Animal manure, turned to fertiliser is part of the farming circle.

Exploring the world of biodynamic farming.

BIODYNAMIC farming has often appeared to outsiders as a type of farming unto itself. It may often be associated with some unconventional ideas but there’s logic behind it all.

Biodynamic farming is a unique method that was founded and pioneered by Rudolf Steiner. Born in Austria, he became the head of the German Theosophical Society before starting his Anthroposophical Society. Behind the farming technique lays a belief that plants grow with support from the universe – the rhythms of the sun, moon and wider cosmos.

Janne Länsipuro, a biodynamic gardener and cook, describes biodynamic farming as “based on a holistic worldview, seeing the farm as more than just the fields, plants and animals – what’s under the soil and in the cosmos above.” It’s about working with the cycles of nature, each aspect contributing to the greater whole.

Länsipuro discusses the various traditions associated with biodynamics, from farming based on lunar calendars to the use of preparations, described as “homeopathic fertilisers” for the soil. These preparations vary from compost to cow manure to silica mixtures often placed in a cow horn and buried. They are dug up to be mixed in water and sprayed on plants. Introduced by Steiner, the practice of making preparations is used to open the soil’s receptivity to cosmic influences.

Working with living things

According to Erkki Stranden, chairperson for the Finnish Biodynamic Association, there are 20 professional biodynamic farms in Finland. The association is the Finnish certifier for the international Demeter label for biodynamic products. “Biodynamic farming attempts to create diversity and a self-sufficient, closed-nutrient cycle,” says Stranden.

Each farm develops a unique way of farming and an individual understanding of what biodynamic means as an idea, practice and lifestyle. One of such farms, Majvik Biodynamic Farm, is located near Helsinki. With a background in physics, biodynamic farmer Niklas Ramm-Schmidt makes the link saying, “It’s about working with living things.” Majvik practices the use of preparations based on their practical results.

For Arto Kiiskinen, a farmer at Rihu Biodynamic Farm, located near Heinola in Southern Finland, biodynamic farming is a cycle that includes animals, where their manure is composted and later used to fertilise the soil. “We use compost preparations which are based on well-known medical plants such as dandelion, yarrow, chamomile, nettle and valerian,” says Kiiskinen. This helps to improve the quality and life of the soil thereby improving the growing conditions for crops.

It’s a cyclical concept where the farmer is the connection between the cosmos and the earth, creating balance in the farm system. While there may be reservations about biodynamic farming, there’s plenty of interest and debate surrounding the quality of biodynamic agriculture.

Labby Biodynamic Farm is located in Isnäs, near Porvoo. Their garden is a vibrant burst of colour where they grow cherry tomatoes, salad mix, aubergine, chilli peppers, asparagus, rainbow Swiss chard, broccoli, kale, fennel, beets and more. Like many other biodynamic farms, they make their own preparations.

In looking at the philosophies of biodynamic farming – seeing and treating the farm as a system, acknowledging the interdependence of every unique aspect of nature and realising the importance of self-sustenance, a greater understanding that we depend on our relationship with nature can be obtained. We have a role to play as stewards of the earth.

LYNNETTE CHOO - HT
Lehtikuva - RONI REKOMAA