Biodynamic Agriculture and Processing Certification

What is this programme?

Demeter is owned by the Biodynamic Federation Demeter International and covers biodynamic farming and processing. Certification is carried out by the national Demeter organisation in member countries, and by the federation's own ICO in non-member countries.

Who is it for?

Farms practising biodynamic agriculture and organisations processing biodynamic raw material.

Who issues the certificate?

Depending on the country's membership status, the certificate is issued either by the national Demeter organisation or by the federation's own ICO; there is no single central certification body.

What to verify before you accept it

Confirm whether a national Demeter organisation exists in the operation's country, or whether certification runs through the federation's ICO instead.

What triggers an assessment?

• A biodynamic farming claim will be made on the product.
• A brand or retailer requires Demeter certification.
• A role is held in a stage that processes biodynamic raw material.

What does it not replace?

• It is not the same as organic programmes such as USDA Organic, JAS Organic or the Canada Organic Regime; Demeter covers biodynamic farming and does not substitute for an organic certificate.
• It does not cover the same supply chain as GOTS; GOTS covers textiles, Demeter covers agriculture and processing.