CAN BIODYNAMIC FOOD CHANGE THE WORLD?.

.
CAN BIODYNAMIC FOOD CHANGE THE WORLD?.
.

What if you knew there was food available that was totally chemical free, that actually helped to replenish the soil it was grown in, and could supply all the vitamins and minerals that you would ever need? What if this food could help you and your family to avoid trips to the doctor and add productive years to your life, could help you to feel more peaceful, think more clearly and fulfill your goals? What if it took less of it to satisfy your hunger and meet all your nutritional needs? What if this food was available to you right now? Would you be willing to change your food-buying habits to put such food on your family's table?
.

On a recent trip to Eastern Pennsylvania I had the good fortune to visit two biodynamic farms. The farm managers at both locations gave us guided tours and allowed us to sample some of their produce. These are people who obviously take great pride and pleasure in their work and bring to it a deep understanding of why they are doing what they're doing. Biodynamic farmers believe that healthy soil and a respect for the natural forces that influence plant growth will produce more complete and vital food for the nourishment of man and animals.
.

Is there any proof of this superiority? A recent article in the British medical journal, Lancet, reports the results of a study done in Sweden (where biodynamic farming is more established) comparing the incidence of certain common maladies known as atopic disorders among children who are being raised on biodynamic food and children in the general population. Atopic disorders include asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy and urticaria (allergic skin reactions). The children of the biodynamic households had far less incidence of these common childhood health problems than did the children from other households. It's interesting to note that the children of the biodynamic households had also received less antibiotic therapy during their lifetimes.
.

The term biodynamic farming sounds like some modern high-tech agricultural process. In fact, it is quite the opposite, an acknowledgment of the basic principles at work in nature and the application of those principles to the growing of food. As stated in last month's brief introduction to the subject, the impetus for this movement was provided by the scientist, philosopher and mystic, Rudolph Steiner. Dr. Steiner was the founder of a school of thought called anthroposophy which has been applied to many fields including education (the Waldorf schools), medicine, community living for the mentally challenged (Camphill Communities), architecture, the arts and agriculture. He was approached in 1924 by a group of European farmers who were concerned about the degeneration of the soil and the deteriorating quality of the food it was producing and the farm animals it was supporting. In answer to their question about what could be done, he developed a series of eight lectures about what was later to become known as biodynamic farming. His predominant message was, "Heal the soil."
.

In addition to rejecting the chemical solution to the problems that agriculture was experiencing, Steiner emphasized the importance of cosmic, telluric (earth-related) and spiritual influences on the production of healthy, life-enhancing food. Biodynamic farmers and gardeners believe in the rhythmic influence of the sun, moon, planets and stars on the growth of plant life. Ground preparation, planting, cultivation and harvesting are done according to these rhythms. The natural, soil-enriching preparations developed by Steiner and his followers produce a humus-forming organic fertilizer that, energizes the soil and the plants that grow in it. Add to these practices the spiritual mission to produce the purist, most vital food for humankind and you have some insight into what biodynamic farming is all about.
.

Biodynamic farming and gardening produces an amazingly lush and vibrant crop. From this writer's own, very limited, experience I can attest to the phenomenal results of applying the techniques and preparations. The proof is in the abundant tomato harvest from my nine foot high biodynamic cherry tomato plant. A total of nine plants, in two varieties, were planted in my garden, three cherry tomato and six ratatouille. All of the plants were grown from biodynamic seed and no chemical fertilizers or pesticides have been used. Barrel Compost, a biodynamic preparation, has been uniformly applied and the plants have only been watered at the roots with un-chlorinated water. In addition, one of the cherry tomato plants was planted according to the recommendations of biodynamic Master Gardener, L.A. Rothraine. This technique involves digging a hole several feet deep, loading it with organic compost, manure and soil, building a mound of the same materials over the hole and planting the seedling at the top of the mound, at just the right phase of the moon. All of my tomato plants are at least six foot tall. The one planted with the hole/mound technique is now over nine foot tall and we have had to build a support system of rope and 2"x4"s to prop it up. There are hundreds of very sweet and juicy tomatoes on this plant, so many that I bring gift-bags of cherry tomatoes with me wherever I go. My ratatouille tomatoes, though somewhat unusually shaped, are the "meatiest" I have ever seen and, if I can keep up with them, will undoubtedly keep us supplied with tomato sauce for the entire winter. My plan is to plant only two or three tomato plants next year and I have no doubt that they will supply me with all the tomatoes my family and I can use. In addition to the tomatoes, my little backyard garden has also produced carrots, zucchini, bush beans, spinach, broccoli and arugula from biodynamic seeds.
.

The preparations, biodynamic seeds and Stella Natura planting calendar are available to anyone who wants to try this type of gardening (see information on biodynamic mail order houses in RESOURCES). I cannot say whether it's the exposure to these vibrant plants, the many peaceful hours of working in my garden or a combination of factors, but I have rarely derived a sense of satisfaction from any activity such as I have from growing these vegetables. Whether or not you are into gardening, there is also the opportunity to order this superior quality of food from biodynamic farms all over the country. (Unfortunately, we made an error on the phone number in last month's issue. The correct, toll-free, telephone number for the biodynamic mail-order service, Spiritual Food for the New Millennium, is 1-888-384-9642.)
.

At this point in time, biodynamic food will probably cost you somewhat more than what you can buy at the local grocery store. The biodynamic farming community is small and its members cannot compete with the huge commercial farms. Since these farms are rather few and far between, there is also a shipping expense involved. But, if you consider the questions in the opening paragraph of this article, you may be able to see biodynamic food as a real bargain.
.

In one of his lectures on Agriculture, Steiner stated that "Nutrition as it is today does not supply the strength necessary for manifesting the spirit in physical life." This lecture was delivered about seventy-five years ago. In the meantime mankind has continued to inundate the soil, the food supply and virtually every aspect of our lives with chemical pollutants. The world is changing so rapidly and changes are expected to accelerate with the arrival of the new millennium. How ready are we for change? How willing are we to look at things from a different perspective? Are we going to be spectators, victims of participants in this changing world? What can we do to prepare ourselves? Are we willing to trade lifelong habits for life-enhancing ones? Perhaps the way we eat is one of the first things we need to change.
.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this publication is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis and advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or health-care provider before starting any new diet or procedure involving your health. Prompt professional medical guidance is recommended for any health problem.