Biodynamic Certification

Does anyone have experience with biodynamic certification? I would like to know about your experiences with certification and any advice, or any other comments. I am considering applying as I feel that the biodynamic preperations are a valuable tool to heal the Earth.

hey Daniel -
We just finished our final on-site inspection via Demeter. We've been Certified Organic for 5 years and for reasons I'm sure you're aware, it has some issues. the paperwork is a bit more intensive (we're using Demeter for both certifications) but pretty similar for the organic. the on-site inspection was more in depth, which I appreciated. I think Demeter is short staff & slammed since I've had to nudge them a couple of times to get things moving.
Sally is the person that I deal with - they are the only company that is allowed to give the bio-dynamic certification in the USA.
Hope this helps
Marianne

It does help. Have you had any issues with people questioning the certification because it's not USDA organic?

I haven't gotten it yet, but I can't imagine. Bio-dynamic has been around much longer the USDA Certified Organic (although it been around longer in Europe). The US didn't recognize it until the 70s I think. I cannot image anyone questioning it; Certified Organic has slipped pretty far in just the last 5 years - I don't consider a sticker assuring people that 95% of whatever they are buying is organic and the remaining is junk.
Check out Whole Food's Bio-diversity section. that may help
M

Does your Demeter certifier ask for a royalty from your sales?

their annual fee is based on sales; not a % but a band of pricing based on sales between 0 - $10000; $10,001 - $20,000 etc. + cost of inspector's travel etc. That's also the case for Organic Certification.