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When shopping for healthy and ecologically sound food, consumers in Germany are faced with an overwhelming and oftentimes confusing variety of labels. More than 100 eco-labels and organic seals promise compliance with criteria ranging from sustainability to species-appropriate animal husbandry.
The Demeter label in particular has a long and fascinating history— but some of the principles behind it are not without their skeptics.
The oldest and strictest farming association in Germany was founded in 1924 in accordance with a concept that came to be referred to as biodynamic agriculture. This very specific approach to farming was developed by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, social reformer, mystic and visionary. Steiner is the architect of a type of philosophy and cultural movement referred to as anthroposophy, the wisdom of man. This system of beliefs and practices maintains that through proper training and rigid personal discipline, one can access and experience the spiritual world. Steiner is also known as the founder of the Waldorf School, whose teachings are underpinned by the notions of anthroposophy.
According to the principles of biodynamic agriculture, each individual farm operates as a single system with its own cycle. Within this system, soil fertility, plant growth, and the care of livestock are all ecologically interrelated tasks. In place of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, manure and compost is used. Animals must be fed 100 % organic feed, at least 50 % of which comes either from the farm itself or a regional cooperative.
Some of biodynamic agriculture’s approaches lean heavily on mystical beliefs. For example, some farmers use an astrological calendar to determine sowing times. Demeter farmers are required to apply certain preparations made from medicinal herbs and minerals. For example, one such practice involves placing manure and ground quartz into the horn of a cow and burying it for six months, an action that is believed to harvest cosmic forces from the soil.
Not only food but cosmetics and cleaning products can bear the Demeter seal. Vineyards too can choose to employ biodynamic methods to cultivate grapes and produce their wines.
Whether or not one agrees with all tenets of the Demeter philosophy, its label ensures that the farmer, vintner or other producer has adhered to strict guidelines guaranteeing an earth-friendly, holistic approach and consideration to nature and animals in the creation of the product in question.
