Integrated Biodynamic Farming Course

Nowadays organic farming has become a fashion. Permaculture as well as natural and ecological agriculture, is growing with a culture of consumption. As this fashion grows, the act or theory is more present than the application, limiting the knowledge of real life application of these systems. This dynamic is limiting society in making significant shifts.In the southern zone of Costa Rica, even as organic food demand grows, organic farmers are disappearing. Meanwhile, the modern culture of consumption continues to influence people to care less about where their food comes from and simply accept when someone says that their products are “organic.” Often the “organic” products are grown using conventional met…hods even though they can cost 100% more for a fake product.Although the growth of organic/natural/ecological agriculture is a good sign of consumer awareness, many people are not aware that the conventional farms are behind much of the organic movement. Conventional farmers are urgent to develop a deep understanding of organic and biological farming, so that they can benefit from the raised prices of organic foods and make a livelihood.Unfortunately, many farms face the problem of not being able to reach sustainable operations, even if they genuinely would like to switch over to organic. This comes from a lack of understanding of the basic processes of efficient organic farming and the social work around it.

In 1924, Rudolf Steiner, gave a series of lectures to motivate a group of farmers in developing a new impulse in agriculture, based on the vitality of life and to feed vital food to evolving human beings.
The basis of modern organic farming, comes from these lectures, but along the way, the essence of it is being lost. Today the biodynamic impulse is very strong, and is ready to support the real development of organic farms, families and communities.

Biodynamic farming is a holistic understanding of life dynamics and their relationships to human consciousness. As we face the ecological threats of climate change and chemical/genetic pollutants it becomes very apparent that now, more than ever, it is important to develop deep work with the spiritual beings in nature, the sacred geometry, and the energetic fields that are a part of agricultural ecosystems.

The foundation of Biodynamics is firmly rooted in working with systems that support and are supported by humans, the hexagonal pattern of life, and the web of life with all its living processes.

This course is designed to support the work of organic and permaculture systems. It is for people who are ready to take the next step in their understanding of natural processes and how that relates to farming.

There are many biodynamic projects in the world, developing sustainable communities, creating a new impulse for modern life. Proyecto Caracol, is motivated by several of these projects worldwide, while also cultivating experience, training, and vision applied through our own projects. During the course we will share the vision and practice of some of these projects, such as Sekem in Egypt, and the experience from establishing Bios Sustainable Community in Mexico.

Course Objectives:

• Support organic farms in developing efficient farming
systems and alliances.
• Enhance the growth of biodynamic practices and
management by inspiring living models of
integrated sustainability through the goods and
services of vital food, health and human wellbeing.
• Provide understanding of the biodynamic basis for
the efficient operation and management of a living
farm-organism.
• Understand the significance of acknowledging your
farm as a farm-organism.
• Cultivate experiences in the production of high quality
humus as well as understand the planning the
maintenance of soil fertility.
• Offer examples and motivation in building integrated
systems through the incorporation of bees and
animals.
• Fortify community work by inspiring the development
of new economic relationships, and organic
farming.

Course description

This is a practical course that focuses on the fundamental theory that allows the participant to enter into a new experience of organic farming. The course is based on biodynamic farming, examining Rudolf Steiner’s concepts of agriculture, medicine, economics and social life, which all serve to support intentional communities and their development.

In the local context, the course offers tools to improve actual organic systems and to develop relationships with local farmers.

Topics:

• The concepts of Rudolf Steiner for agriculture, as a social base.

• Social organization for organic farms

• Basic understanding of biodynamic farming

• The farm as an organism, understanding the ecosystem.

• Development of humus in the soil, and soil fertility

• Usage of organic techniques for fertility (Humus and Honey)

• Pest control

• Biodynamic preparations

• Using energy, life dynamics, and the homeopathic power of substances

• Basic biodynamic beekeeping

• Basic animal management for organic biodynamic farms

• Using the biodynamic calendar

The course is 3 days long, beginning at 8 am and ending at 5 pm, with night movie sessions and morning meditation practices, also including spray of biodynamic preparations.

Practical topics:

• Biodynamic composting for humus development

• Liquid manures, microorganisms, and mineral extraction

• Using biodynamic preparations

• Making biodynamic preparations

• Herbal manures

• Biodynamic Tree paste

Investments

Course costs: $ 250 to $350 depending on logging conditions

Includes: Food, accommodations, and the course

Other options: purchase biodynamic preparations and calendar with a special discount.

50% of the course has to be canceled via Pay Pal or bank deposit, before the course.

Logistics:

Place: The Fruition Center for Holistic Ecology

Date: June 24^th– 27^th

Contact: Alana Bliss 8498.6248

Email: [email protected]

Directions: A 4 x 4 is strongly recommended.
-From San Isidro del General-
From San Isidro, go south on the Pan American highway – 1 km
Turn right at Bar Brazilia (across the street from Maxi Pali)
Follow rod 2 blocks, to “T” – turn right
Follow road (approx. 8 km, 2 speed bumps) until pavement ends and road splits – stay left at “Y’s”
Follow dirt road (about 8 km more) to La Angostura (left, right to go around church – continue on past the school)
Stay to the right at “Y”, at the Pulparia, after the school – go down (look to the right, we’re across the valley)
Down and across the river (drive slow on the bridge, contemplate the loveliness of the river)
Left after the bridge – hook up 50 meters – turn right
Follow up, up, & up to San Agustin – Right at the “T”
Follow road through the pueblo, past all houses
Left at the 90 degree curve after last house on the right. There is a driveway that goes down hill with a sign up in the tree on the right.
(Bienvenidos a Finca Fruición)
(If you pass a house on your left you have gone too far.)
About 100 meters in, when the driveway splits, stay left at the “Y” and come on up to the house.

Please contact us for any other  information needed.