What is Agriculture? Swiss Expert Calls for Broader Perspective.

Today we have some tough agricultural challenges to deal with like pesticides, fairness, and global food security. The Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, advocates for a bigger-picture approach that not only deals with these issues, but also benefits the planet, people, food, animals, and nature. This is their story.

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 broader view of what agriculture can do, such as through community-based farming, aiming to boost crop yields, make life better for farmers and sellers, and deliver top-notch food to consumers. Looking at the bigger picture in this way: it's what you'd call a win-win situation for today's challenges in agriculture and food.

Strength in Balance

Rooted in Rudolf Steiner's 1924 spiritual-scientific lectures, the department has long coordinated international research and education to build resilient food systems and inspires global biodynamic farming and land stewardship movements. Their philosophy focusses on sustainable land management, balancing human needs with environmental health, and revitalising soil and biodiversity—key to optimal agriculture.

You Never Farm Alone

But now, it further calls for community power and engagement in the entire process. Its recent annual conference, 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.

"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."

Shared Success

The institute has long been at the heart of the global biodynamic movement, linking farmers, researchers, and organisations worldwide. And there are more biodynamic players 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). By bringing in farm workers, buyers, retailers, and customers, the institute aims for shared success through teamwork and responsibility.

Rekola Farm in Finland – Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum

What is Agriculture Today?

Improved agricultural results through community-based farming is gaining global traction. The study "Natural Farming through a Wide Angle Lens" for instance has showed, contrary to common beliefs, that agroecological farming delivers equal or even better outcomes compared to chemically intensive agriculture.

Using 'True Cost Accounting,' the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) project in India was assessed for the study. It demonstrated an average yield increase of 11%, boosting farmer incomes, enhancing human health and social capital, and showed how community-managed natural farming reduces chemical use and sustainably meets food needs.