Cheers,
Jonathan Haskett
On Thu, 27 Apr 1995, Dick Dale wrote:
> I wanted to respond to the posts a couple weeks earlier but couldn't find
> the time. Some people were asking, What's special or different about
> Bio-Dynamics? and Where's the proof that it works? Both excellent questions.
>
> A very good short introduction to B.D> was written by Herbert H. Koepf in
> the book "Biological Husbandry: A Scientific Approach to Organic Farming",
> B. Stonehouse, Ed., London, 1981, pp.237-250. He summarizes three major
> aspects of biodynamic farming:
>
> "1. Sound farming and gardening techniques, no matter whether old or new;
> 2. Such principles as diversification, recycling, excluding objectionable
> chemicals, decentralized production and distribution etc., ideas held in
> other biological movements. Since the 1920's, biodynamic farmers have
> developed the execution of such principles, and also reintroduced useful
> traditional techniques; [my note - such as composting of farm manure]
> 3. The specific biodynamic measures and concepts as they evolve from
> Steiner's spiritual teaching, which mold the method into a consistent whole."
>
> Those questioners who want to examine only the third aspect miss the
> point. Yes, it is what is essentially different about Bio-Dynamics. But it
> fits into a rather larger whole. And I might say that I find the whole
> system to be conceptually finer than other biological systems of
> agriculture. One does need to approach it with an open mind.
>
> This same paper does discuss several scientific studies of B.D. and gives
> references for them. Most is European and not in English. I should point
> out that Will Brinton of the Woods End Agricultural Institute and the
> Michael Fields Agricultural Institute have done some recent research. I do
> not have access to it at this time but if they could be drawn into this
> discussion it would be fruitful.
>
> Finalyy, I have to say that some of the questions raised in the discussion
> seemed to be quite reductionist. To this, I can only reply: A flower is
> not (just) a reproductive structure. Food is not (just) a commodity. And
> farming is certainly not (not even just) an industry.
>
> Dick Dale
> Central NY Crop Management Association
>
>
>