When Chris first started working as an apprentice on an organic farm over 3 years ago neither of us were familiar with the term biodynamics. Even after I started working at Shinn Estate Vineyards, it took me almost a year to understand the concept. And then another year to begin to learn the principles and techniques of biodynamics. Why did I have to stir that compost tea in one direction and then another for 20 minutes in the tasting room that one time - what was the point?
A very simple description of biodynamics is a type of organic farming that incorporates an understanding of “dynamic” forces in nature not yet fully understood by science. The origins date back to the 1920s when Rudolf Steiner, a scientist, developed the fundamental principles of biodynamic farming and gardening during a series of lectures given in Poland. Like organic approaches, manures and compost are good while chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are bad. In addition, preparations made from minerals and herbs are added to compost, soil and plants.
2011 marks the 150th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner's birth, so what better time than now to learn about biodynamic growing? An good introductory book that I'd recommend is Gardening For Life - The Biodynamic Way by Maria Thun. If your interest lies in wine - either as a wine grower or wine lover - then definitely read Wine from Sky to Earth by Nicolas Joly.
The North Fork is home to many biodynamic and organic growers and this Saturday, Shinn Estate Vineyards is hosting a panel discussion on "Biodynamics, Organic Practices and Sustainability" that includes a vineyard walk and wine tasting. The panel speakers will be Barbara Shinn, K.K. Haspel of The Farm in Southold, Steven Storch of Natural Science Organics and Mary Woltz of Bees' Needs. Scott Chaskey of Quail Hill Farm will be the moderator. With so much experience and knowledge in one group you can expect an enlightening discussion.
A very simple description of biodynamics is a type of organic farming that incorporates an understanding of “dynamic” forces in nature not yet fully understood by science. The origins date back to the 1920s when Rudolf Steiner, a scientist, developed the fundamental principles of biodynamic farming and gardening during a series of lectures given in Poland. Like organic approaches, manures and compost are good while chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are bad. In addition, preparations made from minerals and herbs are added to compost, soil and plants.
2011 marks the 150th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner's birth, so what better time than now to learn about biodynamic growing? An good introductory book that I'd recommend is Gardening For Life - The Biodynamic Way by Maria Thun. If your interest lies in wine - either as a wine grower or wine lover - then definitely read Wine from Sky to Earth by Nicolas Joly.
The North Fork is home to many biodynamic and organic growers and this Saturday, Shinn Estate Vineyards is hosting a panel discussion on "Biodynamics, Organic Practices and Sustainability" that includes a vineyard walk and wine tasting. The panel speakers will be Barbara Shinn, K.K. Haspel of The Farm in Southold, Steven Storch of Natural Science Organics and Mary Woltz of Bees' Needs. Scott Chaskey of Quail Hill Farm will be the moderator. With so much experience and knowledge in one group you can expect an enlightening discussion.
"Biodynamics, Organic Practices and Sustainability" is part of the Wine Salon series for Harvest East End. For more information and to reserve online: www.harvesteastend.com
For more information on biodynamics, or to purchase books and preparations, check out the Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Bio-dynamics at: http://www.jpibiodynamics.org/
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