Workshop at the Goetheanum
16 Reflection on the public impact of the Agriculture Course and the political endeavour for biodynamics
In this workshop we wish to explore the centenary ebb and flow of the political environment regarding biodynamics in different geographies. Starting with to the pre- and post-world wars policies and self-dispersing efforts, the workshop will focus on the present zeitgeist, including the predominant nexus between science and policies, evolving spirituality and the generational perceptions of environmentalism, or relationships of life and growth as an organic whole.
Through small group discussions, listening to each other realities, we will draw a multi-cultural landscape of experiences that inspires and guides our path towards widening circles of interconnection in spiritual and ecological striving.
Thursday 2 February:
- Introduction of participants
- Overview of the policy context of the biodynamic century: Nadia
- Open discussions
Friday 3 February:
- Small groups discussion of the policy context in their resident location (Popcorn method, 1-2-4-All): 3 questions (15 minutes each) to explore for economic, policy and cultural contexts
- Work groups share their discussions in plenary
Saturday 4 February:
- Plenary exploration of findings, with the objective to draw a mind map of biodynamic interconnections following the social threefolding model
Clara Behr
Biodynamics today: between recognition and criticism.
Date
2 February, 10:45-12:15
3 February, 10:45-12:15
4 February, 10:45-12:15
Place
Studentenwohnheim Rechts
Language
English | German
Nadia El Hage
Nadia El-Hage Scialabba is an ecologist who led for decades the organic programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. She is currently a researcher of the Swette Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (Arizona) and serves on the board of directors of the Italian Association for Biodynamic Agriculture.
Clara Behr
Clara Behr runs the policy and public relations department of the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International. She has several years of experience in EU agricultural policy in Brussels, including in the EU Parliament and with various agricultural associations. Currently she is primarily focused on the political discussions around GMO, climate change, and animal welfare.