The Association was formed in 1939 to promote biodynamic methods.

Last year was its 70th anniversary but celebrations were held over because of the organic sector conference in 2009

The objects of the Association are to foster, guide and safeguard in New Zealand the biodynamic approach to agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry as initiated by Rudolf Steiner in 1924 and as practised progressively since that time. The association is affiliated with the General Anthroposophical Society.

Membership is open to anyone interested in biodynamic farming and gardening methods. There are currently about 800 members who include farmers, processors, orchardists, commercial and home gardeners as well as others who wish to support this work. New members receive a copy of the current Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Calendar, copies of Harvests, and information booklets on a range of management practices such as how to use biodynamic preparations and how to make compost and liquid manures.

Biodynamics - holistic sustainable organic agriculture
Biodynamic methods work toward the development of the farm or garden as a balanced and sustainable unit. They include organic practices such as crop rotation, recycling through composts and liquid manures, and increasing plant and animal bio diversity. Special plant, animal and mineral preparations are used. The rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets and stars are recognised and worked with where possible. These methods lead to a natural reduction of pests and diseases in plants and animals, and an increase in the nutritive and health giving value of food produced.

Click here for more information on how to develop and maintain healthy soil, plants and animals.

Biodynamic adviser Peter Proctor recently discussed biodynamics with Kim Hill on Radio NZ National.

Farm Advice

A network of experienced consultants registered with the Biodynamic Consultancy Societyoffer advisory service and education on biodynamic and organic practises in soil, livestock, orchard, vineyard and arable crop management. To find out more contact Biodynamic Consultancy Society Secretary Marion Koppenol by email or phone 0-6-874 9064 or go to the Society's website

Demeter
Demeter is a world wide certification system (in over 50 countries), used to verify to the consumer that food or product has been produced by biodynamic methods. The Bio Dynamic Association is the certifier in New Zealand. Click here for information on how to gain a Demeter certification. Click here for more information about Demeter food.

Coming events

2nd August. Pastoral fieldday at Balclutha. Further information here

4th August. Viticulture fieldday at Cromwell. Further information here

6th August. Pastoral fieldday at Geraldine. Further information here

14th & 15th August. Biodynamic Gardening Workshop at Ellerslie. Further information here

27th September - 1st October. The Prepmaker's Year, Spring Seminar. Further information here

22nd - 26th November. The Prepmaker's Year, Summer Seminar.

(Note that the Autumn Seminar of the Prepmaker's Year didl not go ahead) 

Recent events

21st June. Pasture Farming Field Day, Te Aroha.
18th & 19th June, Ellerslie. Setting up and maintaining a productive biodynamic garden workshop
16th to 19th June. Biodynamic Association at Mystery Creek Fieldays
4-6th June. 70th anniversary conference and celebration,Hawke's Bay
23rd May. Kaipara Group fieldday, Wellsford. Treepasting.
Saturday 8th May. Wellington Biodynamic Group seed saving workshop, Wainuiomata.
Saturday 17th April. Nelson Biodynamic Group workshop.
Saturday 17th April. Sustainable Living Centre, New Lynn. Preparation 500 stir.
Sunday 18th April. Kaipara Biodynamic Group meeting, Wellsford.
Wednesday 14th April, Preparation making workshop, Waihi.
Tuesday 31st March. Dairying Field and Discussion Day, Oringi, Central Hawke's Bay.
Friday 26th March. Dairying Field and Discussion Day, Matamata -Te Aroha
Monday 22nd March Biodynamic workshop, Kerikeri
Sunday 21st March. Kaipara Biodynamic Group meeting at Kaukapaka.
February - March. Lecture/workshop tour by Wendy Cook, well-known UK writer, speaker, teacher and cook.
Sunday 28th February Kaipara Biodynamic Group meeting at Puhoi Farmer’s Markets
Wednesday 25th November. Arable and livestock farm fieldday, North Canterbury
Thursday 12th November. Market Gardening Fieldday, Waiuku
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October. Spring in the Home Garden. Wellington
Saturday 31st October – Sunday 1st November. Principles and practices of biodynamics, Lower Moutere
Sunday 18th October. Kaipara Biodynamic Group meeting. Kaukapakapa.
Sunday 18th & Monday 19th October. Homegardening workshop, Ellerslie.
Tuesday 6th October. Pastoral Farmers' Discussion Group, Matamata
Sunday 4th October. Local Biodynamic Group workshop, Nelson
Monday 5th October. Biodynamic Pasture Farming Field day, Eketahuna
Wednesday 23rd September. Biodynamic preparations workshop, Tolaga Bay
on

Other activities

Advisory service: The Association has a partner organisation, the Biodynamic Consultancy Society. It has advisers available for farm visits to members, covering most fields of agriculture and horticulture and most of New Zealand. All farmer or growers working toward Demeter certification require an annual advisory or inspection visit, according to the stage they have reached, and advisory visits are carried out by members of the Consultancy Society. To arrange a visit please contact the Association office, or contact Biodynamic Consultancy Society Secretary Marion Koppenol by email or phone 0-6-874 9064

Magazine: The Association's magazine, Harvests is published three times a year and sent to all members as part of their annual subscription entitlement. Subscription is via membership. It covers a variety of aspects of biodynamic farming and gardening. Click here for a recent contents page. A short newsletter is sent in between issues of Harvests.

Calendar: A comprehensive calendar providing information on moon and planet cycles and explanations on how to use the information to enable farming and gardening activities to be carried out at optimal times. Click here to see a recent calendar page.

Education: Taruna College runs a certificate course in applied organics and biodynamics. This increasingly popular course is distance education with a difference. During the year there will be a variety of regional meetings and workshops including:

Biodynamic Advisory workshops are being developed to assist those interested in deepening their understanding and improving their farming and gardening practices. Further information about the programmes will be posted as it becomes available.

Other activities for members: These include provision of the biodynamic preparations, book loans and sales. Click here for details and a members' order form.

Regional Groups: There are groups running activities in many regions. Click here for regional group contact names.

Notable past events

Biodynamic Conference 2008
Our 2008 conference was held at Tauherenikau Racecourse (Southern Wairarapa) at Queen's Birthday weekend. We were fortunate to have had Hamish Mackay, CEO of Biodynamic Agriculture Australia, as keynote speaker. Hamish has a great deal of experience in biodynamics, in speaking to farming and other groups and in working with government and organic sector bodies. For further information about the conference, click here. For programme click here. 

Tour of International biodynamic speaker Nikolai Fuchs 2007
Nikolai Fuchs has deep involvement in biodynamics in Europe. In early July 2007 he toured New Zealand, giving talks and conducting workshops. Read more......  

Other Organisations/Links

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ): Umbrella organisation for the organic sector in New Zealand, launched in November 2005. OANZ has launched an organic advisory service and is assessing associated research and development needs. click here to transfer to the OANZ website. The Bio Dynamic Association is a member of this organisation.

Organic sector organisations: The Bio Dynamic Association also has close working relationships with BioGro NZ: www.bio-gro.co.nz, Soil and Health Association:www.soil-health.org.nz, and OPENZ (Organic Products Exporters of NZ): www.organicsnewzealand.org.nz.

Our contact details:
Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association
Postal: PO Box 39045, Wellington
Telephone: 0-4-589 5366 (within NZ); +64-4-589 5366 (international)
Fax: 0-4-589 5365 (within NZ); +64-4-589 5365 (international)
E-mail: info@biodynamic.org.nz

© 2004 Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association in NZ Inc. Last updated 26 November 2009