International conference on biodynamics at RAU Cirencester
Bobby Angelov
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) will host an international conference on biodynamic research.
The event, which is held in collaboration with the Goetheanum Section for Agriculture, will welcome researchers from around the world to the Cirencester campus from August 31 to September 4.
The conference, the third of its kind, is set to attract more than 200 delegates and will feature keynote lectures, workshops, and research presentations.
Dr Jonathan Code, senior lecturer in sustainable land management at the RAU and programme leader for its MSc in Agroecology, said: "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."
Dr Code highlighted the historical significance of biodynamics, which has been around for more than 100 years, starting in 1924.
According to him, it was one of the first organic approaches to food growing and production.
He stressed the need for research in the field: "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."
The conference will focus on holistic approaches and study concepts, and will welcome research exploring various dimensions of biodynamics – whether ecological, artistic, humanistic, or economic.
Dr Code said: "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."
More information can be found at biodynamic-research.org.