A Conversion Plan must be submitted to the certification organisation.

This plan must contain details of the new farm and how it can be managed to biodynamic aims and standards.

Requirements and templates for the conversion plan are available from the local certification organisation, they also determine the date at which conversion begins (for example: when the conversion plan is submitted or when a trademark contract is signed).

The enterprise is to be converted in its entirety, in one step, to the biodynamic method.

This applies to the whole farm organism, including livestock if they are present. This is true even if animal husbandry would not be compulsory under this Standard for the type of farm (perennials and market gardens less than 40 ha) concerned.

In the case of larger structures such as cooperatives or farm mergers, it is possible to define partial areas as farm organisms. It is the responsibility of the respective certifying organisation to define these areas according to regional specifics, like:

• Distinction by legal units
• Classification according to organic certification
• Physically logical separation including storage areas and packing units

However, it must follow transparent, controllable and comprehensible rules and the subdivision must not serve the purpose of circumventing certain areas of this Standard.

Not on cleared areas of high conservation value

Conversion is only possible, if there is clear evidence that the areas were not created by clearing virgin rainforest or areas of high conservation value after the year 2020.

The farm manager may not manage a Demeter farm and a conventional farm simultaneously. 

It is possible to manage a Demeter certified farm and an organic certified farm simultaneously.

The following time frames represent ideal cases for conversion.  In case of non-conformances the certification organisation can prolong the conversion period at any time.

Normal Conversion:

The prerequisite for conversion certification is management of the whole enterprise to this standard. The use of the trademark is then governed by the following time line:

• Marketing of produce from the first conversion year with labelling that implies that it is a product of organic agriculture e.g. “from organic production” or “from biodynamic production” or similar wording is not allowed.
• Produce harvested 12 months after the start of conversion, may, if certification has been granted, be marketed as “In conversion to Demeter”.
• Crops harvested more than 36 months (perennial crops), or sown more than 24 months after the start of conversion can be marketed as “Demeter” once certification is granted.

These time periods may be extended in exceptional cases. (Please see exemptions below) If an enterprise or part of an enterprise has been intensively conventionally farmed, a so called zero year may precede the above listed times.

Semi-fast and Fast Conversion:

The time periods described above may be shortened in exceptional cases:

• If an enterprise or major part thereof has been certified organic (conversion time excluded) for a minimum of one year, “Demeter in conversion” certification can be given for the first harvest, provided that full compliance with all provisions of this standard (including complete preparation usage, see also FO 4 below) have been confirmed at the inspection. Full certification is possible in the second year of the conversion. Perennials respectively one year later.
• If an enterprise or major part thereof is certified organic (conversion time included) for a minimum of three years before the start of the conversion, full Demeter certification can be given for the first harvest provided that full compliance with all provisions of these standard (including complete preparation usage) have been confirmed at the inspection.
• Partial conversion and new areas follow the above regulations with the additional requirement for documentation.

For animal products, certification corresponds to the certification status of the fodder. Please see the Animal section of this standard.

Conversion of Perennials in the Tropics:

Since some perennial crops in the tropics and subtropics are harvested continuously under certain circumstances, the orientation with regard to the first harvest is not significant. For this reason, other reference points apply here.

If an enterprise or major part thereof is certified organic (conversion time excluded) for a minimum of one year “in conversion to Demeter” certification can be given (all three preconditions have to be fulfilled):

• at the earliest 12 months after the start of the conversion (conversion or trademark contract signed);
• at the earliest 6 months after the first full application of the preparations;
• at the earliest 3 months after the first inspection with positive evidence of compliance with the Standard without major non-conformities;

If an enterprise or major part thereof is certified organic (conversion time excluded) for a minimum of three years full Demeter certification can be given (all three preconditions have to be fulfilled):

• at the earliest 12 months after the start of the conversion (conversion or trademark contract signed);
• at the earliest 6 months after the first full application of the preparations;
• at the earliest 3 months after the first inspection with positive evidence of compliance with the Standard without relevant non-conformities;

Additional Land Conversion:

Conversion of new areas is only possible, if there is clear evidence that the areas were not created by clearing virgin rainforest or other areas of high conservation value after the year 2020, see Whole Farm above.

For certification status timelines, see in conversion periods above.

