Introducing the new Agriculture Section Branch in Australia
So long as one feeds on foods from unhealthy soil,
the spirit will lack the stamina to free itself from the prison of the body.
Rudolf Steiner1
On 7 June 2024, the Australian Branch of the Agriculture Section of the School of Spiritual Science was created. This date coincided with the 100-year anniversary of Rudolf Steiner’s Agriculture Lectures. The creation of the Branch occurred with the approval of Ueli Hurter, co-chair of the Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum.
The use of the term ‘Agriculture Section Branch’ is a new form of referencing, which indicates the connectedness of our activity to the global Agriculture Section. Our branch does not stand alone but is a part of this world-wide entity. For example, the North American Agriculture Section and the Agriculture Section UK.
Collaboration
The Agriculture Section Branch is a forum where people interested in Anthroposophy and Spiritual Science who are connected to farming and gardening or related activities can meet, share ideas and carry out research.
The branch has been invited to join the International Circle of Representatives, which is a meeting place for other Agriculture Sections from around the world. Inspired by this, we are working on creating a circle of members from different parts of Australia.
Research
With our focus on biodynamic research, our intention is to contribute to the deeper understanding of the mysteries of biodynamic agriculture, as introduced by Rudolf Steiner.
We would like to encourage farmers, gardeners and others who have a strong relationship to nature and an interest and curiosity in the spiritual science of agriculture to get involved.
We recognise the potential for a cross-fertilisation of the multiple streams flowing from anthroposophy through collaboration. These streams include agriculture, medicine, nutrition, the arts, architecture, economics, Goethean science, astronomy and education.
We welcome participation from all.
Initial project themes of the Branch
- Create a Biodynamic Preparations Making Guild; exploring preparation quality, variations and practices across different ecosystems.
- Recording the history of biodynamics in Australia: archives, themes and variations, growing edges, etc.
- Local investigation of native plant alternatives or complementary preparations, etc.
- Recording the differences in biodynamic activities between the various ecosystems, e.g. comparing Far North Queensland’s activities with those of Tasmania, etc.
Getting involved
You can express your interest in getting involved in any of the initial project themes or perhaps you have ideas for a research project.
The branch will be producing a quarterly newsletter with updates on our activities. To subscribe to the newsletter, please email us.
Involvement of the Agriculture Section Branch does not preclude a person from belonging to any other agricultural organisation.
The branch is a not-for-profit organisation.
Read our Vision and the Mission statement.
The Facilitation Group
The founding facilitation group is made up of Cole Bradshaw (Tas), Rob Birse (Qld), Trevor Crowe (Tas), Brian Keats (NSW), Steve Kapolice (Vic), Paul Martin (Qld), Simon Martin (SA) and Mark Patton (NSW).
This group initially came together to organise Ueli Hurter’s 2024 Australian tour and have now founded the Agriculture Section Branch.
Watch videos from Ueli Hurter’s tour
Find out more about our inaugral meeting in June, 2025
Membership
The Agriculture Section is part of the Anthroposophical Society and the School of Spiritual Science. Anyone can apply to become a coworker in the Section if they feel they are aligned with the impulse of biodynamics.
To become a member of the Anthroposophical Society is an individual choice: anyone interested in doing this shall, in due course, become eligible to become a member of the School of Spiritual Science.
Biodynamic research from around the world
Agriculture Section at the Goetheanum – Research
Biodynamic Association UK – Research
Biodynamic Association USA – Research Portal
Demeter International Federation
1. Steiner, R., 2004. What is biodynamics?: a way to heal and revitalize the earth. Steiner Books.
Feature image: Ngeringa market garden, courtesy of MattWin Media
Image: Ueli Hurter talk at Ngeringa, courtesy of MattWin Media
Image: Sussex cows resting, courtesy of Michael Duveen, Jacobs Ladder Farm
Image: Dandelion flowers for making Preparation 506, courtesy of Adelaide Hills BD Group.