The future of agriculture
For 46 years, scientists have been investigating the effects of the agricultural cultivation systems commonly used in Switzerland in the long-term DOK trial. For the first time, these recognised research results are now being made available to the general public. The message is clear: organic farming, especially biodynamic agriculture, is the way of the future. Only these two ensure the long-term sustainability of our soils and thus soil fertility. Their soil- and plant-friendly cultivation maintains the biodiversity necessary for humans and nature, the quality of food, and a healthy equilibrium. Moreover, organic farming conserves resources and is efficient in production.
The biodynamic system (Demeter) significantly differs from all others in three ways: only here does a steady build-up of humus take place over years; is there greater vitality in the soil; and is the effect on the climate much smaller. Further research is needed to understand these processes.
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Science clearly favours organic farming
What grows in the fields today will be on my plate tomorrow. With my purchases, I influence the type of agriculture. The DOK long-term trial scientifically compares the sustainability of the various systems. The sound results speak for themselves.
Our food does not grow in the supermarket, but on the farm. Depending on how the farmer manages their farm, this will have different effects on soil fertility, biodiversity and the climate. The question is, what exactly are the effects?
This is a question for science, and science has taken up the challenge and answered the questions by way of example. This booklet tells the fascinating story of how the DOK trial – a comparison of three farming systems: biodynamic (Demeter), bioorganic (Bio Suisse) and conventional – came about and the exact scientific results it has been producing for 46 years.
It is fascinating to see how the three types of cultivation each develop a very clear profile over the years. The data from the DOK trial speak for themselves: the organic variants and the conventional variants have different effects on the soil and the climate. In this booklet, the profile of the biodynamic variant is particularly highlighted and supplemented by practitioners. Biodynamic agriculture celebrates 100 years of its existence this year. It sees itself as an agriculture of the future, in that it does not deplete natural resources as it works the land, but builds them up. And by deciding what is on my plate, I am helping to decide which type of agriculture is practised.
Ueli Hurter, farmer
Co-Head of the Section for Agriculture