Parallel Production

When additional land is in the process of conversion:

For fodder plants and perennials – parallel cultivation of organic, Demeter in conversion and Demeter is allowed.

A descriptive separation protocol concerning harvest and storage is required.

For annual crops (same species cultivated on land with differing certification) – parallel cultivation leads to the downgrading of all production to the lower certification status of the crop.

Origin:

Anything brought into the farm should be Demeter certified.  (This includes fertilisers, soil conditioners, seeds, plant material for propagation, plant protection, animals, feed etc.) If Demeter certified materials are not available, the following priorities must be applied:

• First: Products inspected and certified by recognised organic associations and certification bodies.
• Second: Products with a basic certification for common organic legal norms like the EU-Regulation on organic farming, the National Organic Program (NOP), Japan Agricultural Standard (JAS) or equivalent organic legal norms.
• Third: Uncertified conventional products may only be used if they are authorised for use in the organic regulations as detailed above. (In addition, sea fish may only be used if certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.). Please see individual sections (Soil, Plant and Animal) for more details.

Definition of Availability:

When raw materials are available in Demeter quality they must be used.

The definition of ‘available’ is to be decided by the certification body of the member country by a clear and transparent procedure. This procedure must be publicly available and should consider the following criteria:

• Production – whether there is known Demeter production of the raw material
• Distance – whether transport is proportional to the amount needed
• Quality – other quality parameters, like microbiological stability or product technical specifications
• Price – whether the price of the Demeter raw material is acceptable in proportion to the organic alternative (the certifying body must also take the proportion of the ingredient in the recipe into account).

The production, processing and trade of Demeter products should be carried out in a manner which recognises that we are both responsible for and dependent on the healthy functioning ecosystems which are the foundation of all life on earth.

Biodynamic farming and processing have the potential to make practical contributions to help resolve the severe multiple crises that are affecting the living world, including climate change, soil degradation, pollution and biodiversity loss. In order to do so Demeter licensees should take into account their responsibility for local and global ecological systems and the well-being of future generations, when reflecting on their enterprises and making decisions about their activities.

At a practical level, this requires an appraisal of the use of resources at each step of the Demeter supply chain, with particular attention to the use of fossil fuels and non-renewable resources.

The clearance of virgin rain forest and other areas of high conservation values is forbidden.

Considered as areas of high conservation value are:

• Primary forest
• Mangrove forest
• Marshland and swamps
• Steppes and savannahs
• High mountain vegetation

As well as:

• Concentrations of biological diversity
• Habitats of endangered or rare species
• Sites of critical cultural, ecological, economic or religious / sacred importance

If areas are cleared by natural forest / bush fires or other disastrous events, the original status before the clearing remains.

Conversion is only possible, if there is clear evidence that the areas were not created by clearing virgin rainforest of other areas of high conservation value after the year 2020 – see FO1 Whole Farm above.

At least 10% of the total area of the farm must be devoted to biodiversity.

If the biodiversity reserve on the farm and in areas directly adjacent to it does not reach 10% of the total farm area, a biodiversity plan that documents how this will be achieved, with a clear time frame, must be approved by the respective certifying organisation. This plan can include other cultural elements such as the maintenance of rare or endangered breeds of plants and animals, fostering bird/insect life by providing habitats, utilisation of biodynamic plant and animal breeding, etc.

Areas counting as Biodiversity reserve:

• Lightly grazed fields that allow for some vegetation to flower and go to seed.
• Wooded areas (agroforestry), unused woodland and native trees (individual trees suitable for the location / 100 m² per tree) and avenues as well as undisturbed forest.
• Headlands (if not covered with the main crop)
• Land seeded to annual/ perennial plants that are allowed to go through flowering. The plants may not be the main (intensive, commercially harvested) agricultural crop on the land unless it’s green manure or pasture, and it has to be a crop pollinated by insects”
• Fallow land as part of the rotation or otherwise
• Undisturbed grasslands (No mowing in the courses of a year)
• Fence lines (width of undisturbed land can be counted)
• Hedges, field and stream bank tree groves
• Water races, ponds, wet lands, riparian areas
• Ruderal areas, (e.g. landslips), stone windrows and heaps
• Dry stone walls
• Unsealed natural paths and tracks
• Other biodiversity reserve contributions, including husbandry of rare or endangered plant and animal species
• Other elements approved in the Biodiversity plan

Glasshouses

For glasshouses which are part of a farm, the area under glass or plastic must be integrated into the 10% biodiversity on the farm.

