Certification represents highest level of sustainable farming by an Oregon herb farm

08.25.2009 - Sandy, Ore. - Continuing to define the standards of best practices in organic farming, Oregon's Wild Harvest has achieved Biodynamic® certification of its herb farm located outside of Portland, Ore. Certified by Demeter USA, the Biodynamic® certification represents the highest level of sustainable farming, recognizing the approach of Oregon's Wild Harvest to holistic farming practices that exceed the requirements of organic certification.

A family-owned producer of certified organic herbal supplements, the farm operated by Oregon's Wild Harvest was officially certified Biodynamic ®on August 12.

"For Oregon's Wild Harvest, Biodynamic® farming represents the highest level of commitment to alternative farming for alternative medicine," said Randy Buresh, Co-founder of Oregon's Wild Harvest. "Three years ago we undertook this process of achieving Biodynamic ® certification as part of our commitment to provide our customers with the healthiest herbal supplements available."

Defined in 1924 by noted Austrian philosopher Dr. Rudolf Steiner, Biodynamic® farming is founded on the principle that the farm is a living organism capable of meeting its needs without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It is the highest paradigm of sustainable farming, offering one of the smallest carbon footprints of any agricultural method.

"Biodynamic® farming has been called holistic land stewardship at its best," said Buresh. "Our land and our farm are extremely important to us, allowing us to grow quality plants for use in our products. We were already a certified organic farm and we were ready to take our farm further along this path as a self contained living organism."

In practice, Biodynamic® farming focuses on the interdependence of the soil, plants, animals and humans working together in harmony. Practices including on-farm recycling, composting and water conservation are all considered to be an integral part of the life of the farm. Additionally, the gravitational pull of the moon on the earth's moisture is an important holistic consideration of a Biodynamic ® farm.

"Demeter is pleased to welcome Oregon's Wild Harvest into our family of Biodynamic® certified farms," said Jim Fullmer, Executive Director of Demeter® USA. "We applaud their commitment to the environment, their land, their family and their customers in creating a truly sustainable farm."

Already certified as an Organic Grower, to maintain its Biodynamic® certification Oregon's Wild Harvest's farm will be inspected annually to ensure it is adhering to Demeter® farm standards. The company intends to pursue the Demeter® processing standard, which will allow Oregon's Wild Harvest to market its products as Biodynamic®. Currently, Demeter®'s product list includes dairy, grains, wine, distilled spirits, oils, coffee, tea, personal care products, meats and breads as well as medicinal herbs.