Our vision is to become an important reference for biodynamic production in the Iberian Peninsula:

  • A diverse farm producing good yields and the highest quality food for our discerning clients and consumers.

  • A farm that maintains and increases the fertility and life forces of its soils through careful rotations, and the recycling of organic residues into top quality biodynamic compost enabled by the integration of crop and animals.

  • A farm that contributes to the increase in the biodiversity of the surrounding landscape, with planted wind breaks of local species of trees and shrubs that offer shelter belts for birds and beneficial insects.

  • A farm organism true to the potential of its soils and driven by cosmic rhythms that supports the health of crops and animals and of those consuming its products.

  • A farm that generates its energy from renewable sources and uses water wisely, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and towards sustainable development.

  • And finally, a farm committed to the future  that can serve as inspiration and a training facility for farmers and young trainees.

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What is Biodynamic Agriculture?

Biodynamics is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food and nutrition. Biodynamic agriculture has been practiced for nearly a century, on every continent on Earth. Biodynamic principles and practices are based on the spiritual insights and practical suggestions of Dr. Rudolf Steiner, and have been developed through the collaboration of many farmers and researchers since the early 1920’s. Today, the biodynamic movement encompasses thousands of regenerative gardens, farms, ranches, orchards, and vineyards, in a wide variety of climates, ecological contexts, and economic settings.

Biodynamic farmers strive to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem that generates health and fertility as much as possible from within the farm itself. Preparations made from fermented manure, minerals and herbs are used to help restore and harmonize the vital life forces of the farm and to enhance the nutrition, quality and flavor of the food being raised. Biodynamic practitioners also recognize and strive to work in cooperation with the subtle influences of the wider cosmos on soil, plant and animal health.

Most biodynamic initiatives seek to embody triple bottom line approaches (ecological, social and economic sustainability), taking inspiration from Steiner’s insights into social and economic life as well as agriculture. Community supported agriculture (CSA), for example, was pioneered by biodynamic farmers, and many biodynamic practitioners work in creative partnerships with other farms and with schools, medical and wellness facilities, restaurants, hotels, homes for social therapy and other organizations. Biodynamics is thus not just a holistic agricultural system but also a potent movement for new thinking and practices in all aspects of life connected to food and agriculture.

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The Herdade Monte do Campo is certified Demeter Organic, but what does that really mean?

Demeter certifies food produced from biodynamic farming, a methodology created and defined by philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s, combining agriculture, cosmology and herbalism/homeopathy.

A biodynamic farm should be aiming towards being a self-sufficient organism, where the plants grown nourish the soil and the livestock, which in turn fertilise the fields. The resultant soil fertility and enhanced life forces in the plants produce healthier and more nourishing food. Farmers treat their field with specific biodynamic preparations and work in respect of cosmic rhythms, imbuing the food with nature’s energy in line with the aim to “provide the basis not only for bodily nutrition but also for the soul and spiritual life.”

Certification

Biodynamic certification, by way of Demeter, guarantees that no synthetic chemical treatment agents are used, no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides or fungicides. Regarding livestock, antibiotics, hormones or any other pharmaceuticals are not permitted to be added to feed and manure may not be imported from any intensive farming operations. Animals, as “ensouled beings”, must be treated with respect and their minimum standards indicate an expectation that they are allowed to carry out at least some of their natural behaviours, have access to outside space, and live longer than conventionally raised animals.

Care must also be taken of greater global environmental issues, with 10% of the farm area being given over to biodiversity reserve and any production under glass must keep the energy used for heating to a minimum.

For more information visit: www.demeter.net.

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Our logo incorporates some of the differentiating elements of Biodynamics Agriculture…

Demeter certifies food produced from biodynamic farming, a methodology created and defined by natural scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s.