History

1924

At Whitsun Rudolf Steiner held eight lectures entitled "Spiritual foundations for the renewal of Agriculture" at Koberwitz, Silesia. The Experimental Circle of Anthroposophical Farmers immediately tested Steiners indications in daily farming practice. Three years later a Co-operative was formed to market Biodynamic produce.

1928

The Demeter Symbol was introduced, and the first standards for Demeter quality control formulated. On a rugged Mexican mountain range, on the western slopes of the Sierra Madre, Rodolfo and Walter Peters start the first Biodynamic Coffee Plantation at Finca Irlanda in Chipas which is still farmed biodynamically today.

1930

Chromatography, a method of visualising the quality of food, was developed in Germany by Lily Kolisko and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer. The first official trials (in Berlin) demonstrate the effectiveness of the Biodynamic Preparations.

1931

Approx 1000 Biodynamic farms in existence.

1932

In Germany the "Demeter-Wirtschaftsverbund" was founded. Biodynamic Agriculture is also practiced in Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Sweden, Norway and the U.K.

1939

In New Zealand the 'Bio-Dynamic Association' was founded.

1941

All Demeter-Organisations and the monthly magazine "Demeter" are forbidden in Germany through the NSDAP.

Common statement of the Biodynamic movement standing for human rights, freedom of opinion, pluralism and cosmopolitanism and clearly distancing itself from extremism and anti-human aspirations. Here is to the Spanish, German and French versions. 

1946

The 'Experimental Circle for Biodynamic farming methods' (formerly 'The Experimental Circle of Anthroposophical Farmers') is established and restructured. The first Introductory course takes place.

1950

The first issue of "Lebendige Erde" ("Living Earth") was published. In Darmstadt the 'Institute for Biodynamic Research' was founded.

1952

Scientific research work began in partnership with German Universities, and other worldwide organisations.

1954

Founding of 'Demeter Bund' in Germany

1958

Beginning of the 'Arbeitsgemeinschaft fuer Verarbeitung und Vertrieb von Demeter-Erzeugnissen' a German Co-operative for producers and processors of Demeter Products.

1963

Maria Thun reveals to the world her comprehensive work on the cosmic influences upon plants and develops "The Star Calendar", a sowing calendar that has since been published yearly in an ever-growing number of languages.

1973

The first dissertation on a theme of Biodynamics (by Ulf Abele) was received at the University of Giessen, Germany. The University of Hohenheim converts its trial grounds to Biodynamics.

1978

A long-term trial comparing Bio-Dynamic and Conventional farming began in northern Germany, looking specifically at the build up of the humus layer through the use of the Preparations.

1988

The "Arbeitsgemeinschaft ökologischer Landbau" (AGÖL), an umbrella organisation for all certifiers active in organic certifcation in Germany, was founded on the initiative of Demeter.

1994

Demeter is the first organic body to produce standards for food processing. The first Doctorate on a Biodynamic theme, (The rhythms of the moon) is written by Dr. Hartmut Spiess, a scientist at the Institute for Biodynamic research. Demeter is restructured in accordance with the three fold social order, and this together with the importance of regional impulses, becomes the main focus of the work.

1996

Demeter house on the outskirts of Darmstadt (Germany) becomes the home for all the German regional Demeter Organisations and several other Demeter activities.

1997

19 independent Demeter organisations, with representatives from Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and United States of America come together to form Demeter-International e.V.

1999

The 75th anniversary of Bio-Dynamics, and important steps are being made on the way to a world-wide trade organisation. Demeter introduces a new logo. The German Market Forum consisting of producers, processors, traders and consumers works on a marketing strategy for a variety of Demeter goods under one logo. The Demeter Processing Standards are ratified world-wide, and more than 3,500 Demeter products are available in shops, from Italian antipasti & whole grain bread, first class wines & award winning ice-cream to clothes and toilet articles. Demeter is the biggest provider of organic goods world-wide.

2002

The International Biodynamic Association (IBDA) is founded on the 1st November 2002. Its tasks are similar to those of the Forschungsring in Germany plus ownership and protection of the trademark "Demeter" and "Biodynamic" all over the world.

A 21 year long study about agronomic an ecological performance of Biodynamic agriculture compared to organic and conventional agriculture has been worked out. see: DOC trial  

2003

Ibrahim Abouleish, the founder of the Sekem Initiative receives the right livelihood award.

2004

The Monastery Study on the impact of Biodynamic food on body, soul and spirit is carried out in a German Monastery.

2011

The 150th birthday of Rudolf Steiner is celebrated with various events all over the world.

2012

The International Biodynamic Council (IBDC) is founded. It consists of the board members of Demeter-International, IBDA, the heads of the Section and Aender Schanck from Luxembourg as a representative for trade and processing.

Slovenia gains full-member status at Demeter-International e.V.

2013

Demeter Spain gains full-member status

A raw material coordinator is appointed in order to facilitade a steady flow of goods

2014

Demeter or the Biodynamic movement is celebrating its 90th anniversary

Many events all over the world are being organised

2016

Christoph Simpfendörfer, a farmer from Stuttgart, has been nominated the first General Secretary for Demeter-International.

2017

After 20 years of existence Demeter-International represents more than 5.000 Demeter farmers, with over 180.000 hectares in 54 countries.

2020

Demeter-International and the International Biodynamic Association (IBDA) join forces to form the Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International. The new international umbrella organisation thus unites all Biodynamic and Demeter organisations worldwide