Principle No. 3

One of the concepts that has most appealed to me within biodynamic agriculture is that of the “agricultural organism.” This theme, developed by Rudolf Steiner, forms one of the pillars of biodynamics and was introduced with the second of the eight lectures on agriculture in 1924, known as the “Koberwitz Course.”

The Concept of Agricultural Organism according to Steiner.

Steiner’s perspective was decidedly innovative for the time (and for later years as well), as he proposed to view the farm not simply as a place of production, but as an autonomous living organism in balance with itself and its surroundings. In essence, each element of the farm (soil, plants, animals and humans) is seen as part of a harmonious system, where each component plays a specific role and contributes to the well-being of the whole. It is as if each individual factor were an organ of a single living body.

Steiner based this view on a few key points:

1. Autonomy and Self-sufficiency
   The farm should be as self-sufficient as possible, producing internally what it needs, such as compost, seeds and animal feed.
2. Closed Cycles
   Nutrients must be recycled within the farm, thus reducing dependence on external inputs. A prime example is the use of animal manure as a natural fertilizer for fields.
3. Diversity of Elements
   A biodynamic farm should encourage biodiversity by growing different varieties of plants, raising animals and preserving natural spaces such as hedgerows, groves and wildlife refuge areas.
4. Balance between Plants and Animals
   The presence of animals is essential to the agricultural cycle: their manure enriches the soil, while the plants provide food for the animals, thus closing the circle of integrated and regenerative agriculture.

Rudolf Steiner’s real goal behind the concept of an agricultural organism is to create a harmonious, resilient and sustainable ecosystem in which each element contributes to the overall well-being. This is not just an agricultural technique, but a holistic view that considers the land, the environment and humans as interconnected parts of a single living entity. In this way, Steiner gave birth to a new form of agriculture that is not dependent on the chemical industry and plays an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and sustainability.

According to Steiner, the concept of an agricultural organism is based on the requirement of self-sufficiency and, consequently, a “complete” farm (e.g., with composting and a variety of crops). Unfortunately, many modern farms have gradually lost this self-sufficiency character, becoming less and less ecologically balanced. For Steiner, on the other hand, it was essential to maintain a natural balance between resource production and consumption, where the nutrient cycle is closed through composting and without overexploitation of pastures. Agricultural self-sufficiency, therefore, had significant benefits, such as soil health, animal welfare, product quality,environmental balance, and economic sustainability.

Today, the self-sufficiency outlined by Rudolf Steiner is an ambitious ideal: many biodynamic farms fail to achieve it completely and continue to depend on external inputs in various respects. However, the practice of composting should remain a minimum requirement that can ensure an internal cycle of soil regeneration.

The concept of an agricultural organism is also found in other agricultural methods, such as permaculture. Between biodynamics and permaculture there are several points of contact and some elements of difference. In permaculture, the farm is considered an integrated, resilient and self-sufficient system that mimics natural ecosystems, in a way not very dissimilar to biodynamics. As in Steiner’s vision, it aims to create a closed cycle with minimal external inputs and to enhance the principle that “everything is connected.” However, permaculture primarily leverages a design approach that brings the elements of the system together, without including a “spiritual” and cosmic perspective, which is characteristic of biodynamic agriculture.

Here are the main differences between the concept of Agricultural Organism in Permaculture and Biodynamics

The concept of agricultural organism is also found in other forms of agriculture, sometimes with new ideas and practices. One example issyntropic agriculture, which integrates elements such as ecological successions, plant stratifications and cooperation among species. This is a fascinating topic, but in order not to dwell on it too much, let us now focus on how the concept of agricultural organism is structured within the MANS method.

The concept of Agricultural Organism in the MANS Method.

The MANS Method thus aims to enhance the concept of the agricultural organism through a mix of sustainable practices, closed cycles, and a holistic approach that integrates traditional knowledge with modern ecological needs. These elements contribute to self-sustaining and regenerative farms in which human beings participate as conscious directors of larger natural processes.

Self-sufficiency, Harmony and Environmental Organism in the MANS Method..

In the MANS Method, the key words are self-sufficiency, harmony and farm (or environmental) organism. These concepts should always be considered together, because only through their integration can a truly sustainable agricultural system be created.

1. Self-sufficiency

Self-sufficiency is the ability to produce what is necessary for one’s livelihood, reducing dependence on external sources as much as possible. This also includes the ability to regenerate oneself, to keep one’s internal cycles in balance and to respond independently to external challenges.

• Soil fertility: Through practices such as composting and nutrient recycling, an agricultural system maintains its productivity without relying on chemical fertilizers.
• Self-regulation: Biodiversity, promoted by mixed and polycultures, helps prevent pests and diseases naturally.
• Flexibility: Being self-sufficient does not mean shutting yourself off completely from outside influences, but rather limiting the input of unsustainable inputs.

2. Harmony

Harmony is the achievement of a state of dynamic balance, in which each element (human beings, plants, animals, soil, climate, etc.) coexists and interacts synergistically, supporting and nurturing each other.

• Dynamic balance: Harmony is an evolving process that depends on adaptation to seasonal, climatic or dietary changes.
• Biodiversity: By fostering biological diversity, a cooperative rather than competitive environment is created, increasing long-term resilience and sustainability.
• Respect for natural cycles: Every agricultural action (planting, pruning, harvesting) takes place in tune with natural rhythms, promoting the balance of the system.

3. Environmental Body

The agricultural ecosystem is conceived as a living organism in its own right, whose elements (from biodiversity to soil quality) cooperate in continuous interaction.

• Dynamic and adaptive: Like a living body, the environmental organism is self-regulating through cyclical feedbacks and is constantly evolving.
• Energy flow: Every part of the system (plants, animals, microorganisms, soil) contributes to generating an energy flow that fuels all vital processes.
• Role of the farmer: The farmer is a conscious actor who must never make decisions that weaken the system, but rather strengthen and sustain it.

Integration of the Three Concepts

Self-sufficiency, harmony and environmental organism form a whole:

• Without harmony, self-sufficiency cannot develop in the long term.
• Without self-sufficiency, the agricultural organism depends too much on the outside and does not achieve balance.
• Without the vision of a living organism, there is a lack of awareness of how each individual element interacts with the overall system.

Recommended Bibliography

If you would like to learn more about the topics covered in this installment, you can check out these books that illustrate practices and theories behind the concept of “agricultural organism” from different perspectives:

• Scientific-Spiritual Impulses for the Advancement of Agriculture, by Rudolf Steiner
• Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual, by Bill Mollison
• The One-Straw Revolution, by Masanobu Fukuoka
• Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems, by Stephen R. Gliessman
• The Soil Will Save Us, by Kristin Ohlson
• The Resilient Farm and Homestead, by Ben Falk
• The New Organic Grower, by Eliot Coleman
• Restoration Agriculture, by Mark Shepard
• Farming with Nature: The Case for Community-Supported Agriculture, by Sara Snow
• Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, by Janisse Ray
• The Holistic Orchard: Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way, by Michael Phillips

Conclusion and Anticipation

I hope I have provided useful information about the concept of an agricultural organism and why, at the heart of the MANS Method, there is an ongoing effort to achieve this goal. As you may have guessed, it is more than just an agronomic practice: it is an ecological approach that combines science, ethics and sustainability.

In the next installment, we will explore how the agricultural organism is not only a system for producing quality food, but also a tool for achieving long-term sustainability and regeneration. We will focus on operational aspects, such as crop diversification, complementary plants and polyculture.

Stay connected!!!