12 benefits of biodynamic farming
The year 2024 marks the celebration of the 100 years anniversary of biodynamic farming. For this special occasion each month is dedicated to a specific contribution of biodynamic farming being it animal welfare, healthy plants or human development; a way of showing how biodynamic farming provides many solutions to the challenges of today. November will again focus on a specific aspect of biodynamic farming, this month social responsibility stands at the forefront.
Social Responsibility Standard
At the heart of biodynamic farming lies a deep desire for social justice, respect, and empowerment. This is why social responsibility and fair working conditions are fundamental principles of the Demeter standard and biodynamic production. This includes equal opportunity regardless of ethnic background and gender, and healthy and safe working conditions. To strengthen the importance of social responsibility a separate Social Responsibility Standard has been introduced by the Federation and is implemented with a risk-based approach.
Striving for more
The Social Responsibility Standard is an agreement on the minimum requirements that a biodynamically managed farm must meet to receive its Demeter recognition. However, it is only a minimum requirement. Biodynamic farming expects constant development and the aim to go beyond the minimum. In this sense, Demeter operators are expected to strive for working conditions, which are above the average, as well as a positive and fair social relationship with the surrounding community.
Care for Fairness
The biodynamic and Demeter movement also tries to ensure fair trading practices across the globe among the operators. To ensure fair prices and fairness along the whole supply chain Demeter relies on binding cooperation with all its retail partners and with every Demeter trader. In this way Demeter tasks its trading partners with the further development of sustainability in the food sector.
Contact: Clara – Meet the Team
Brussels, 01.11.2024
