Over the last decade, the number of Spanish operators with a biodynamic certification has been growing and more and more producers are becoming familiar with and expressing interest in this approach to food production, which has existed for 100 years in 2024, since Rudolf Steiner officially postulated its principles in Germany in 1924.
Dreiskel Biodynamics, a pioneering project in biodynamic agriculture founded by Jordi and Julia Querol in the year 2000, has played a key role in its dissemination in Spain. Today, it is the leading company in biodynamics in the country. "Dreiskel Biodynamics was born from the need to promote this highly trending form of agriculture in Spain. Its services are based on three axes: consulting and advisory services, training, and the sale and distribution of biodynamic products," says Jordi.
"On the advisory side, we offer the possibility of providing support and collaborating in different projects, helping at all levels, from specific help, such as the certification process, to comprehensive advice on the entire activity. We can also handle all the documentary management for those interested in adhering to the Demeter certification."
"As for training, we offer two well-differentiated options. We have been conducting on-site courses for 20 years, providing a broad perspective of biodynamics in a monographic manner in agricultural schools, companies or organizations interested in biodynamic agriculture. Since recently, we also have an online academy which is, in fact, the first online academy for training in biodynamic agriculture in Europe. It offers intensive online training taught by experts in the field and sector leaders recognized by the Demeter International Biodynamic Federation."
"Biodynamic agriculture has a more than interesting market at the European level"
Jordi and Julia Querol met in southern Germany and both received training and became qualified in biodynamic agriculture in Germany, at the Freie Landbauschule Bodensee agricultural school. "We decided to return to Spain and create Dreiskel Biodynamics, with which we wanted to promote and offer comprehensive services in and for biodynamic agriculture, professionalize the sector and offer the possibility of receiving comprehensive and regulated training," says Jordi.
"In previous years, when anyone mentioned biodynamics, it was perceived as an esoteric concept, as it was linked to the knowledge about the relationship between the Earth and the movements of the moon and the planets. In any case, the word 'esoteric' actually refers to knowledge that, due to its complexity, can only be shared when the recipient already has previous knowledge. So, generally speaking, it is not a negative word." Curiosities aside, "the reality is that biodynamic agriculture has a more than interesting market at a European level, and Spain, with its climate and diversity of crops, is the garden of Europe. For a few years already, there has been a great demand for a wide range of crops and for foods with the Demeter certification."
"In fact, this demand has caused the number of Demeter operators to grow by 30% annually since the year 2018, and in 2024, Spain already has more than 800 certified operators and a wide range of crops."
"This trend has been driven by many companies obtaining the Demeter seal, thereby adding value to their brands and more easily gaining access to new sales lines in Europe which they were unable to reach with organic products. And all that in the context of a rising demand for biodynamic foods."
In Spain, citrus fruits, fruit trees and vegetables accounted for 42% of the acreage dedicated to biodynamic agriculture in 2023. These, together with vineyards and olives, are the crops with the most certified hectares.
"Scandinavian countries stand out among the markets demanding the most Demeter foods, although Germany still leads the market, with 60% of the total share," says Jordi. "Finding a whole supermarket aisle in Germany with only biodynamic foods is just as normal as it is for us to find an aisle just with organic products."
"For us, it is important to support operators in the marketing of their productions, helping them find new channels and analyzing offers and commercial possibilities." Currently, in fact, Dreiskel Biodynamics has more than 2,000 clients who trust in its experience and knowledge of the biodynamic sector.
"Here in Spain, the great challenge for now is to get different associations to work together in biodynamic projects to better disseminate the knowledge about this type of agriculture, because it is barely known by consumers. The situation of biodynamics is very similar to that of the organic; we are great producers, but consumption is not at the same level. We shouldn't forget that we barely consume 10% of the organic products we produce."
For more information:
Dreiskel Biodynamics S.L.
Molí de les Canals S/N. Km. 1.4
43550 Ulldecona, Tarragona. Spain
Tel.: +34 977 900 434 / +34 654 036 644
[email protected]
www.dreiskel.com