Demeter USA Information

Demeter USA is part of a global federation of certifiers who uphold the Biodynamic® standard, one of the oldest holistic farming certifications, and a precursor to organic and regenerative methods. The Demeter Biodynamic® Farm Standard requires compliance with USDA Organic regulations as a baseline, but with stricter requirements to support its whole-farm philosophy. Biodynamic perceives the farm as a living organism; all of the farm elements — soil, crops, animals, people — interact to support the health and vitality of the whole. Only whole-farm certification is allowed; split farms or parallel production is not permitted. The Standard encourages holistic management practices to promote farm systems that are diverse, balanced, and naturally self-regenerating. Operators must reserve 10% of total farmland for wildlife habitat, and they are encouraged to select locally-adapted, diverse seeds and breeds. They must integrate animals into the farm system to generate on-farm fertility, and they are encouraged to reduce their reliance on imported materials. There are stricter limitations on imported materials, including extra precautions against GMO contamination. Demeter Biodynamic uniquely requires the regular application of bio-innoculants to fields and compost piles, and is the only certification with a comprehensive Processing Standard centered on gentle food processing.