Let's do this together: Reimagining Farming

femkevaniperen
3 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

As people everywhere are really getting into the whole community vibe, why not apply that to farming and give the economy a little boost too? Fresh research is offering new insights into farming, and the Agriculture Section from Switzerland, which handles biodynamic projects globally, is all for it. They believe it’s a win-win for everyone. Here's their latest perspective.

Man and woman at an outdoor market stand. Man in cap weighs produce beside baskets of greens and flowers. Price sign reads "Hinnat". — Community-supported agriculture at Rekola, Finland, from the movie '100 years biodynamic' (*Section for Agriculture*).

When it comes to taking economic action, people can join unions, strike, use economic influence, or drive social movements for fairness. They can support small businesses, advocate for a green economy, or focus on job creation. Or, they can tap into the power of community. This way of doing things is catching on and showing results. It's all about saying: let's tackle this together. The same applies to farming, as the Swiss Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum points out—there's real strength in community.

The organisation believes it's time to shake up how we see economic activities in agriculture. It's time to take a step back and see the bigger picture in food production, recognising that there's strength in numbers. So, at this year's global conference, they're highlighting the importance of community, especially for all the individual biodynamic farmers going at it alone around the world.

People sitting in a circle inside a barn, engaging in discussion on hay. A small dog is present. The setting is rustic with natural light. — Farming together: A group of people (and dog!) engaged in a discussion about sustainable farming practices, gathered in a rustic barn setting (*Ueli Hurter*).

Man in red sweater and green cap feeds black and brown sheep in grassy field. Modern building in background, cloudy sky above. — A caretaker lovingly feeds a lamb while elder sheep watch over in the serene Goetheanum Garden Park, illustrating the profound connection between humans and animals (*Swiss Section for Agriculture*).

Everybody Wins

So, what is this global organisation all about? The Section for Agriculture, or Sektion für Landwirtschaft, focuses on a spiritual-scientific approach to farming and supports biodynamic projects worldwide. They highlight the value of community and partnerships, seeing agriculture as a team effort, and the importance of looking at the bigger picture.

For instance, did you know that biodynamic farming lets mother cows remain with their calves for a longer period compared to other dairy methods, and that this results in better-tasting milk, a boost in the health of both animals and humans, benefits for the environment, and a bolstered global agricultural economy?

"Today, agriculture faces major socio-economic challenges. Active engagement with people on the farm, but also with buyers, retailers and customers, helps to foster mutual understanding and find fair solutions for everyone," Eduardo Rincón, Co-leader of the Agriculture Section, told Perspective Living, to emphasise the importance of this viewpoint in farming today.

"Agriculture faces major socio-economic challenges, which can be addressed by engaging with farm workers, buyers, retailers, and customers to foster mutual understanding and fair solutions."

Three people harvesting in a lush green field, smiling and using tools. Overcast sky, surrounded by leafy plants and trees. — Farmers joyfully harvest fresh produce at Rekola Biodynamic Farm in Finland, showcasing sustainable agriculture practices amidst lush greenery (*Section for Agriculture*).

Women and children mix soil on a tarp outdoors. A woman in green pours water from a yellow jug. Bright clothes and sunny setting. — Women collaborating on soil preparation at the Joyful Biodynamic Farm in India, fostering sustainable agriculture and community spirit (*Anthoni Selvi*).

Golden wheat field at dusk under a pinkish sky, with the moon rising over distant hills. Calm and serene atmosphere. — A tranquil sunset over a biodiverse grain field, with the moon rising above distant hills, highlighting the harmony between agriculture and nature (*Lin Bautze*).

So, Let's Do This Together

The institute is basically saying we need to rethink how communities can get involved in economic activities, including farming. By teaming up, taking responsibility, and making sure everyone gains—especially with fresh global ideas and the issues in today's economic systems—communities can all succeed together.

To make all this happen, the organisation is committed to creating strong food systems, through networking, research, and events, and this year's event, the Agriculture Conference 2026 in February, "You Never Farm Alone," is all about supporting farmers globally and uniting them.

"Agriculture is a community effort—it flourishes through relationships and partnerships," said Rincón, echoing other global developments: the power of community, where the sum is greater than its parts. "Biodynamics expands our perspective of community by incorporating economic, biological, and spiritual elements into the social aspect," Rincón added.

So, whether you're a farmer looking to feel more connected, or someone going through the same thing, the focus on community could be inspiring for everyone and this conference and its website might just have some cool new ideas worth checking out.

"Agriculture thrives on community efforts and partnerships. Biodynamics expands this by integrating economic, biological, and spiritual elements into the social framework."

Venn diagram with colorful circles labeled Social, Economic, Cultural, Ecology, Spiritual. Text: Draft "New Narrative" for Sustainable Development. — Draft of the "New Narrative" for sustainable development, presented at the World Goetheanum Forum 2025 in Sekem, highlighting interconnected themes

About the Organisation and Conference

The Section for Agriculture is a movement dedicated to holistic and sustainable farming, with the goal of enhancing food vitality and fostering healthy ecosystems. This spiritual-scientific initiative aims to develop resilient food systems through research, conferences, and support for farmers worldwide. Biodynamic farming is now present on all continents, with an estimated 40,000 farms in 64 countries, 7,000 of which are certified with the "Demeter" label (source: Agriculture Section Switzerland).

Agriculture Conference |‎‎ You Never Farm Alone, Living Communities for the Future |‎‎ 4 - 7 February 2026 | Goetheanum | Dornach, Switzerland

A group of people gather outdoors at night in front of a lit modern building. Some hold papers and listen attentively under palm trees. — Participants gather for an evening session at the World Goetheanum Forum 2025 in Sekem, fostering connections and collaborative dialogue in the serene outdoor setting.

Woman in blue sitting on a stone, hugging a brown calf. Another calf approaches. Greenery in the background, conveying a peaceful vibe. — A woman tenderly interacts with a calf in a community farming setting, highlighting the close bond between humans and animals in sustainable agricultural practices (*Anthoni Selvi*).

After Thought: Another Wide-Angle & Fresh Perspective

A study titled "Natural Farming through a Wide Angle Lens: True Cost Accounting Study of Community-Managed Natural Farming" also offers a new perspective on farming. Conducted by GIST Impact and the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, it challenges the old perspective that we need to rely on chemicals in farming. Conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, the study reveals that community-managed natural farming can not only sustainably meet food needs, but also that the benefits of natural farming often outweigh the costs. Farms using natural inputs saw an average yield increase of 11% and maintained diverse crops. This approach also strengthened community bonds, increased farmer incomes by 49%, improved health, and encouraged more women to join the workforce.