History of the Biodynamic Movement ®
1924
At Wittsun, Rudolf Steiner gave a course in Koberwitz, Silesia, of 8 lectures, entitled “Spiritual Foundations for a renewal of Agriculture”, today published under the name “Agriculture Course”. The Experimental Circle of Anthroposophical Farmers immediately began testing Rudolf Steiner's indications. Three years later, aCooperative was formed to commercialize biodynamic products.
1928
The Demeter symbol is introduced and the first standards for Demeter quality control are formulated. In a mountain range in Mexico, on the western slope of the Sierra Madre, Rodolfo and Walter Peters begin the first biodynamic coffee plantation at Finca Ireland in Chipas, which It is still worked on biodynamically today.
1930
Chromatography, a method of visualizing food quality, is developed in Germany by Lily Kolisko and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer. The first official test (in Berlin) demonstrates the effectiveness of Biodynamic Preparations.
1950
The first issue of "Lebendige Erde" ("Living Land") is published. Meanwhile, the Institute for Biodynamic Research was created in Darmstadt.
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1963
Maria Thun reveals to the world her detailed work on cosmic influences on plants and develops the “Lunar Calendar”, a sowing calendar that has been translated and published annually in an increasing number of languages.
1978
A long-term test begins, comparing biodynamic and conventional agriculture in North Germany, which is dedicated especially to studying the formation of humus through the use of Biodynamic Preparations.
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1994
Demeter is the first organic institution to publish a food processing specification. The first PhD on a Biodynamic topic (The rhythms of the Moon) is written by Dr. Hartmut Spiess, a collaborator at the Institute for Biodynamic Research.
Demeter is restructured according to the Social Tripartition, giving importance to regional impulses. These two themes become the focus of his work.
1999
Biodynamics celebrates 75 years and important steps are taken towards a world trade organization. Demeter introduces a new logo. The German Mercantile Forum, consisting of producers, processors, traders and consumers, works on a mercantile strategy of varied Demeter products with the same logo. The Processing Specifications are ratified worldwide and more than 3,500 Demeter products are available in stores, from mass Italian, wholemeal bread, excellent quality wines and award-winning ice creams, clothes and toiletries. Demeter is the largest organic products brand in the world.
2002
IBDA (International Biodynamic Association) was founded in November 2002, whose attributes included legal ownership and protection of the DEMETER brand throughout the world.
2003
The Biodynamic Association of India gains guest member status: Biodynamic nutrition provides additional benefits above normal foods – a scientific study on Biodynamic Nutrition carried out by Forschungsring, Germany, in a German convent, highlights considerable differences.
2007
Demeter International meets in the United States, in Wisconsin, to celebrate its 10 years of existence and to hold its annual assembly, attracting member countries from all over the world. Hungary gains guest member status. The General Assembly is held at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy, WI, the training and research center for Biodynamics in the USA, established in the 1980s. Delegates visit the center and nearby model farms, where in addition to practicing Biodynamic, they present innovative social and commercial solutions.