Through case studies and dialogue, we will explore how research can support agricultural practice, what are the research methods and how can we as a farmer or gardener practice it while doing agricultural work? Sharing includes participatory, horizontal and vertical holism methodology by research scientist Dr. Christopher Brock and Goetheanistic and artistic inquiry by co-leader of the Section for Agriculture, Eduardo Rincón. We will also hear sharing from farmers and researchers from Asia with their practising research projects. There will be translation into Chinese, Tamil and Vietnamese.
ABRN aims to support regional co-working network, to build and share expertise in developing agriculture and nutrition research that combine both scientific and spiritual scientific methods — approaches which considers the spiritual, ecological, social, economic, and cultural environment for the biodynamic movement in Asia countries and beyond. We believe that with positive and forward-looking concepts, research activities and research results can support problem solving, further develop biodynamic farming practices and meet the major challenges of our time, such as climate, socio-economic and spiritual crisis.
The Asia Biodynamic Research Network work closely with organizations of the biodynamic movement worldwide, in particular the Biodynamic Federation - Demeter International, Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum, and Forschungsring eV, for advice, support and collaboration.
To join the 1st meeting and training session on 10 April 2025 from 1 to 2.30 pm, simply fill in the form: https://forms.gle/tfracesy19puVquWA
Contact Asiabiodynamic.rn@gmail.com, with any questions or to express interest to join as members.
For urgent queries, please WhatsApp: +60129201896
RESEARCH AREAS:
Biodynamic preparation work
The use of the preparations is intended to increase soil activity, plant health and food quality. In cooperation with practitioners, we develop the practical production, storage and application technology of the preparations, we also look at which preparation effects can be scientifically proven and how.
Plants & soil
Investigate long- and short-term effects of different fertilization systems and preparation applications on soil and plant parameters as well as qualities of composts and potting soils.
Nutrition and food quality
Food from biodynamic cultivation should support people in their development. With this aim in mind, we conduct research into cultivation and processing. One Health approach on the connection between the health of soil, humans, animals, plants and cosmic.
Animal husbandry
Animal husbandry plays a central role in the biodynamic farm organism. This is about internal farm effects and cycles that can be promoted and optimized through animal husbandry.
Goetheanistic science and arts
While we engaged in an artistic activity, our senses, our soul and life forces are being connected to a new kind of thinking, feeling and willing. The Goetheanistic principles of qualitative observation, wholeness and context, participation and dynamic phenomena are particularly relevant in Biodynamic farming practices, for example, emphasizes the farm as a holistic organism and takes into account farmer’s inner development, ecological cycles and rhythms.
Sustainability and Regenerative
With our research, we want to support practice in exploiting and further developing the potential for sustainable production and processing of biodynamic farms that recognizes complex relationships and takes the various dimensions of sustainability (individual, social, ecology, economy, spiritual) into account.
Biodynamic Training and Education
With our research, we want to support practice in training and educating Biodynamic learning for farmers, gardeners and youth, based on Rudolf Steiner’s Agricultural Course, Anthroposophical spiritual science and cross-disciplinary studies.
