Agriculture

8 lectures and 4 Q&A sessions, Kobierzyce, Poland, June 7–20, 1924 (CW 327)

A century after Rudolf Steiner's lectures on agriculture in 1924, the effects of his words are self-evident—around the world, biodynamic principles are practiced on thousands of thriving farms, vineyards, and gardens, and Demeter certification for biodynamic produce is recognized internationally as a mark of health and quality.

Speaking to a small audience of farmers in the small village of Kobierzyce, Poland, Steiner launched the first organic agricultural movement. Nevertheless, what has come to be known today as “biodynamics” is distinguished by a number of unique aspects, including the use of herbal and mineral preparations (“dynamizing” applications for compost and field sprays) and the concept of farms and gardens as a individual living organisms that incorporate animals, crops, soil, and community.

This definitive centenary edition of Steiner’s influential agriculture course has been reedited from primary sources to be as faithful as possible to his original meaning and intention. Shorthand reports have been newly transcribed, archival discoveries added, and fresh commentary and notes inserted.

In addition to the original eight lectures and four discussions, this volume features a wealth of new texts, including notes, addresses, and resolutions related to the Experimental Circle (contemporaneously established to join research with practice), comprehensive facsimiles of Steiner’s preparatory notes for the course; original programs and lists of attendee; questions sent in advance; Steiner’swritten and verbal reports, including his address to young people; photos of Kobierzyce; and high-quality color plates of his original blackboard drawings.

This book is a translation from German of Geisteswissenschaftliche Grundlagen zum Gedeihen der Landwirtschaft. Landwirtschaftlicher Kursus (GA 327).