Demeter certification is a label applied to agricultural products, including plants, that have been grown and processed according to the standards of biodynamic agriculture. A plant with the Demeter label signifies it was cultivated using these specific methods, which extend beyond the requirements of standard organic farming. The certification is not for a type of plant, but a confirmation of the agricultural process used to grow it.
What “Demeter” Signifies for Plants
The Demeter label indicates a product comes from a farm operating under biodynamic principles. This system has its roots in a series of 1924 lectures by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who proposed a method of farming that integrates scientific understanding with a recognition of spirit in nature. The name “Demeter,” chosen in the late 1920s, references the Greek goddess of agriculture and fertility, symbolizing the focus on life-giving and regenerative practices. Demeter is now an international brand, with certifying bodies in over 50 countries ensuring consistent standards worldwide.
This certification represents a comprehensive philosophy that treats the farm as a self-contained, living organism. All elements—the soil, plants, animals, and farmer—are seen as working together in a dynamic relationship. For a plant, this means it was grown in a system designed to be self-sufficient, where its health is nurtured through the health of the entire farm ecosystem. The resulting certification is a guarantee to consumers that the product was grown to regenerate the land and produce high-quality food.
Biodynamic Farming: The Core of Demeter Cultivation
Biodynamic farming, the foundation of Demeter certification, employs specific methods to build soil health and foster plant vitality. A primary requirement is the use of nine distinct biodynamic preparations, made from herbs, mineral substances, and animal manures. These preparations, numbered 500 through 508, are used to treat compost, soil, and crops to support the farm’s ecosystem. For example, preparation 500 involves packing cow manure into a cow horn and burying it over winter to create a potent soil spray.
Another element is the concept of the farm as a self-sustaining organism. Demeter standards require that the farm function as a closed-loop system as much as possible, generating its own fertility through on-site composting and the integration of livestock. Imported materials are minimized, and any manures or clippings brought onto the farm must be composted.
Biodiversity is a mandatory component of Demeter farming. Certified farms must dedicate at least 10% of their total acreage to biodiversity areas, such as forests, wetlands, or wildflower strips. This requirement aims to create a balanced ecosystem, encouraging populations of beneficial insects and other organisms that contribute to pest control and overall farm resilience.
Many biodynamic farmers consider cosmic rhythms in their agricultural activities. This can involve using a planting calendar that aligns tasks like sowing, cultivating, and harvesting with the cycles of the moon and its position relative to the zodiac constellations. While not always a strict requirement for certification, this practice reflects the biodynamic view of the farm as being connected to broader environmental and cosmic influences.
Distinguishing Demeter from Organic Plant Standards
While both Demeter and organic certifications prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, Demeter standards are more extensive. A farm must first meet all the requirements for organic certification before it can be considered for Demeter status. Organic certification is a prerequisite, establishing a baseline for Demeter’s additional requirements.
A primary distinction is the mandatory application of the nine biodynamic preparations. These preparations are not a requirement under any major organic standard, such as USDA Organic or EU Organic. Demeter farming also requires whole-farm conversion, meaning the entire property must be managed biodynamically. This reflects the philosophy of the farm as a single, living organism.
Demeter standards are also stricter regarding imported materials and biodiversity. For instance, while organic farming encourages biodiversity, Demeter mandates that at least 10% of the farm’s land be dedicated to it. Demeter also prohibits certain inputs that may be permitted in organic farming, such as the use of sodium nitrate as a fertilizer or plant hormones like gibberellic acid to enhance growth.
The Path to Demeter Certification for Plant Growers
A plant grower seeking Demeter certification must first undergo a conversion period. This process involves operating the farm according to Demeter standards for several years before products can be sold with the label. During this transition, the farmer must demonstrate a commitment to changing their approach to align with biodynamic principles, which often involves working with a recognized biodynamic advisor to develop a comprehensive farm plan.
The certification process requires meticulous record-keeping and an annual inspection. An inspector from an accredited Demeter certifying body visits the farm to verify that all standards are being met. This inspection is separate from and in addition to any organic certification inspections. The inspector reviews everything from soil management and the use of biodynamic preparations to biodiversity measures and animal welfare.
Growers must actively engage with the principles of creating a self-contained farm organism. This includes managing on-farm composting, integrating animals, and ensuring the required level of biodiversity is met.