Media & Trade
PRESS RELEASE:
Download the Demeter BTA Press Release >
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS:
Biodynamic®: This is the highest form of organic farming. More than the elimination of chemical inputs, it emphasizes a wholistic approach to land stewardship that focuses on working with nature to create a healthy, balanced environment in and around the farm. Biodynamic farms must devote 10 percent of the property to biodiversity. Once certified by the Demeter Association, the only Biodynamic certifier in the US, the farm is audited every year.
Organically Grown: This farming method avoids the use of synthetic chemicals in favor of natural methods, such as crop rotation, tillage and natural composts, which help to maintain soil health and control weeds, insects and other pests. Independent agencies certify a farm has used organic methods.
Sustainable Agriculture: These practices are interpreted and implemented differently from farm to farm, but the idea is to approach agriculture in a way that is environmentally responsible, socially equitable and economically feasible. However, with no third-party certification for sustainable farming, there is no accountability nor are there measurable goals associated with this method.
Conventional: This approach to farming is primarily concerned with production yields rather than product quality or environmental impact.
Industrial: Here, agriculture is large-scale, with machine- and chemical-intensive farming. This method erodes the natural ecosystems of the land and treats the harvest as a commodity.