For farms which are specialised in protected cultivation, the area of biodiversity reserve must be 20% and must be integrated into the area under cover.

Special attention should be paid to green manure during the growing season, flowering strips and open-pollinated varieties.

Compensation only based on land outside the protected area is not possible.

Irrigation Water

General

Irrigation water must be scheduled so that the amount of water and/or the frequency of application does not lead to soil degradation (e.g. salination, erosion).

All ground or surface water use must have the required official approval.

Farms that exclusively use rainfed agriculture or irrigate from rainwater collection do not need to document their water consumption.

Farms whose irrigation systems draw all or all of their water from surface water or groundwater, must document their annual water consumption in a meaningful way.  The documentation must refer to the origin of the water, consumption per unit area and total water consumption.

In the event that:

• the average water consumption increases over the years,
• the current water consumption is significantly higher than the demand values of the respective crops,
• savings via e.g. drip, beam or minisprinkler systems are not exploited to the full,
• rainwater collection options are not exhausted,
• the farm is located in a region with particular high or extreme water stress,

the respective certifying organization is entitled to demand a detailed water management system if the certification is to be continued. BFDI will provide a respective water management plan.

Fossil Water and other non-renewable water resources

The use of fossil water or the use of non-renewable water resources is prohibited. The respective certifying organisation can grant an exemption (see exemptions below).  The exemption can only be granted when a detailed water management plan and an impact assessment of water useage are in place.

Quality

Irrigation water must not be contaminated with pesticide residues, disease causing bacteria or parasites, or contaminate the end product in any way.  If surface water is used for professional irrigation, the water quality must be monitored through regular analyses.

Particular care must be taken if surface water is used in whose tributary area conventional agriculture or industry is practised.

Treatment

If treatment is needed:

• Filter systems are preferred for water treatment.
• Chlorinated water may be used as irrigation water in regions where chlorinated water is standard.
• UV radiation and/or ozone treatment of irrigation water is allowed.

Any other treatment (e.g. additional chlorination) needs to be approved with an exemption from the respective certification organisation (see exemptions below).

Process Water

Process Water is defined as water used for post-harvest treatment, cleaning, pre-treatment or transport of raw materials or unprocessed final agricultural products. The following measures do not apply to water used in any form for the final processing of products, especially if water is part of the recipe.

Permitted measures

In principle, process water of drinking water quality should be used without additional treatment.

The use of chlorinated drinking water as process water is permitted in regions where drinking water is chlorinated as standard.

As this standard is used worldwide and drinking water should be reserved in many regions primarily for direct human consumption, the following measures are permitted for the treatment of process water:

• natural acids like lemon juice concentrate, vinegar or lactic acid
• only if a certain degree of acidity cannot be achieved with natural acids (or is required) or if the microbiological load needs to be reduced, treatment with citric acid, malic acid and acetic acid
• use of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂)
• UV-Radiation
• within a closed system – ozone or the use of copper ions
• Where the quality of the available water supply is not reliable, alternative permitted methods must be preferred. However, where such alternative methods are not easily available, additional chlorination with free chlorine up to 2 mg/l for clear water and up to 4 mg/l for turbid water is allowed. If the water is treated immediately before using it, the dosage must be lower. The residual chlorine level in the water in direct contact with Demeter food must not exceed 0.2 to 0.5 mg/l.

All the above measures must be used in a way that counteracts the negative effects of polluted water. Use in the sense of an additional preservative effect, prophylactic measure or to extend the product shelf life is not permitted.

To protect the environment and prevent wasting of resources, all Demeter licensees must have a waste management system. The system must be based on the following order of priorities:

1. Minimise waste by reducing packaging, using durable materials and equipment, repairing devices instead of buying new ones, etc.
2. Recycle unavoidable waste, whenever possible. This requires effective separation of different kinds of waste (organic, paper, plastic, metal, glass etc.). When there is a choice between easy and difficult to recycle materials, then the easy to recycle must be chosen – even if the cost is greater.
3. Deposit safely waste that can neither be avoided nor recycled, in a way that does not pose a risk to surface or underground water bodies, soil, animals or human beings.

Workers must be adequately trained to understand and implement the waste management system. Although a written waste management plan is helpful for larger and complex operations, effective implementation is more important than a written plan.

