Agriculture is under pressure due to climate change, monocultures and soil erosion. Fields are devastated by wars and the earth is poisoned by weapons. Fertile soil is being lost and deserts are spreading. Many farms are struggling to survive. With its action plan for 2025 to 2027, the Goetheanum‘s Section for Agriculture wishes to encourage a sustainable approach to farming.
Agriculture is worth protecting, since it does not only provide food but is also effective – ecologically, economically and socially. With this in mind, the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum has analyzed what is needed today. The Section‘s co-leader Ueli Hurter points out that “sustainable agriculture is based on a deeper relationship between humans and the earth.”
Jasmin Peschke, head of Nutrition at the Section for Agriculture thinks that agriculture is based on “living relationships”. What she is means by this is the way humans treat the soil, plants and animals who interact in complex and effective ways with each other and with the earth, humans and the cosmos. Sustainable farming also means showing respect for co-workers, customers and partners. This applies to the entire value chain, from seed research to processing and trade to the dialog with the consumers. “If we know of each other, it is easier to address climate challenges and economic problems, for instance through cooperation, regional food systems and global projects. This creates resilience,” says Anna Storchenegger, head of Communications at the Section for Agriculture.
Biodynamic farming aims to regenerate the natural foundations and inspire the transformation of the agricultural system. The Section‘s other co-leader Eduard Rincón thinks that “Seeing the earth as a living organism means treating it differently. With our proposals we wish to open up spaces so that new forms of cooperation and interaction with the earth can emerge, both locally and globally, because sustainable agriculture needs cooperation to succeed.”
English: Margot M. Saars
Related links
- Conference You Never Farm Alone. Living Communities for the Future, 4 to 7 February 2026, Goetheanum
- Section for Agriculture work alignment
