New Times, New Paths - Rethinking Certification

What we have certified up to now

To better explain our new direction regarding biodynamic certification, I would first like to explain what we have certified up to now:

• Organic certification: Here, there are EU regulations that govern and monitor organic farming. Organic cultivation follows a scientific system whose goal is to produce a product free of residues. We remain committed to this approach.

• Biodynamic certification: Here, there are private associations that certify their own farming methods. Until last year, we were members of two associations: Demeter and Respekt. We are a founding member of Respekt and also contributed to drafting its guidelines.

We allowed these biodynamic certifications to expire in 2025. Of course, we continue our organic certification according to EU guidelines. I will explain why below.

The development of biodynamic certification structures

In any form of collaboration, rules are necessary. Over time, biodynamic working associations emerged that develop, revise, and oversee certifications — above all, Demeter.

Because biodynamics and anthroposophy are holistic methods in which spiritual and intellectual work play an important role, certification is not easy. How do you control people’s thoughts? How do you evaluate the social aspect, or the treatment of employees? In the end, most guidelines are reduced to measurable and controllable actions — above all the preparations, since these are the easiest to monitor.

Over time, Demeter Austria has improved in this regard — whether through working groups or farm evaluations. In my opinion, these are meaningful ideas, because through contact with like-minded people, one quickly senses whether one feels comfortable within the group.

Why we decided to part ways

As in all organizations, these structures become increasingly complex and larger over time. Often, an association also develops in a different direction than one’s own. Above all, however, the administrative overhead keeps growing — more employees are needed, more inspections are required, and amidst all the paperwork, the association loses sight of its original idea and vision.

Specifically, there were things we no longer wished to support:
With Respekt, it was the direction of the marketing approach, which no longer aligned with our vision. With Demeter, it was more the passive waiting and lack of response to current issues, which became increasingly difficult for us to watch. Whether it was the debate about allowing mechanical harvesting machines or the question of livestock units per hectare in an increasingly dry climate.

We realized that most farmers within these groups know exactly what they are doing and work very consciously — often even better than the rules allow. As a result, these rules can begin to function like a corset that restricts free development.

Rudolf Steiner himself foresaw this:
Human beings develop qualities and functions within themselves whose determining basis can only be sought within the individual. The collective — associations, statutes, paragraphs — serves merely as a means to express one’s unique essence. It should be a tool, not a corset.
We see this step as a path toward our individual freedom. We want to continue developing and interpreting our biodynamic approach independently.