Demeter is the brand for products from biodynamic agriculture. But what exactly is meant by this? And how does this differ from the EC eco directive?

Demeter is, with more than 80 years, the oldest agricultural association with more than 3,200 farms worldwide and around 100,000 hectares land. As an international organic brand, Demeter is represented in all continents – from Argentina to Hungary – agriculture follows Demeter guidelines in 38 countries.

The name comes from the Greek goddess of fertility, grains, seeds and the seasons – Demeter.

Agriculture and further processing

The most important thing at Demeter and also in the EC eco directive is that chemical-synthetic fertilisers and pesticides should, on no account, be used. But Demeter farms go one step further and add special compost and preparations to the soil to increase its quality. These preparations are made out of healing plants, cow dung and quartz flour which is processed in the Demeter farms and added to the fields in small amounts. Important here is the composition and less the amount. Demeter farmers want to maintain not only the soil quality as stipulated in the EC eco directive but also go one step further and improve the quality for all-round healthy agricultural land. True to the motto: to give back more to the soil than is taken from it.

The benefits of this method are clear: the soil life becomes much more active, fertility is increased and root growth stimulated. This positive effect on the sustainable promotion of the soil is, meanwhile, also confirmed in research studies spanning several years.

Alongside the criteria for soil processing, the Demeter guidelines also include clear requirements with regards to the grains to be grown. Only varieties with fixed seeds may be used – varieties which develop their seed independently in regular cycles. There is no crossing of related seed varieties, the so-called hybrids, and varieties stemming from cell fusion technology are also not used.

Demeter quality standards must be followed also after the harvest, in further processing. In this way, only few and absolutely necessary additives are allowed. Iodine, nitrate pickling salts and so-called natural aromas (aromas which occur in nature but which can also be produced with the aid of bacteria, yeast or fungi) are not permitted. Only aroma extracts may be used (from essential oils or extracts of plant source materials and which serve as the main component of an aroma).

A further difference is the extent of farming. The EC eco directive allows one farmer to operate organic farming alongside conventional farming yet Demeter farms use 100% biodynamic agriculture.

Keeping animals on Demeter farms
Keeping own animals on Demeter farms is a must. The extent of animals kept depends on the size of the agricultural land. The cattle produce the important dung which is, after extensive processing, used as biodynamic fertiliser which helps foods grow and increase in quality. Demeter farms produce at least half of the animal feed needed for their animals on their own farm. Only animal feed they produce themselves or which is bought from other Demeter farms is allowed and it should be free from animal meal, additives, antibiotics and hormones.

Demeter farmers do not practice the painful removal of the horns of cattle as is standard in conventional cattle rearing. Cows with horns produce particularly good dung and good quality milk. Demeter milk which comes from cows with horns is even tolerated by people who have an allergic reaction to standard milk.

Regular controls and international guidelines

All Demeter farms are controlled annually according to the EC directive for organic farming by state recognized, independent control bodies. Demeter is the only agricultural association to have internationally valid guidelines which means that Demeter quality standards apply also to imported goods.

Benefits of Demeter quality foods
Several studies have shown that consistent nutrition with Demeter products has a positive effect on physical well-being. Any ailments are reduced and the immune system is promoted.

With this method of sustainable agriculture, Demeter farmers guarantee foods with character whose typical taste gives an intense and healthy enjoyment experience. And all this with the knowledge that it’s been good to nature!