The Biodynamic Movement in Britain: A History of the First 100 Years

Biodynamics grew out of Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Course, a series of lectures he gave in 1924. It is now an inspirational worldwide movement bringing a uniquely holistic, organic agriculture to farms, vineyards and gardens. In this concise and fascinating history, Bernard Jarman, former Director of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association for the UK, charts the development of biodynamics in Britain following its arrival in 1928 through to the present day. Jarman presents engaging personal portraits of biodynamic pioneers, including Daniel Dunlop, George Adams, Lili Kolisko, Marna Pease and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, showing how their lives and perspectives shaped the movement. The Biodynamic Movement in Britain also examines key moments, such as the split in the Anthroposophical Society that led to two rival biodynamic organisations in the 1930s and 40s, the flourishing of the wider organic movement in post-war Britain, and addresses the challenges posed at the start of the twenty-first century by genetically modified crops. It describes early discoveries, including research that led to the development of the Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar, and later initiatives, such as Community Supported Agriculture. Illustrated with photographs from the Biodynamic Agricultural Association archive, this book provides a welcome overview for members of the biodynamic community, offering the future of this vital movement a fascinating and grounding knowledge of its own past.