Demeter: A Century of Biodynamic Agriculture

The world's oldest organic label stands for responsible agriculture and healthy food.

In Harmony with Nature

Alfred Schädeli, president of the Association for Biodynamic Agriculture, looks back on a rich tradition. His association, which brings together biodynamic farmers, is only a few years younger than biodynamic agriculture itself. The association was founded in 1937. Alfred Schädeli: “Our way of farming, at the venerable age of 100, is more relevant and pertinent than ever. We work with nature, not against it. Our agriculture is viable for the future, without pesticides or genetic engineering.”

This is unique to Demeter: all participants in the food market work together. The Swiss Demeter Association is a coalition of representatives spanning production, processing, trade and consumption. President Herman Lutke Schipholt: “What began 100 years ago with a handful of visionary farmers has long since become, under the Demeter label, the embodiment of responsible agriculture and healthy food.”

A Success Story

The success story of the biodynamic movement began in 1924 in what is now Poland. At the Koberwitz estate, Rudolf Steiner gave a series of lectures. The founder of Anthroposophy showed concerned farmers a way to work in harmony with nature. The eight lectures of the “Agricultural Course” remain the foundation of biodynamic agriculture to this day.

Four years after this initial spark, the Demeter brand was created in 1928, named after the Greek goddess of the fertility of the earth and agriculture. The first Demeter guidelines were established.

From that point on, the movement grew steadily. In the past ten years alone, biodynamic farmland increased worldwide by 57%. In 2022, more than 7’000 farmers cultivated a total area of 255’000 hectares. In Switzerland, 419 farms managed a combined 8’356 hectares biodynamically last year.

Pioneers in Switzerland

In Switzerland, it was Rosa and Konrad Oswald who, as early as 1930, converted their farm in Klarsreuti in the canton of Thurgau to biodynamic agriculture. They were among the first organic farmers in Switzerland. The Oswaldhof still exists today.

Biodynamic agriculture, whose products are marketed under the Demeter label, is based on a holistic, ecological, and solidary approach, with the goal of sustainably strengthening all those involved. Central to this are humus building, biodynamic preparations, and species-appropriate animal husbandry. Food processing is exceptionally gentle and permits only a small number of additives. Find more fascinating articles in our category Education.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose empathy on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.