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Biodynamic Preparations around the World

Insightful Case Studies from Six Continents

Ueli Hurter
Introduction by Ueli Hurter and Uli Johannes König
Preface by Wolfgang Stränz
Translated by Bernard Jarman
Paperback
November 2021
9781782506140
More details
  • Publisher
    Floris Books
  • Published
    16th November 2021
  • ISBN 9781782506140
  • Language English
  • Pages 336 pp.
  • Size 6.14" x 9.2"
$30.00

Biodynamic agriculture originated in central Europe but is now practiced in farms, vineyards, and gardens around the world. At the heart of the biodynamic approach are the eight preparations—horn manure, horn silica, yarrow, chamomile, nettle, oak bark, dandelion, and valerian—all of which are often produced by local biodynamic practitioners using well-established recipes. However, as the biodynamic approach expands beyond its European birthplace, its methods have increasingly been adapted to meet the needs and challenges of various climates, fauna, seasons, and regulations in the many different regions around the globe.

This fascinating book presents the results of a unique study, carried out by the Agricultural Section at the Goetheanum, Switzerland, into how biodynamic preparations are used in fifteen countries, including Egypt, Brazil, New Zealand, India, and countries across Europe. These detailed case studies explore how the preparations are modified to suit their locations, as well as offering insight into the work of each practitioner and how their understanding has evolved through the years.

Contributors include Ueli Hurter, Dr. R. Ingold, Dr. M. Kolar, J. Schönfelder, Dr. A. Sedlmayr, and A. van Leewen.

This book is a valuable reference into the production and application of the preparations around the world and an inspiring endorsement of how biodynamic principles hold true in such varied environments.

C O N T E N T S:

Preface by Wolfgang Stränz
Acknowledgments
Introduction by Ueli Hurter & Dr. Uli Johannes König

1. Andreas Würsch: Sagensitz Farm, Switzerland
2. Christoph Willer: Pretschen Farming Estate, Germany
3. The NRW Group, Germany
4. Pierre and Vincent Masson: Les Crêts Farm, France
5. Antoine Fernex: Truttenhausen Farm, France
6. Harald and Sonja Speer: Uppmälby Farm, Sweden
7. The Zealand Group, Netherlands
8. Carlo Noro: Labicao Farm, Italy
9. Angela Hofmann: Sekem Initiative, Egypt
10. Andrea D’Angelo: Bairro Demetria Settlement, Brazil
11. João Volkman: Capão Alto das Criúvas Farm, Brazil
12. Devon Strong: Four Eagles Farm, USA
13. Chris Hull: Hohepa Homes Community, New Zealand
14. Colin Ross and Wendy Tillman: Seresin Estate, New Zealand
15. Binita Shah: Supa Biotech (P) Ltd., India

Afterword

Ueli Hurter

Ueli Hurter has been the co-head of the Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum (with Jean-Michel Florin) since 2010 and currently sits on the executive board International Biodynamic Association. A native of Switzerland, he completed agricultural apprenticeships in Switzerland, Germany, and France. He has been involved with the Agriculture Section since 1994 and has formerly served as President of the Swiss Demeter association and as Swiss spokesman to Demeter International. Alongside his work as leader of the Section for Agriculture, he is co-manager of the enterprise Ferme de L'Aubier, a Demeter certified farm with mixed culture and an on-farm cheese dairy, bio-hotel, bio-restaurant, café-hotel, and eco-living quarters. L'Aubier is an associatively organized corporation with direct financing. Additionally, he is the co-founder of the initiative "Sowing the future.“ Hurter lives near Neuchâtel, Switzerland, and is married with three children.