Dual-Inspections for Organic and Demeter Biodynamic®
CCOF is proud to partner with Demeter USA to certify operations against the Demeter Biodynamic® Farm Standard. Clients who are managing both organic and Biodynamic certifications can schedule dual-inspections with trained CCOF inspectors, and receive only one invoice.
About Demeter Biodynamic®
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-inoculants to fields and compost piles, and is the only certification with a comprehensive Processing Standard centered on gentle food processing.
Who can apply for Demeter Biodynamic Certification?
Operations located in the United States, Canada or US territories who already comply with the USDA Organic requirements, or who are transitioning to organic practices, are welcome to apply for Demeter Biodynamic® certification. Applicants are encouraged to review the Demeter Biodynamic® Farm Standard and the Processing Standard, and take note of the following requirements:
- Only whole-farm certification is possible
- Thoughtful integration of animals is required (with exemptions)
- Application of Biodynamic Preparations is required
- Not all materials approved by the USDA NOP are allowed by Demeter
- All processed products must comply with the Biodynamic standards for gentle processing
How much does Demeter Biodynamic® Certification cost? How long does it take to gain?
Demeter will issue all invoices associated with Biodynamic certification. Please refer to the Demeter Fee Schedule for complete information. Completing the process to become Biodynamic certified takes an average of 3 – 6 months.