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View as PDF file. About the name About the logo The Original ABOUT page |
ARACARIA BIODYNAMIC FARM Aracaria comprises 22 acres near Mullumbimby in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. The climate is mild and sub-tropical. Rainfall averages around 2 meters (78 inches) per annum. The area is lush and fertile, being part of the Mount Warning volcanic system. We have ocean glimpses to the east, an impressive escarpment to the north and the cone of Mount Chincogan to the north-east. HISTORY The Northern Rivers area was once dense rain forest. European settlement resulted in clearing and logging. It is said that the Suez Canal was built with Mullumbimby timber. Banana plantations, beef and dairy farming followed. Originally Aracaria was part of a large farm that was divided into smaller holdings. Biodynamic principles were introduced in the early 90s. Pecan, mango and lemon myrtle orchards were established. The land changed hands in 2002 and became Aracaria in November, 2002. The continuous application of BD preparations for over 10 years makes Aracaria precious and rare. THE VISION It is clear that commercial agriculture using artificial fertilizers, herbicides etc is ultimately unsustainable as it will inevitable deplete the soil and is poisoning the planet. Organic methods are important steps in the right direction. Biodynamic practice goes further again by working with the earthly and cosmic energies that bring vitality and health to soil and plants, going beyond sustainability to a bigger vision of providing the nutrition and forces for the continual evolution of Earth and humanity. It is our intention to grow the land into a living, shared artwork that vitally demonstrates the biodynamic principles of life-force and harmony between soil, plants, animals and humans and indeed the whole universe! Aracaria is a 20 year project. SIX BIODYNAMIC FUNDAMENTAL POINTS 1. The word biodynamics combines two aspects of growing: ‘bio’ which refers to bringing life into matter (i.e. as in all physical organisms including plants, animals, humans and even the Earth herself) and ‘dynamics’ that suggest the rhythmical movements all life is subject to (e.g. the seasons) and which have their correlations to planetary rhythms. 2. The farmer / gardener is the creative balancing and harmonizing agent that brings these forces together to let plants express themselves to their fullest potential of taste, beauty, fragrance and nutrition. 3. Biodynamics aims to be proactive in creating and evolving a healthy biosphere that vitalizes all life in soil and atmosphere. 4. The biodynamic approach works with nature in its totality. This includes consideration of cosmic (e.g. Sun and Stars) and earthly forces. 5. The goal of biodynamics is to produce food that fully nourishes the human potential, body, soul and spirit. 6. Behind all matter and forces, i.e. everything, is the activity of spirit. WHO ‘INVENTED’ BIODYNAMICS? Biodynamics is based on the work of the Austrian philosopher and visionary Rudolf Steiner. He outlined his ideas in eight lectures (1924). The lectures are recorded in the book 'Agriculture'. Steiner explained that the health of plants, soil and animals depends on us becoming conscious of the relationship and interplay of subtle forces between the Earth and its forces (including gravity) and the more distant cosmic peripheral forces (including levity). He gave practical instructions on how to treat the atmosphere, soil, manure and compost, how to make special biodynamic fertilizing preparations and generally harness the natural forces that are neglected in the modern approach to agriculture. The biodynamic approach to agriculture is now practiced in many countries of the world. WHAT ARE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS? There are 9 biodynamic preparations (500 - 508) that are either applied to the soil or compost. Each plays a specific role and helps to connect Earth and Cosmic life forces. Preparation plants include, Yarrow, Chamomile, Dandelion, Nettle, Valerian, Equisetum, Oak Bark, Ground Quartz and Cow Manure. They are processed, buried and lifted in harmony with Nature rhythms and applied in small amounts. NB: They are not a substitute for good fertilizer but will set up preconditions for enhanced life processes. GROWN ON ARACARIA Biodynamic preparation plants, pecans, mangoes, lemon myrtle, persimmons, figs, asparagus, yams, potatoes, lemon grass, lotus flowers, turmeric, cardamon, ginger, citrus, rosella, vegetables, many herbs. Our gardens are constantly expanding. THE ARACARIA WEBSITE We maintain an extensive website which records in words and pictures our daily activities. It also offers an expanding range of BD research material and links to related sites. |
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