Quality of Food

national | environment | event notice Wednesday April 27, 2005 13:04 by Anja Terpstra - Biodynamic Agricultural Association in Ireland bdaai at indigo dot ie Watergarden, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny 056-7754214

Biodynamic Spring Conference

Biodynamic Agricultural Association in Ireland is hosting a Spring Conference on the theme QUALITY OF FOOD Soil - Plant - Animal - Man ? Nutrition on the 30th April & 1st May 2005 in Camphill Dunshane, Brannockstown, Naas, Co. Kildare

What must we eat so that we are not merely the product of what we eat? *


This two-day event will look at different aspects of the quality of food today. This event should be of interest to producers, traders and consumers alike. Several speakers will guide us through all aspects that are important to produce quality food. Starting right from the health of the soil, animals, plants and ending up with a look at the health of man (woman & child) from a Biodynamic angle.

During the two days there will be a walk around the organic farm in Camphill Dunshane and the conference will finish with a forum where views can be exchanged.

Biodynamic Agriculture is founded on an organic, holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being's role within it, biodynamic agriculture builds on more than 75 years of world wide farming experience. At its heart is the idea of the farm as a self-contained evolving organism whose life relies on home produced compost, manures and animal feeds and in which external inputs are kept to a minimum. Season for season such a farm develops its own resilient identity, builds long-term fertility and radiates health and vitality into its surroundings.

Biodynamic Preparations
Special compost and spray preparations created out of natural and organic substances are used to enhance and regulate plant growth, soil life and the metabolism of the whole farm. Developed from indications given by Rudolf Steiner during a lecture course on agriculture in 1924, these preparations have been shown to improve the health and well being of soil, plant and animal as well as enhance the vitality, flavour and keeping qualities of fruit, vegetables, cereals and other produce.

Demeter, name of the ancient Creek goddess of fertility and abundance, is today used as a symbol for wholesome and natural food produced using the widely respected biodynamic approach to organic farming and gardening. (www.demeter.net)

The BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION IN IRELAND exists to promote and foster the biodynamic agricultural impulse founded by Rudolf Steiner as a result of his Spiritual Scientific Research.

The cost is 65 euro per person for the whole Conference (incl. Meals). Early booking is vital.

For more information contact the Biodynamic Agricultural Association in Ireland, Watergarden, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

tel 056-7754214
email bdaai@indigo.ie
url www.biodynamic.ie



*Taken from a Lecture By Rudolf Steiner on Nutrition Munich, January 8, 1909



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(further information)


Recommended Books on Biodynamics

Agriculture Rudolf Steiner

The original lectures, which started the Biodynamic Movement

Gardening for Life Maria Thun

A well-illustrated guide to biodynamic gardening by the author of the sowing calendar.

Grow a Garden and be Self sufficient Pfeiffer & Riese

An old classic on self-sufficient biodynamic gardening



Speakers

Thomas Horan started farming in 1975 in the Social context of Camphill. After gaining extensive experience he has recently moved to Camphill Ballybay to take on the farm there and is also teaching Biodynamic methods.


Sally Ryan is Veterinarian with a qualification in Homeopathy. She is also a member of the Demeter Certification Panel.

Arend Wijmenga started farming 6 years ago in County Mayo. In the last 4 years he has gained an interest in Biodynamic methods, the Biodynamic Preparations and their use in the compost heap and on the land.

Michael Burke qualified as a Rural Scientist in 1981. He has grown plants since the age of 13 and in the late 70s produced lettuce commercially. He now works as a dry stonewall builder and delivers small modules in the education area. His interest in Biodynamics stretches back 15 years.


Dr. Maria van den Berg has been an Anthroposophical Medical Practitioner for many years. She practices currently from her base in Camphill Glencraig