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Demeter Certified Biodynamic
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| LABEL REPORT CARD |
| How meaningful is the label? |
Is the label verified? |
Is the meaning of the label consistent? |
Are the label standards publicly available? |
Is information about the organization publicly available? |
Is the organization free from conflict of interest? |
Was the label developed with broad public and industry input? |
| Highly |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
N/A |
No |
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LABEL CATEGORY:
Sustainable Agriculture |
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WHERE YOU'LL FIND THIS LABEL:
 FOOD
BEVERAGES
: wine
DAIRY PRODUCTS
: cheese, eggs
FRUIT
: berries - other, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, citrus, most fruits, oranges, peaches, pears, strawberries, watermelon
MEAT
: beef, chicken, pork
VEGETABLES
: artichokes, asparagus, basil, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, carrots (canned), cauliflower, cilantro, corn (canned), corn (fresh), cucumber, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peas, peppers - bell, peppers - hot, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, red chard, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squash, tomatoes
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WHAT THIS LABEL MEANS:
The Demeter "Biodynamic" label indicates that the products were produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers; and without animal by-products. Demeter prohibits the use of genetic engineering and has since 1992. In addition, crops may not be grown in areas subject to strong electromagnetic fields. The Biodynamic Transitional program is used for farms that are committed to Biodynamic agriculture but are in the process required for conversion from conventional farming. One year is required for full conversion to Biodynamic from organic farming.
Biodynamic agriculture began in 1928 as a result of an Austrian based Anthroposophical movement, a "spiritual science" and incorporates guiding principles that include cosmic rhythm (i.e. timing of the sun and moon phases), food grown from healthy, living soil, specific organic preparations for fertilizing and consumer connection with farmers.
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CONSUMERS UNION EVALUATION:
The Demeter Biodynamic is a highly meaningful sustainable agriculture label. The standards are clear and consistent in meaning. The guidelines for Biodynamic were formed in 1928 and it appears that Demeter follows them closely. The Demeter standards and board of directors are publicly available and therefore transparent.
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PROGRAM NAME:
Demeter - Biodynamic |
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ORGANIZATION NAME AND CONTACT INFO:
Demeter Association, Inc.
Post Office Box 1390
Philomath, OR
97370
Phone: 541-929-7148
Fax: 315-364-5224
URL: www.demeter-usa.org
Email Contact: jim@demeter-usa.org
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ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
HISTORY
Demeter has been certifying organic and biodynamic labeled food since 1982. The "Biodynamic" label program follows the standards set by Demeter. Demeter's "Aurora" organic label follow the USDA National Organic Program standards that were implemented October 21, 2002.
FUNDING
Demeter supports its labeling programs from certification fees.
STRUCTURE
Demeter's Board of Directors makes decisions regarding the standards of the "Biodynamic" label program. The Demeter "Aurora" organic label program has been accredited by the USDA, which accredits all organic certifiers. Changes made to the National Organic Program and its standards are made through the USDA.
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LABEL STANDARDS AND CRITERIA DETAIL:
click here for label standard - criteria test and analysis
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Lincoln Geiger - Farmer (President)
Patricia J. Smith - Retail Sales (Treasurer)
Anne Mendenhall - Certification Director (Secretary)
Parker Forsell - PhD candidate, ISU
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