Biodynamic Association

What Biodynamic Association does

The Biodynamic Association (BDA) is a UK-registered charity (Charity Commission no. 1158301) headquartered in Stroud, Gloucestershire, founded on the principles of Rudolf Steiner's 1924 Agriculture Course. The organisation is the UK custodian of biodynamic agriculture — a regenerative methodology that uses nine fermented herbal preparations, an astronomical sowing/planting calendar developed over 50+ years by Maria and Matthias Thun, and a 'farm organism' closed-loop philosophy — and operates a portfolio of certification, education, membership, and community products. Core services include BDA Certification (the sole UK and Ireland certifier to Demeter biodynamic standards, which exceed EU organic requirements), Farm Services consultancy for conversion support, the Biodynamic Agricultural College (offering an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma), the free online Biodynamic Gardening Club, and the bi-annual Star & Furrow magazine.

Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit mix: individual memberships at £30-£200 per year (concessionary to Pay-It-Forward tiers), corporate memberships at £1,000-£5,000+ (Bronze/Silver/Gold/Sponsor), certification fees from farms, growers, processors, importers and traders, paid training courses (£20-£210 per session) such as the Step-by-Step Biodynamic Gardening workshops, Biodynamic Fish Farming, and Woodland Management, an online shop selling preparations, calendars, books and back issues, and donations/legacies. The BDA functions as the hub of the wider 'