16
July
2008
A healthy, well-structured soil, rich in humus and high in biological activity is a prerequisite for any sustainable agricultural system.
Decades of experience with the Biodynamic (BD) method on Australian farms have shown that these soil qualities can be promoted and degradation reversed by the correct application of BD techniques.
Mixed farms practising the Biodynamic method have been in existence for over 65 years with none showing any evidence of loss of fertility or productivity.
Biodynamic practitioners seek to understand and work with the life processes as well as enhance their understanding of the mineral processes used in conventional agriculture. Healthy soil is a prime basis for healthy plants, animals and people.
BD farming practices are of an organic nature, not relying on bringing artificial fertilisers on to the farm, although some organic or natural mineral fertiliser may be necessary during the establishment phase.
On Biodynamic farms we seek instead to enhance the soils structure and nutrient cycles as well as plant growth and development with the use of specific Preparations which are made from farm-sourced materials.
These are the Biodynamic Preparations numbered 500 to 507 used in conjunction with established agricultural practices such as composting and manuring, crop and pasture rotations, tree planting, the integrated use of livestock, etc. As the name suggests, these Preparations are designed to work directly with the dynamic biological processes and cycles which are the basis of soil fertility.
Pest and disease control is generally managed by developing the farm as a total organism. However, BD practitioners may make use of specific products for weed and pest control, which they make from the weeds and pests themselves.
Weeds and pests are very useful indicators of imbalances in soil, plants and animals; and the aim in the Biodynamic method is to use such indicators in a positive way.
The Biodynamic Preparations were developed out of indications by Dr Rudolf Steiner in 1924. They are not fertilisers themselves but greatly assist the fertilising process. As such they only need to be used in very small amounts.
Horn Manure Preparation (500) is used to enliven the soil, increasing the microflora and availability of nutrients and trace elements. Through it the root growth, in particular, is strengthened in a balanced way, especially the fine root hairs. Develops humus formation, soil structure and water holding capacity.
Horn Silica Preparation (501) enhances the light and warmth assimilation of the plant, leading to better fruit and seed development with improved flavour, aroma, colour and nutritional quality.
Compost Preparations (502 to 507), known collectively as the compost preparations, help the dynamic cycles of the macro- and micro-nutrients, via biological processes in the soil and in material breakdown.
Source: Biodynamic Agriculture Australia
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Biodynamic 
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16
July
2008
Queensland Country Life
July 15 2008
Consumers can soon be confident that the organic products they choose are truly organic as the development of an Australian Standard for the organic and biodynamic industry nears completion.Once finalised, the Australian Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products will establish one uniform Standard to address industry needs, government needs and consumer uncertainty around marketing and labelling claims on organic products.
Standards Australia will release the draft Australian Standard for public comment next week.
It will stipulate requirements for the production, preparation, transportation, marketing and labelling of organic and biodynamic products.
It places particular emphasis on farming and management practices which promote the use of renewable resources and conservation of soil, water and energy resources.
Unprocessed products from plants, animals and fungi such as fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, mushroom and fibres, as well as processed products such as processed food, cosmetics and skincare products which are labelled ‘organic’ are covered.
Deputy CEO of Standards Australia, Colin Blair, says the draft establishes minimum requirements to be met by growers and manufacturers for products that can be labelled ‘organic’ or ‘biodynamic’, creating a level playing field for growers, retailers and consumers.
“At the moment, consumers looking to buy organic products have no uniform guarantee of quality and integrity,” he says.
“Growers and certifiers already adhering to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service National Standard will not need to make major changes to their practices if they wish to comply with the voluntary Standard as the AQIS Standard forms the basis of the draft Australian Standard.”
The draft standard:
• Provides clear definitions about what is organic and what is not,
• Protects consumers against unsubstantiated claims and misleading labelling,
• Protects growers against misinterpretation and misleading use of organic agricultural practices and the term ‘organic’,
• Provides a guide for farmers considering conversion to organic farming.
Members of the public and interested parties are encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback to Standards Australia by September 22.
Standards Australia is working towards publishing the Australian Standard by December 2008.
There are currently no laws regulating agricultural practice and management of domestically-sold organic products or the use of marketing claims on organic products.
kimh297 Uncategorized No Comments »
16
July
2008
R. GOWRI gives the thumbs-up to The Natural Source range of organic skincare products for its moisturising and nourishing effects.
More: continued here
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16
July
2008
JUST BACK FROM SAN DIEGO Lu Eckhardt, broker/owner of Susan River Realty, along with realtor Leann Smith just returned from the 2008 First American Contractor/Broker Conference in San Diego.
More: continued here
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16
July
2008
Christian Lacroix personified the fashion excitement of the 1980s with the pouf skirt as well as the passion for fuchsia and vivid colour combos. The French couture designer now brings his flair for light-hearted femininity to a new perfume, Rouge.
More: continued here
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15
July
2008
Courses now available for booking online
Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Courses in Scotland and London:
- 1,2 & 3 September plus a Theory Course on 4 September 2008, Forres, Scotland
- 26, 27 & 28 September 2008, Fulham, London
Click here for online course bookings.
Courses for November and December now available for booking:
- Advanced Spa Products 1, 28 November 2008, Fulham, London
- Advanced Spa Products 2, 29 November 2008, Fulham, London
- Anti-Wrinkle/Skin Rejuvenation Products, 30 November 2008, Fulham, London
- Optimising and prescribin
- Vegetable Oils for different skin types, 6 December 2008, Fulham, London
- Theory Day on how to use our main Cosmetic Raw Materials, 7 December 2008, Fulham, London
Click here for online course bookings.
kimh297 Skincare Courses, Uncategorized No Comments »
15
July
2008
Brand new Aromantic Course! ‘Optimising and prescribing Vegetable Oils for different skin types’
Kolbjorn’s new book, The Aromantic Guide to Unlocking the Powerful Health & Rejuvenation Benefits of Vegetable Oils, which is selling very well, will be part of the course literature for his new course, which will be held on Saturday 6 December 2008. On the 1-day Course will cost £150 and as usual it’s great value for money - you will get an extra 80 new recipes as well as new information on the appropriate raw materials for different skin types. You’ll find out which Vegetable Oils, Vitamins, Botanical CO2 Extracts, Hydrolates, Herbs, Tinctures, Peelers & Exfoliates, Moisturisers and other active ingredients to use for Dry, Mature and Sensitive Skin types.
Note: If you already have bought a copy of The Aromantic Guide to Unlocking the Powerful Health & Rejuvenation Benefits of Vegetable Oils before you attend the Course, the price you paid for the book will be deducted off your course fee.
Course content
9.45 Registration
10.00 Theory: Vegetable Oils and other beneficial raw materials for dry skin
11.00 TEA BREAK
11.15 Practical: We make a Face Oil, Body Oil and Serum for dry skin
12.15 Theory: Vegetable Oils and other beneficial raw materials for mature skin
13.00-14.00 LUNCH
14.00 Practical: We make a Face Oil, Body Oil and Serum for mature skin
15.00 TEA BREAK
15.15 Theory: Vegetable Oils and other beneficial raw materials for sensitive skin
16.00 Practical: We make a Face Oil, Body Oil and Serum for sensitive skin
17.00 Questions and feedback
17.15 Course ends
Click here for online course bookings.
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