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Appendix C
Biodynamics
Biodynamics is believed to be the modern era’s oldest non-chemical agricultural movement. One
of the main principles of biodynamic farming is that the farm, like a human, is viewed and treated
as a whole, a self-sustaining organism. Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner, writing in the 1920s,
advocated companion planting and crop rotation, but also more common practices like sowing and
harvesting according to the lunar calendar, and esoterica such as the use of minute applications of
homoeopathic-style infusions of mineral, plant or manure extracts to heal and revitalize the soil.
Biodynamics has a global following, with participating groups and members mostly concentrated in
Europe. A trademark, Demeter, named for the ancient goddess of the earth, is used to indicate
certified farms where biodynamic principles are followed.
Appendix D
Books & DVDS
Our Field: A Manual for Community Shared Agriculture, 1994, by Tamsyn Rowley and Chris
Beeman (University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario)
Basic Formula to Create Community Supported Agriculture by Robin Van En (Indian Line Farm,
Box 57, Jugend Road, Great Barrington, MA 02130)
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Making the Connection by Bill Blake et. al. (UC
Cooperative Extension, Attn: CSA Handbook, 11477 E Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603)
Farms of Tomorrow Revisited: Community Supported Farms - Farm Supported Communities by
Trauger Groh and Steven McFadden (Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association)
Sharing the Harvest: A Citizen’s Guide to Community Supported Agriculture by Elizabeth
Henderson, with Robyn Van En, revised and expanded (Chelsea Green Publishing Company)
Farmer John’s Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables by Farmer John Peterson and Angelic
Organics (Gibbs Smith, Publisher)
DVD: The Real Dirt on Farmer John directed by Taggart Siegel (available at libraries and stores)
DVD: It’s Not Just About Vegetables co-produced by Mickey Friedman, John MacGruer, and Jan
VanderTuin (available online, at libraries and in stores)