What is biodynamic coffee?
More and more coffee growers are deciding to implement new production techniques, given the threat of climate change. It is very important that these have a sustainable objective, in order to conserve the earth. Within this group comes what is known as biodynamic coffee, with which natural, quality grains are obtained and the loss of natural resources is prevented. This is a practice that has become the great solution for many farms.
Just like him coffee, wine and other agricultural products This type of agriculture was also included, providing very good results. But why do we say that biodynamic agriculture is it so important? The answer is that it is not only capable of favor the environment, but also improves the quality of each of these products.
The term biodynamic coffee may be a bit strange. But fortunately, and with the help of the team of experts at Incapto Coffee, we will explain it to you in detail. And if you dedicate yourself to this profession, this explanation will come in handy.
What exactly is biodynamic agriculture?
Let's go back to the beginning and we will understand much better what it is about. Biodynamic agriculture born in 1924 following the philosophical work of the Austrian Rudolf Steiner. Therefore, it makes it one of the longest-lasting practices in the ecological world.
The target principle of biodynamics is make it understood that all the elements are one. When we talk about this, we are referring to the plants, the importance with the astrological dimensions, the animals and the groundIn short, they seek unify scientific thought and nature. Another aspect that identifies it very well is that it does not involve synthetic agroinputs.
Among the biodynamic techniques that Steiner implemented had the same purpose: motivate fertilization. What do they consist of? They add homeopathic mixtures to the compost which are essential in the practice of biodynamic agriculture. But this is not all, since they consider that this transmits supernatural powers and cosmic forces to the ground, thus favoring the crop.
As expected, this theory that mixes the mystical with nature has many detractors after lacking scientific evidence. Currently, biodynamics is made up of various quite effective agricultural techniques.
How is biodynamics related to coffee?
Biodynamics and coffee complement each other very well. It is It is applied during the cultivation process like any other agricultural practice, as long as the established rules are respected, that is, respecting nature 100%. For example, in a conventional producer many decide not to plant new species, considering that these could compete with the coffee harvest.
While one with a biodynamic ideology knows that it needs other species that can provide minerals to coffee organically. What could those plants be? Some of them are plantain or cedar.
For Cesar Marin, one of the few young people who decided to take on new challenges and continue with the production of specialty coffee, your own La Chacra D’Dago farm (named in honor of his father Dagoberto Marín) focuses on communication networks and technology to implement biodynamics.
At the same time, he assures that on his farm they have very old plants that unfortunately do not produce massively. However, they add quality to that cup of biodynamic coffee.
The coffee farmer is in charge of taking advantage of the benefits of nature, so that there is balance and harmony. Otherwise we could be facing a monoculture (when a single species is cultivated) triggering what is known as genetic erosion, which means the loss of individual genes or those combined in the same species.
The cosmos and biodynamic coffee
As we pointed out a few paragraphs above, biodynamic agriculture not only contemplates nature, it also involves cosmic forces. A theory that, until now, has not convinced the entire coffee growing union.
Now, César Marín says that to produce biodynamic coffee, producers must have a astronomical calendar. This in order to support biodynamic agriculture where it is appreciated that the constellations are related to the rotations of the moon, the reason will help define the appropriate day to proceed with the crop.
Subsequently, coffee growers must use biodynamic preparations (remedies for working the soil) as Steiner called them. They consist of mixtures of organic products capable of feeding the earth.
On the other hand, the farm must have certain animals. Because, in case you didn't know, thanks to their excreta, their role within the living organism in crop fields is very important. Biodynamics is essential to contribute, not only to the conservation of the planet, but also to offer more natural and quality products. So the more people decide to apply these types of practices, so that good changes can be reflected, the better it will be.
Do you want to produce biodynamic coffee? Apply these tips
Getting everyone to grow biodynamic coffee will be a challenge that will likely take some time. Since, if we look closely, there are possibly a total of 200 biodynamic coffee growers in the world, which represents 13%-15% of the market according to what is indicated by Henrique Leivas Sloper, coffee producer in Fazenda Camocim, in the community of Espíritu Santo, in Brazil.
One of the main things that coffee growers interested in biodynamics have to take into account is having a certification that demonstrates their practices. To do this, they must be certified in Demeter, the main international organization specialized in biodynamic agriculture. This forces producers to have good traceability.
Another factor is that the producer agrees with the esoteric and spiritual point of view, something that allows you to connect with nature widely. By achieving this interesting connection, the coffee farmer will connect with his profession and will have access to a higher economic benefit than that provided by traditional coffee. It is an investment that will ultimately be worth it.
Experts recommend doing the process in parts, since this will allow the producer to organize better, apply better times and rigorously apply each of the techniques. Work hand in hand with a coffee specialist, because it has certain elements such as nutrition, fertility and technical processes that making it difficult to face them alone.
Basically, The producer must train both himself and his farm in order to achieve the results. Although at first glance it is a relatively simple practice, it is still an agricultural activity that requires a lot of knowledge.
Growing biodynamic coffee may not end all the environmental problems we know about, but it will allow us to contribute little by little to the conservation of the planet. That is why, since Incapto Coffee, we invite you to reconcile yourself with freshly ground coffee beans, applying sustainable preparation methods and not leaning towards encapsulation, thus becoming a responsible consumer.
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