The Josephine Porter Institute: Applied Biodynamics

The Courtney farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, home of the Josephine Porter Institute for the last twenty-three years, was approved in November for a conservation easement through the Virginia Outdoor Foundation. A conservation easement provides for the land to remain in agricultural use rather than being subject to commercial or residential development, and results in a decrease of the market value of the land. Such a decrease will allow JPI to eventually purchase the land from the Courtney family, insuring a home for the preparations-making into the future.

Autumn is a busy time at JPI. At the last annual (2008) Fall Prep-Making Workshop and Conference more than thirty people gathered to learn how to make biodynamic preparations and to hear renowned biodynamic soil and vineyard consultant, Philippe Armenier.

The fall issue of JPI’s newsletter Applied Biodynamics featured an in-depth article by Hunter Francis on Manfred Klett’s 2008 visit to Rudolf Steiner College. Former head of the agricultural section in Dornach, Klett is author of many important books and lectures on biodynamics.

The winter issue of Applied Biodynamics presented a revised and updated version of Ehrenfried Pfeiffer’s original farm survey questionnaire. This document was to furnish in-depth biographical information about the farm individuality in anticipation of a future visit by Pfeiffer to guide the farm into biodynamic agriculture. The farm questionnaire will now be used by JPI’s Farmer-to-Farmer Advisory Service.

The key is one’s attitude in working the land. Transform what you think and feel in your daily work! Even a conventional farmer with great care and devotion becomes a great fertilizer. We fertilize the earth through our work being penetrated and carried by our thinking and feeling.

–Manfred Klett quoted in “Working in the Midst of Polarity: Manfred Klett’s Further Reflections on Biodynamics,” by Hunter Francis, in the Spring issue of Applied Biodynamics

Learn to Make the Biodynamic Preparations

The institute’s 2009 educational events range from one-day workshops to the five-day fall preparation-making event. Topics include learning to make and use horn manure, horn silica, valerian, yarrow, stinging nettle; composting, harvesting of sheaths and working with planting calendars.

Maria Mihok attended the fall workshop and described its meaning for her. “Having now been a part of the process of the preparations from creation to application to witnessing the results, I have a whole new appreciation and reverence for them. I also have a much deeper level of gratitude for the plants, animals, trees, minerals, and human efforts involved. I have no plans to make the preparations on my own; however, I think I would be able to if necessary. And I know absolutely that every part of the experience of this workshop will live on in me whenever I buy, work with, apply, and speak about the preparations... I highly recommend this workshop to anyone of any level of experience with an interest in biodynamics. It will change your life.”

Website: jpibiodynamics.org