Demeter International is the largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture, and is one of three predominant organic certifiers. Demeter certification is used in over 50 countries to verify that biodynamic products meet international standards in production and processing. It is the first ecological label for organically produced foods. Its name is a reference to Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain and fertility. Wikipedia
Founded: 1928
Headquarters location: Darmstadt, Germany
Members: 1400 (Germany); 4500 (worldwide)
Method: Certification
Founders: Erhard Bartsch, Franz Dreidax
Type of business: Charitable organization
WHAT IS DEMETER CERTIFICATION?
Demeter is the brand for products from Biodynamic Agriculture. Only strictly controlled and contractually bound partners are permitted to use the Brand. A comprehensive verification process insures strict compliance with the International Demeter Production and Processing Standards, as well as applicable organic regulations in the various countries; without a gap, through every step, from agricultural production to processing and final product packaging. The holistic Demeter requirements exceed government mandated regulations. Not only do they exclude the use of synthetic fertilisers and chemical plant protection agents in agricultural crop production, or artificial additives during processing, but also require very specific measures to strengthen the life processes in soil and foodstuffs. Demeter farmers and processors actively contribute toward the shaping of a future worth living for, creating healthy foods of distinctive tastes, truly “Foods with Character”. Demeter – the Brand you can trust in – Demeter International
Demeter International oversees the standards for certification used in various countries around the world. The following are links to your closest Demeter organizations for additional information, copies of standards, and to become a member.
Demeter Canada - coordinates all biodynamic certification in Ontario, and in most other provinces. Offering two levels of certification, Demeter and “in-conversion” to Demeter, both of which are based on standards established by Demeter International.
Demeter USA - is the only certifier for Biodynamic farms and products in America. While all of the organic requirements for certification under the National Organic Program are required for Biodynamic certification, the Demeter standard is much more extensive, with stricter requirements around imported fertility, greater emphasis on on-farm solutions for disease, pest, and weed control, and in depth specifications around water conservation and biodiversity.