Avoiding spray drift:

All producers are obliged to prevent spray drift onto Demeter certified land to the best of their ability. The actual risk of drift can vary greatly depending on the type of farm, region, location and crop.

National certification organisations are entitled to request a risk analysis for individual companies, regions or even the entire certification territory as part of the inspection. The content and scope of the respective analyses are the responsibility of the respective certifying organisation.

They are also entitled to request a corresponding action plan on the basis of this analysis.

Preventative Action Plan:

The action plan will be set up by the respective certifier and may contain both the following elements and measures going beyond them:

• A written agreement is required with conventional neighbours.
• An appropriate buffer zone between certified crops and conventional neighbouring fields. Produce from inside this zone may not be marketed as Demeter. Documentation is required concerning where it is used/sold.
• Harvested produce from the affected field must be tested for residues before sale. Analyses are to be carried out in an accredited laboratory. The costs are to be covered by the operator.
• If possible, hedges should be planted.

This section refers to residues like herbicides and pesticides or farm inputs in general which are not in line with the basic requirements of organic and biodynamic farming. General environmental contaminants, which can endanger the marketability of products irrespective of their organic status, are not included in the following.

• If a raw material or product loses its organic status due to exceeding the permitted maximum levels of an agent, or proven targeted use of non-approved substances, it automatically loses its Demeter certification also.
• Due to the lack of comprehensive legal maximum permitted values for residues relevant only to organic farming, Demeter certifiers treat residue findings according to the so-called BNN orientation value.
• Analysis results with a value higher than 0.01 mg/kg, based on the unprocessed starting product and taking into account the measurement uncertainty and the variance usual for the substance, trigger a search for possible causes.
• If investigations by the respective certifying organisation show that the material was undoubtedly not used intentionally but as a result of unavoidable circumstances such as contaminated sites, drift or storage contamination, the respective certifying organisation may release the product concerned even if the orientation value is exceeded.
• The above does not apply if more than two substances per product or raw material exceed the orientation value.
• The licensee concerned must report any materials exceeding the orientation value to the respective certifying organisation. If he knowingly fails to do so, and the residue findings are discovered at a later stage it is not possible to refer to the treatment as an orientation value.
• The respective certifying organisation must report any exceeded orientation values and the corresponding certification decision to the Accreditation Council.
• Additional sanctioning in cases of accepted or unaccepted orientation values is regulated in the sanctions’ registers of the respective certifying organisation.
• The above only applies if other legal provisions do not prescribe stricter rules.

Details:

In Conversion

A prerequisite for the certification of the farm as “In Conversion to Demeter” after 12 months of farming to this standard is at least one application of the cow-horn manure and the cow-horn silica, as well as the spreading of prepared manures (or the cow pat preparation produced with the compost preparations as a substitute) on all areas of the enterprise. This applies equally to new areas to be converted.

Spray Preparations (horn manure and horn silica)

The spray preparations are to be used as appropriate to the crop type:

• Cow-horn manure or prepared cow horn manure (500P) is to be sprayed at the start of the vegetative phase, or after harvest of the certified crop, but in any case at least once a year at a rate of at least 50 gr/ha. For new conversions 500 or 500P must be sprayed before harvest of the certified crop.
• Horn silica is to be sprayed as the plant stage of development dictates, preferentially during the intensive growth stage and imperatively between growth stage and harvest, at a rate of at least 2.5 g/ha. Perennial crops: For newly planted crop (first year of plantation) an absence of horn silica spraying is tolerated even if still recommended on vigorous plant. This regulation can only be used if there is no harvest in the first year.

Quality assurance for the production of the biodynamic preparations.

This appendix gives guidelines for preparation production and use. It is a recommendation only. Requirements are listed above.

