This practical farm visit and field course will give you a unique opportunity to meet the full richness, diversity, and depth of biodynamic farms and practitioners.
In central south Italy, we learn how biodynamics coop in semi-arid conditions for the highest level of soil regeneration.
In the south of Germany, we'll dive into the best practices of the oldest and best-established biodynamic farms.
Furthermore, we will hear from biodynamic researchers, wholesalers, and diverted community farming settings.
The 2018 group
Part I – Farm Visit Italy
August 6 to 11, 2024
Soc. Agr. Biodinamica
Carlo Noro
Carlo's farm cultivates 5 ha. of wine, olive oil, vegetables, and biodynamic preparations. Working biodynamically since the 70's, Carlo is a leading trainer, advisor, and preparation maker of the highest quality.
Italian Society of
Biodynamic Sciences
The Society, founded in 2020 By Pro. Piccolo and Carlo Triarico, with the mission to advance the scientific and technological fields of biodynamics to achieve greater awareness of the interactions between the biological complexity of living things and human action.
Bio Cantina Orsogna
The cooperative's history began in 1964 when 35 winemakers joined together to give life to a dream: the town's Social Winery—a winery cooperative; today, the cooperative includes about 450 active members.
Azienda Agricola Menichella
Their farm extends over 135 hectares and grows exclusively ancient varieties of cereals, legumes, and green manure. In addition, it cultivates olive trees, almond trees, quince trees, pear trees, and plum trees with a traditional planting pattern.
Part II - Farm Visit South Germany
August 11 to 16
Rengoldshausen
Farming biodynamically since 1932 on 200 hectares, 40% of which is meadow and 60% arable land. 7000 m² are covered by greenhouses, together with 50 dairy cows, breeding bulls, and offspring. Furthermore, they operate a bakery, seed production, and a veg box scheme for 2500 families.
Regionalwert Leistungen
Regionalwert Leistungen supports the evaluation of the environmental and social conditions of farms. Sustainability performance can be taken into account as a business asset in the balance sheet. They support farms and value chains to bring out the value of their regional work.
www.regionalwert-leistungen.de
Sativa Rheinau
Based at Switarland's biggest biodynamic farm and training center, Reichenau. Sativa is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of cultivated plants. Through their systematic conservation breeding, they maintain old varieties and adapt them to changing environmental conditions.
Breit Wiesenhof
Breit Wiesenhof is a 170-ha mixed farm with dairy cows. In 1977, the International Research Society leased the entire farm, and the Foundation has managed it biodynamically ever since.
In recent years, the farm has undergone a deep restructuring, and we will learn about its new evolution step.
www.breitwiesenhof.de
Reyerhof
Reyerhof has pioneered the Solidarity Agriculture farm in Stuttgart, working since 1955 over 50 Ha.
The farm had moved to pioneer CSA work as a leading food security provider for the city of Stuttgart with a mixed farm.
www.reyerhof.de
Camphill Dorfgemeinschaft Hermannsberg e.V.
The Lichthof agricultural property, which has four houses and a farm, is located in the small hamlet of Heiligenholz. Around 55 people live here together. We cultivate around 70 hectares of largely consolidated land according to biodynamic guidelines. The vegetables are mostly grown to supply the Hermannsberg village community.
Bodan
An organic and biodynamic wholesaler for over 30 years, supporting the development of farms and processors, trade, and wholesale.
Main themes:
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Biodynamic vegetable and cereal cultivation, viticulture, animal husbandry, and cereals.
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Soil Health and regeneration.
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Biodynamic Seed Breeding.
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Biodynamic preparation use and application
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Research results in biodynamics
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Organic and biodynamic wholesaler
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Biodynamic Community:
Agriculture, Education, Economy & Society.
Program Options:
Exploring the diversity of farm organisms, development, practice, and the personal stories of leading practitioners.
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Full Tour - August 6-16, 2024
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Italy Only - August 6-10, 2024
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Transit - August 11, 2024
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Germany Only - August 12-16, 2024
Cost includes accommodations, food, transport, and training fees.
Partners
Sponsors
Weleda Save Earth Skin sponsors scholarships for farmer participation
Voelkel sponsors scholarships for farmer participation