What is Agriculture? Swiss Expert Calls for Broader Perspective

What is agriculture? The answer to that seems to be changing. Agriculture is evolving, with current concerns about pesticide health impacts, fairness, and food sufficiency. The Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, advocates for a broader perspective and says it's time for a change of focus to community and collective strength.

Farming Collaboratively – Ueli Hurter (The Section for Agriculture, Goetheanum)

The Goetheanum's Section for Agriculture is not only a big name in the world of biodynamic farming, helping farmers all over the globe, they're also at the forefront of fresh ideas in agriculture. Right now, they're pushing for a wider view on what farming can do, aiming to boost crop yields, make life better for farmers and sellers, and deliver top-notch food to consumers. It's what you'd call a win-win situation for today's challenges in agriculture and food.

Their philosophy is already about managing land sustainably, balancing what humans need with keeping the environment healthy and revitalising soil and biodiversity, key elements when it comes to addressing the question of what optimal agriculture looks like, and now, more than ever it is about the power of community and getting everyone engaged in the whole process.

So, its Annual Conferences, which are a chance for everyone to come together and talk about resilience, ecology, and taking care of the land, in 2026, "You Never Farm Alone," focussed on the importance of community.

"Agriculture is dealing with big socio-economic issues. By working with farmers, buyers, retailers, and customers, we can build mutual understanding and find fair solutions," said Eduardo Rincón, Co-leader of the Agriculture Section. "Agriculture is all about relationships and teamwork," Rincón pointed out, mentioning that biodynamics blends economic, biological, and spiritual elements into community efforts.

The institute is at the heart of the global biodynamic movement, linking farmers, researchers, and organizations worldwide. And there are more than you might think. Biodynamic farming is happening all over, with 40,000 farms in 64 countries, including 7,000 that are "Demeter" certified  (source: Agriculture Section Switzerland).

Rekola Farm in Finland – Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum

Getting everyone involved makes community-based farming stronger, which is a growing perspective globally. The study "Natural Farming through a Wide Angle Lens" by GIST Impact and the Global Alliance for the Future of Food shows how community-managed natural farming can cut down on chemicals and meet food needs sustainably.

By bringing in farm workers, buyers, retailers, and customers, the institute aims for shared success through teamwork and responsibility. Started in the 1920s from Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophical ideas, it coordinates international research and education to build resilient food systems.