General aspects

• The biodynamic compost and spray preparations (=“preparations”) created out of natural and organic substances are used in minute doses to enhance soil life, plant growth and quality and animal health. They act as a kind of “bio regulator”, forcing the self-regulation of biological systems, e.g. the farm’s whole biological cycle .
• They are essential to biodynamic agriculture and their use is a recognised requirement of the International Demeter Biodynamic Standard.
• The production of preparations takes place on the farm. The method of production involves taking certain plant materials (e.g. camomile flowers, grated oak bark and dandelion flowers), cow manure or quartz meal, placing them in selected animal organ parts and fermenting them in the soil for certain period of time, usually half a year. After the preparation has been dug out remaining residues of animal organs are disposed of according to the current regulatory requirements.
• Application rates for the field sprays are 50-300g/ha (Horn manure) and 2.5-5g/ha (Horn silica) and 1-2 cm³ each of the compost preparations per 10 m³ of compost or deep litter manure/slurry.
• Cow-horn manure or prepared cow horn manure (500P) is to be spread at the start of the vegetative phase, or after harvest of the certified crop, but in any case at least once a year at a rate of at least 50 gr/ha. Horn silica is to be sprayed as the plant stage of development dictates, however at least once a year at a rate of at least 2.5 g/ha.
• For crops that are harvested all year round and continuously (like for example bananas), it is recommend to apply the spray preparations at least three times per year.
• For full details on the application and use of the biodynamic preparations see chapter 6.2..

Basic principles for making the preparations

• The biodynamic preparations will be produced under the use of natural processes (e. g. winter soil rest and summer soil life) at the best in the farm on which they are to be applied. All the materials used for making the preparations should originate from this farm as far as possible.
• Living biological processes are essential during production. The organs used are chosen for the unique properties they possess as a result of their former function within the animal organism. Their function is to concentrate the constructive and formative living forces into the substances of the preparations.
• The animal organs used need to be of food quality standard. Disinfectants are deleterious to the process.
• Produced in this special way, the preparations develop a strong yet subtle power whose effect may be compared to that of homeopathic remedies.

The materials required for the production of preparations

The following materials are used in the production of the biodynamic preparations and the estimated quantities of organ material required per acre.

Tab.: 24 / Materials for the production of the biodynamic preparations

Annotation: (1*): if 5-time used; (2*): Bovine intestine, from BSE free countries (3*): Skull (only bone) from cows (< 1 year old), pigs or horses; (4*): Bovine peritoneum; (5*): Stag’s Bladder (not originated from North America)

The origin and treatment of the animal organ material

• The required animal organ material should be taken from fully certified organic animals originating from the farm wherever possible. The origin of other horns used in the production of Horn Manure is possible too.
• Currently bovine intestines can only be used from BSE free countries.
• All animal organs (except of stag’s bladder and horns) are material of category 3 qualified for food according to Regulation (EC) 1774/2002.
• The organs are used either fresh or dried.
• The skull is before filling with oak bark placed in a closed container filled with saw dust and left for a period of time during which it is cleaned of any fleshy remains by means of a process of microbial maceration. After the skull is removed waste material is disposed of in accordance with current regulatory requirements.
• During the production process, the filled organ material is carefully protected from disturbance by wild animals (through the use of unglazed pots, careful fencing etc.)
• After the production of preparations is completed all remaining animal residues are disposed of in the required way.

Risk assessment

The application of the biodynamic preparations presents no additional risk, because

• the organ material used is of food standard quality (skull, bovine intestine, peritoneum) or permitted fertiliser (horn),
• Remaining material is removed and disposed of when production is complete,
• Biological stabilisation and the neutralisation of pathogens takes place during the half-year fermentation period,
• The amounts of prepared substance applied is extremely low (very few grams per acre),
• The compost preparations are applied to the manure and compost and not directly on the plants.

Considering the extremely small quantities used and the natural micro-biological breakdown processes involved, the production and application of these preparations is virtually risk free.

Recommended literature:

Raupp, J. & U. J. König (1996): Biodynamic preparations cause opposite yield effects depending upon yield levels. Biol. Agric. & Hort. 13, 175-188

Wistinghausen, C.v.; Scheibe, W.; Wistinghausen, E.v.; König, U.J. (2000): The Biodynamic Spray and Compost Preparations Production Methods. Booklet, Vol. 1, Stroud; 1^st Ed.

Wistinghausen, C.v.; Scheibe, W.; Heilmann, H.; Wistinghausen, E.v.; König, U.J. (2003): The Biodynamic Spray and Compost Preparations Directions for Use. Booklet, Vol. 2, Stroud; 1^st Ed.

The use of the Biodynamic preparations is permitted under Regulation (EU) 2018/848, Annex II, Section 1.9.9

Preparations Good Practice Manuals:

English

Arabic

Chinese

French

Spanish