Demeter-International e. V.

Demeter is the only ecological association that has built up a network of individual certification organisations world-wide. In 2020, Demeter-International e. V. and the International Biodynamics Association (IBDA) have joined forces to form the Biodynamics Demeter Alliance in the legal, economic and spiritual spheres. Presently Alliance has 28 members and 5 guest-members from Europe, America, Africa and New Zealand. Thus Demeter-International represents ca. 7,000 Demeter farms, with over 255,000 hectares in more than 63 countries.

Demeter-International e. V. is a non profit organisation and its member organisations work together in the spirit of an interational confederation with democratic principles. Membership requires a functioning Demeter certification programme. Associations which support the objectives of Demeter-International can be elected as associated members. Its basis is the Biodynamic agriculture method, originated by Rudolf Steiner in his Agriculture Course" given in Koberwitz in 1924, and developed further in practice and research.

The main tasks of Demeter-International are

·  Development and approval of International Demeter Standards for production and processing as minimum requirements for the world-wide trade of Demeter products,

·  Interational registration and protection of the Demeter trademark,

·  Certification of single farms/operations in countries without their own Demeter organisation,

·  Harmonisation of Demeter certification program: world-wide,

·  Commitment to advancing the public understanding and acceptance of the Biodynamic method in relevant international institutions,

·  Support for the establishment of autonomous Biodynamic associations and Demeter organisations where none exist.

·  The members assembly is the highest body and meets once a year, as a rule in June in various countries. It elects the board of directors and the working groups with people from different countries.

Activities and Services

·  Participation and support in research activities.

·  Training services for farmers, advisors, certifiers, inspectors.

·  Protective administration for the trademarks Biodynamic® and Demeter®.

·  Certification of farms, processors and traders to the International Demeter Biodynamic Standard.

·  Information and promotion to raise awareness for the Demeter trademark and the details about biodynamic farming methods.

·  Marketing support for Demeter certified products from biodynamic agriculture.

·  Advocacy for sustainable farming systems supporting farmers and our environment.

·  Support for new biodynamic initiatives worldwide.

In June 2016 the following board members were elected: Thomas Lüthi from Sweden (president), Alexander Gerber from Germany (vice-president), Helmy Abouleish from Egypt (treasurer), Petra Derkzen from The Netherlands, Lapo Cianferonifrom Italy, Jean-Marie Defrance from France and Jim Fullmer from the USA.

Special items are worked out in working groups:

·  Working Group for International Production & Processing Standards: International Demeter Standards for production have existed since 1992, and have been developed regularly. In June1999 the Interational Processing Standards were first approved by the members' assembly. They regulate the processing of food, cosmetics, textiles as well as storage, packaging and labelling. Since October 2005 the co-ordination of the working group is done by lan Henderson from New Zealand.

·  International Accreditation Council: The council develops procedures to harmonise Demeter certification programs world-wide. it is co-ordinated by Reto Ingold from Switzerland.

·  International Certification Office: This body organises certification of farms/operations in countries without their own Demeter organisation, and provides information about inspection/certification,market access and advisory for interational inquiries.Contact person is Ute Bucholski.

Co-operation on an international level is a challenging but mutually enriching task.The Biodynamic activities on a Dutch market garden are different from those on an orange grove on the edge of the Negev desert in Israel, or arable production on the Argentinean pampas.Marketing in Germany requires a different strategy from that in New Zealand. Demeter intemational is a contemporary example of co-operation based on commitment, transparency, and regional independence.