have a long standing expertise in the fields of biodynamic farming and were already part of the first board at the beginning of the Federation. Therefore, the continuation and further development of the biodynamic movement is ensured.
The Members’ Assembly also welcomed a new member among the organisations of the Federation: the Demeter association of Portugal. The association gathers Demeter certified farms in Portugal, but is also open to any person interested in biodynamic agriculture. They work together to develop biodynamic agriculture further in Portugal through various activities, such as fairs or events.
Title picture © Helga Bernold
