Dear List Hearing some of the Truth recently on this list with Greg's postings gives me great hope that Steiner's teachings will not be lost in these changing times, nor will they be used to fill the pocket books of some to the exclusion of others. Since l989 Steiner's agricultural methods have been utilized here at Aurora. Back then we were doubly certified--with the local organic association and with the BD Society of B.C. There was a 'bio-dynamic' certification at the time and my mentor and teacher Otto Rothe came to the land, saw what we were doing and certified us. Shortly after this the BD society hooked up internationally and we automatically received Demeter status. Suddenly there was money to be paid to the Society, not just for the travel expense of the farm inspector. All BD farms were required to pay a percentage of their GROSS earnings to the Society. Nevermind if there had been a net profit for the farm, or a living wage for the family farmer. Christoph Altemeuller was top dog with that provincial BD society. Now he is president of the board of the Biodynamic Association. I have thanked him in ceremony for making so clear to me the arrogance and greed in organizations with pious mission statements about promoting biodynamics and supporting farmers.
I dumped certification, realizing that I no longer needed to be snowed by authority. I certified Aurora on my own terms and took her out into the marketplace. Products grown utilizing Steiner's methods of Agriculture. The term Biodynamics is mainly lost on storkeepers and customers anyway, and the BDA/Demeter have a trademark on it; not allowed to use it unless we've paid money into their system. Probably there never has been a net profit here at Aurora and yet we are still here and we love and honour what we do. Think of it this way: Woody and I have, combined, three or four decades of experience with righteous agriculture. We never have, would never have DREAMED, of using chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, brutal methods of treating farm animals�all these things that some of the public are finally becoming exercised about. It is an insult to us [and to many others on the List] to ask that we prove ourselves to the marketplace by involving ourselves with conventional certification. Since l998 we have been certified by Agri-Synthesis and we are more than happy with the quality and life-force of the products that are now going out into the marketplace, providing good nutrition for the human family. We have Greg to thank for putting the real story in front of our faces and for having been the innovator of Agri-Synthesis and the products under this trademark. This has taken courage, insight and perseverance on his part and we are deeply grateful for his work. I doubt if Greg has any monetary net profits over this time either. More Good work being done by Good People. So I would like to ask each and every one of you to come to your own understanding of your BD stories and how you have been honoured and acknowledged for the work you do in the world. Have your local associations served you so you may truly experience your birthright and fulfill the work(role) you came here to do and be. Mother Earth needs your assistance. She's looking for a few good ones so recognize them when they are here in your midst. And honour yourselves for having the courage to do so. In the Spirit of the Good, True and Beautiful, Barbara , Woody, William and Nathan at Aurora Farm. the only unsubsidized, family-run seed farm in North America offering garden seeds grown using Rudolf Steiner's methods of spiritual agriculture. http://www.kootenay.com/~aurora
