Demeter is a globally recognised brand for natural food, farms and ranches that meet quality food standards, globally recognised with long tradition. It has members and mentors all over the world. These local representatives support farmers, producers and traders to learn and prepare to meet the standards and acquire the certificate that is globally recognised. As this beautiful brochure of Demeter International says: For centuries a caring attitude to the earth has been a farming tradition. Today it is more important than ever to shape the landscape in all regions of the earth. Biodynamic farming principles are scientifically proven to be the best method for preserving soil fertility. This in turn lays the basis for the production of high quality food. This oldest ecological agri-culture is the most sustainable form of management for all climate zones. With the strong Demeter brand, consumers connect the most consistent ecological production with processing craftsmanship to the highest standard. They trust the trademark and thus offer good sales opportunities. 
Why become a Demeter farmer or trader?
There are many benefits of Demeter certified food and farming, most of them are in overall quality of living, building a special relationship to food that societies tend to lose with economic development. And individuals too. In opinions of many, that is a cause and a consequence of unhealthy living. If you’re ready for it you will explore further by googling it. As the Demeter USA state: Like the sustainable farming movement itself there are many entry points on the path to sustainability, and many different reasons why farmers choose, at some point or another, to enhance their farming program through Biodynamic certification. Jim Fetzer of Ceago Vinegarden speaks about how, back in the early 1980’s, he began to notice a loss of vitality in their family vineyards, and came to believe that conventional farming was not a sustainable paradigm for their multi-generational family business. Dr. Robert Gross, a psychiatrist up in Oregon who owns Cooper Mountain winery, may tell you that he was using homeopathy in his practice and began to feel as if there was a disconnect between how he was treating his patients and how he was farming his vineyards.
But one thing is certain: most Biodynamic farmers inevitably mention how they have developed a closer relationship to their farms, and have become better farmers because of it.
Check the FAQs
There are many aspects of Demeter type of farming that may relate to you, so find your answers in the numerous FAQs that are related to you according to Google 🙂
If interested, how to proceed
Locate your local Demeter organisation in , they have their websites with the process as well as the invitation to contact them. Here is an outline of the process: 1. Submit completed Certification Pack A producer planning the conversion of a farm from conventional or organic to Biodynamic should start the process by requesting a Certification Pack from the Demeter office. The Certification Pack includes the initial application, which asks for explanation regarding the past management of the land to be certified, and the proposed plan to move towards Demeter certification. This document is updated annually as a renewal, and is thereafter referred to as the Farm Plan. It is recommended, but not required, that new applications be submitted prior to April 1 so that the farm inspection can to be planned and conducted during the growing season. 2. Arrange a farm visit After Demeter receives the completed Certification Pack and appropriate fees the application is reviewed and assigned to an inspector who will contact the applicant to arrange a farm visit. During the visit, the information entered on the application will be verified and clarified. 3. Follow up on Summary Report recommendations The Inspector’s report and findings, along with the grower’s application, will be circulated to members of the Evaluation Circle (EC) to recommend or not recommend certification along with requirements and recommendations. The Demeter office will then notify the applicant of the certification decision and forward a list of suggested actions/requirements. The applicant is required to acknowledge this Evaluation Circle Decision and Summary Report and to sign off on acceptance of the requirements. If certification is not granted, an explanation will be provided. A licensee wishing to amend the scope of an existing certification should write to the Demeter office giving details in support of the request. The Demeter office will decide what additional information is needed, if any. A revisit to the facility may be required. 4. Annual Renewal of Certification Following the first year’s certification, Demeter sends out a Renewal Packet annually. A farm must have its certification renewed every year. Certification is contingent upon the receipt of a fully filled-out Renewal Packet, including an updated Farm Report, and the completion of a satisfactory on-site farm evaluation conducted during the growing season. Farmers must have resolved any issues found to be out-of-compliance at that time. The Renewal Packet includes a declaration by the farmer, given in good faith and to the best of his/her knowledge, concerning the completeness and correctness of information supplied. Any anticipated changes in agricultural management, or any measures that could have a significant influence on the farm as a whole, must be discussed with Demeter.
- Writing - Wordprocessing | Organisation, Project M.
- L - 101-250 person-days
- S - 5.000€ - 15.000€
