----- Original Message -----
From: Allan Balliett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2003 5:55 AM
Subject: BDAAA Statistics
> Dear Australian BD people, is it accurate to say, as the media often
> says, that there are 2,000,000 acres and 700 farms under the BDAAA?
>
> This is simply a statistical inquirey.
>
> Thanks k-Allan
Hi Allan
You seem to be jumping around all over the place on this!
We have two BD organisations
1 Alex Podolinsky's - the Biodynamic Research Institute BDRI - legal owner
of the Demeter trademark in Australia - this organisation has lost a lot of
members in recent years because they were no longer willing to put up with
the rigid and unforgiving attitudes therein.
2 BDFGAA now called Biodynamic Agriculture Australia (Cheryl Kemp who
sometimes writes to this list is education officer for this organisation) -
formed by a bunch of rebels, many from the AP organisation - membership
rising dramatically they probably DO have 700 members
You have to be real careful with acreages quoted - this is a big country and
one or two large size pastoral (grazing) properties under organic or BD
management could distort the figures heaps.
To which of these two organisations do you hear the 700 farmers + 2million
acres ??
I think Hugh Lovel's comments below are pertinent to this
"I do not agree that what Alex Podolinsky has done in Australia is any model
to copy, as he has run a rigid and even hidebound program where those who
venture outside of his box can be excommunicated.
The BDGFAA (Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association of Australia)
arose in response to the need for more openness than Podolinsky allowed,
and it wouldn't do to give Podolinsky full credit for their efforts."
Cheers
Lloyd Charles
