Feeling the Joy of Biodynamic Farming
Our ‘Feel the Joy’ Communication 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 more about biodynamic seed and breed diversity.
Seed diversity is key
Seed and plant diversity is essential for global food security and is a fundamental principle of biodynamic farming. Diverse varieties allow plants to adapt to changing environmental conditions, support resilience against pests and diseases, and ensure high quality in the food we grow.
“Seeds play a crucial role in agriculture. They form the basis of our food and that means they hold great power. And also because of the value for the food security of the planet, seeds are a really important issue.”
— Maja Kolar, Cooperative Seed Bank Manager, Slovenia & Co-Chair of the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International
Biodynamic Plant Breeding
We have lost about 75% of the world’s agricultural diversity, with plant breeding becoming increasingly centralised and unified. The patenting of seeds and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have concentrated seed ownership in the hands of a few, leading to higher chemical use to combat increasingly resistant pests, posing risks to both environmental and human health. In contrast, biodynamic farming strictly prohibits the use of GMOs and promotes free access to genetic resources.
To promote seed diversity and prevent the concentration of seed ownership, Demeter became the first organic association to develop plant breeding guidelines and certify biodynamically bred seed and grain varieties.
Biodynamic plant breeding emphasizes open-pollinated varieties, which reproduce naturally and pass on a wide range of beneficial traits. This approach supports greater genetic diversity, enhances climate resilience, and protects farmers’ sovereignty by allowing them to save and replant their own seeds, unlike with hybrid varieties, which require farmers to purchase new seeds every year. Through this approach, biodynamic agriculture lays the foundation for a sustainable and decentralized food system for future generations.
Seeds, a cultural heritage
Biodynamic farming also encourages working with indigenous and traditional seed varieties, supporting both cultural heritage and ecological resilience. These seeds, often regionally adapted over generations, carry the knowledge and identity of local farming communities, preserving biodiversity and honoring traditional agricultural wisdom. By cultivating indigenous varieties, biodynamic farmers not only help maintain cultural continuity, but also enhance the farm’s ability to withstand climate variability.
Promotion of genetic diversity: dual-purpose breeds
The focus on performance and efficiency in both plant and animal breeding has led to highly specialised breeds, causing the decline of locally adapted, resilient breeds and reducing overall genetic diversity. Biodynamic farming seeks to counteract this loss by promoting genetic diversity in animal breeding, aiming to ensure that animals are well-suited to their local conditions. Taking this a step further, many biodynamic farmers are now actively working with multi-purpose breeds instead of relying solely on specialised, high-yielding animals.
As their name implies, multi-purpose breeds offer multiple uses. For example, dual-purpose chickens can both lay eggs and produce meat, effectively eliminating the need for culling male chicks — a common practice used in conventional poultry farming.
By integrating multi-purpose animal breeds into their systems, Demeter farmers contribute to a more ethical and sustainable approach to animal husbandry.
Watch our interview from Carl Vollenweider, Organic and Biodynamic Plant Breeder at Dottenfelderhof farm in Germany.
© Biodynamic Federation Demeter International e.V.
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