Demeter is a trademark for Biodynamic agriculture. Only strictly inspected contracted partners are allowed to use the Demeter logo. There are inspections to check whether the complete chain from production to processing meets the exacting standards of the Demeter Association. On top of this there is the annual EU organic inspection against the EU organic regulations, which regulate the minimum standard for organic produce. The holistic Demeter requirements are over and above it. As well as foregoing the use of synthetic fertilisers and chemical plant protection agents or artificial additives in processing, they require specific promotion of life processes in the soil and in food. Demeter farmers and processors are active in building a future that is worth living. They guarantee food that has character; they guarantee intensified sensory qualities and healthy pleasure in eating.
More information at www.demeter.de
More than a small difference between Demeter and EU or
Organic | Demeter | |
---|---|---|
Full conversion | Partial conversion allowed | Full enterprise must be converted to Biodynamic management |
Animal husbandry | Not essential | Requirement as the farm is seen as a individual organism |
Dehorning of cattle | Allowed | Not allowed |
Poultry | No rooster required, debeaking allowed | Hens are to be kept with roosters, debeaking is not allowed |
Feed for poultry and pigs | Depending on the animal type,5-10% of the feed ration may be conventional. A wide spectrum of feeds allowed. | 100% organic feed is required for Demeter animals. |
Green feeds | Not necessary | Required |
Synthetic vitamins in fodder | Allowed | Not allowed in fodder |
Origin of the animals | Up to 10% of the cattle herd may be brought in from conventional sources. (female animals without calves) | Cattle and sheep: No Demeter sale of animals born before conversion, or brought in from uncertified sources. |
Use of preparations | Not regulated | Preparations must be used |
Working with cosmic rhythms | Not regulated | A principle of Biodynamic agriculture |
Seeds | Seed breeding not regulated | Breeding on farm, not in the laboratory; no hybrid multiplication. Keine Hybridvermehrung Breeding based on food quality |
Plant protection | Copper allowed | Copper usage tightly restricted |
Processing of meat and sausages | Nitrites are allowed | Nitrites are not allowed |
Processing of fruit and vegetables | Enzymes and natural flavours allowed | Only aroma extracts allowed |
Additives and aids | About 60 aids and additives are allowed | Restricted number of aids allowed and specific to the products (e.g. rennet just for cheese making) |