Difference between organic and biodynamic
Over the last few decades we have seen the growth of organic agriculture and with it the certification of these practices.
What does it all mean?
At the time of writing (October 2019) there are five bodies of organic certification in Australia which are:Â
AUS-QUAL
Australian Certified Organic
Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI)
NASAA
Organic Food Chain
Southern Cross Certified Australia.
Out of these five bodies the oldest and strictest certification body is done through Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI) as established by Alex Podolinsky in 1967.
Many people in the industry agree that the Bio-Dynamic Method is the mercedes of the organic certification in Australia and in the world.  It meets all the standards for organic practices and go beyond these. Â
To be certified Bio-Dynamic by the Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (BDRI) the farmer has to apply the cultivation method as developed by Alex Podolinsky since 1952.
This method, as certified by the BDRI, focuses on the development of:
- Soil structure
- Humus onto which the soil depends for its fertility and resilience
- Growth of healthy and balanced plants
- Produce of the highest quality in term of nutrient content as well as the keeping quality.
The Bio-Dynamic method is much more than being allowed or not allowed to apply certain input into the soil.  It goes much deeper in how to care for the health and balance of the soil.
The BDRI uses two logos for the certification of their farmers.
One is the Demeter Bio-dynamic:
Â
The second one is the Certified Organic:
At The Herbal Gardener we have been carrying Demeter Bio-dynamic logo from the beginning of the calendula oil production. Â
Two of our products carry the Certified Organic logo. Â They are the Calendula Cream and the Calendula and Comfrey Ointment.
To know more about Demeter Bio-Dynamic method visit the websites of:
Australian Demeter Bio-Dynamic Association  http://demeterbiodynamic.com.au
Bio-Dynamic Research Institute http://www.demeter.org.au