German-based global biodynamic farming movement hails President’s push for 100% organic

Christoph Simpfendorfer

Germany-based Biodynamic Federation Demeter International, which represents the biodynamic farming movement with 45 member organisations in 36 countries including in Asia, has commended President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for his thrust for 100% organic

agriculture. 

Its General Secretary Christoph Simpfendorfer in a letter to the President has expressed the Federation’s deepest congratulations for the creation of a green socio-economy with sustainable solutions for climate changes in Sri Lanka and has extended its utmost support.

He noted that the Presidential Task Force is a great asset and an example to follow in the preservation of planet and health for generations to come. 

“With the pending climate crisis, strong political decisions are needed, and the task force paves the way forward in the transition towards more sustainability. We particularly support the transition from chemical farming to natural farming by using organic fertilisers and products instead of pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and herbicides that harm our environment,” Simpfendorfer has said in his letter. 

The Biodynamic Federation Demeter International is the only organic association that has built up a network of individual certification for biodynamic farming worldwide. 

Demeter is the brand for products from biodynamic agriculture and only strictly controlled and contractually bound partners are permitted to use the brand. Its basis is the biodynamic agriculture method, originated by Rudolf Steiner in his ‘Agriculture Course’ given in Koberwitz in 1924, and developed further in practice and research.

According to its General Secretary, the COVID-19 crisis showed how important it is for agricultural systems not to depend on external inputs. The perspective of circular economy is here particularly important when it comes to farming.

“Organic and biodynamic farming increases the resilience of farming, not only by making agriculture more sustainable but also by fostering its economic resilience and viability,” he added.

He said the multiplication of the Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) shows the development and the positive assets of organic farming worldwide. Recently, a PGS was even launched in the Philippines as part of its national organic regulations. 

“Therefore, the Federation can only encourage you to pursue this transition and emphasise the positive role organic and biodynamic farming play,” the letter to the President stated. 

It said Biodynamic farming specifically has the capacity to strengthen the relationship between people and nature. Its focus and aim is to enrich nature, support biodiversity and increase soil fertility, providing additional benefits alongside the production of quality food. 

Biodynamic farming overcomes the industrialisation and specialisation of agriculture by creating farm organisms that bring soil, plants, animals, and humans together into a fertile farming collaboration. The role of biodynamic farmers is to ensure that the land remains healthy and rich for the generations to come and to provide added value for the local community of which they are a part.

The letter also states that the Federation and its members fully encourage and support the Presidential Task Force “for the creation of a green socio-economy with sustainable solutions for climate change” as it is the viable way forward for a sustainable future. 

“We are ready to provide any assistance you might need through advice, training, or capacity-building to help you achieve the overarching goal of sustainability and stand entirely at your disposal,” the Federation’s General Secretary has assured President Rajapaksa.