11 of 12 benefits of biodynamic farming

November 1, 2024

The following is the 11th of 12 articles published every month in 2024 by Biodynamic Federation Demeter on the various benefits of biodynamic farming and look at how it can a climate solution.

Social Responsibility Standard

At the heart of biodynamic farming lies a deep desire for social justice, respect, and empowerment. This is why social responsibility and fair working conditions are fundamental principles of the Demeter standard and biodynamic production. This includes equal opportunity regardless of ethnic background and gender, and healthy and safe working conditions. To strengthen the importance of social responsibility a separate Social Responsibility Standard has been introduced by the Federation and is implemented with a risk-based approach.

Striving for more

The Social Responsibility Standard is an agreement on the minimum requirements that a biodynamically managed farm must meet to receive its Demeter recognition. However, it is only a minimum requirement. Biodynamic farming expects constant development and the aim to go beyond the minimum. In this sense, Demeter operators are expected to strive for working conditions, which are above the average, as well as a positive and fair social relationship with the surrounding community.

Care for Fairness

The biodynamic and Demeter movement also tries to ensure fair trading practices across the globe among the operators. To ensure fair prices and fairness along the whole supply chain Demeter relies on binding cooperation with all its retail partners and with every Demeter trader. In this way Demeter tasks its trading partners with the further development of sustainability in the food sector.