Submit Completed Application
A producer planning the transition of a farm from conventional or conversion of organic to Biodynamic should start the process by requesting an application from the Demeter office. The application includes the initial application, which asks for the past management of the land to be certified and the proposed plan to move towards Demeter certification. The application documents the current situation of the farm and the plan to meet the Biodynamic Farm Standard. It is recommended, but not required, that new applications be submitted prior to April 1 so that the farm inspection can be planned and conducted during the growing season.
Arrange a Farm Visit
After Demeter receives the completed application and appropriate fees, the application is reviewed and assigned to an inspector who will contact the applicant to arrange a farm visit. During the visit, the information entered on the application will be verified and clarified.
Follow up on the Findings Report
The inspector’s report and the grower’s application will be reviewed by Demeter for compliance with the Biodynamic Farm Standard and Demeter will establish any requirements and recommendations in a Findings Report. The Demeter office will then notify the applicant of the certification decision and forward the Findings Report if there are suggested actions and/or requirements. The applicant is required to acknowledge the Findings Report and resolve any requirements. If certification is not granted, an explanation will be provided. A licensee wishing to amend the scope of an existing certification should write to the Demeter office giving details in support of the request. The Demeter office will decide what additional information is needed, if any. A revisit to the facility may be required.
Annual Renewal of Certification
Following the first year’s certification, Demeter sends out a Renewal Packet annually. A farm must have its certification renewed every year. Certification is contingent upon the receipt of a fully filled-out Renewal Packet, including an updated Farm Report, and the completion of a satisfactory on-site farm evaluation conducted during the growing season. Farmers must have resolved any issues found to be out-of-compliance at that time.
The Renewal Packet includes a declaration by the farmer, given in good faith and to the best of his/her knowledge, concerning the completeness and correctness of information supplied. Any anticipated changes in agricultural management, or any measures that could have a significant influence on the farm as a whole, must be discussed with Demeter.