Researchers working in biodynamic agricultural research across the globe will arrive in Cirencester later this month for an international conference hosted, and co-organised, by the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).
Organised by the Goetheanum Section for Agriculture, in conjunction with the RAU, the 3rd International Biodynamic Research Conference will take place at the RAU's historic campus from 31st August to 4th September and hopes to attract more than 200 delegates from all over the world.
Dr Jonathan Code, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Land Management at the RAU and Programme Leader for its MSc in Agroecology, is on the organising committee.
He explained: “Biodynamics is a distinct set of agricultural principles, practices, and approaches to farming and food production, based on cooperation with nature and natural processes. It offers both an alternative conceptual foundation and a practical framework for the sustainable transformation of food and farming systems and also acknowledges the socio-cultural and spiritual dimensions of agriculture.
“Biodynamics has been around more than 100 years - it started in 1924 - and it thus one of the first organic approaches to food growing and production.”
The conference programme includes keynote lectures, workshops, and research presentations as well time for networking and socialising.
The RAU, which was founded, as the Royal Agricultural College, in 1845 - the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world - celebrates its 180th anniversary this year. While it offers the traditional agricultural and land management courses you would expect to find at an agricultural university, it also offers courses in agroecology, sustainable agriculture and food security, and environment and conservation.
Dr Code added: “To advance the sustainable transformation of food and farming, the complex and holistic nature of agriculture requires research that spans a plurality of knowledge systems and dimensions.
“Research in biodynamic agriculture requires a holistic perspective – not only to account for the many dimensions of farming but also to embrace the potential contributions of diverse knowledge systems to truly understand, develop, and transform the field.
“With the aim of discovering new perspectives in biodynamic agriculture research, the conference will place special emphasis on holistic approaches and study concepts. We welcome research exploring various dimensions of biodynamics – whether ecological, artistic, humanistic, or economic – as well as research employing diverse methodologies and knowledge systems.”
For more information, or to sign up to attend the 3rd International Biodynamic Research Conference, please visit https://www.biodynamic-research.org/.
