We have been practicing the biodynamic (BD) method of agriculture at Rosnay since 1997, when we started. To this day we do not prefess to be BD "gurus" but simply BD "believers".

The Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner was a scientist who looked beyond the tangible realm into the etheric and astral forces which influence soil, plant, animal and human health. He took ancient experience such as lunar planting rhythms and built a complete system of agriculture which is low input and self reliant. Forces are manipulated or used with strategic application of various preparations, all of which may be produced on the farm using herbs, manures and minerals. Biodynamic methods are said to help produce improved qualities such as shelf life, flavour and cell structure.

 Whilst Richard's father and organic gardener Dr Clive Statham had in his library "Biodynamic Agriculture" by John Soper (a classic text), the conversion to this way of thinking began with Sam's working on BD farms in New Zealand, and was completed by Richard, Florence and Sam's visits to BD farms and vineyards in Australia in 1997. As open-minded farmers, the practical and first hand study of BD farms made us into believers and practitioners.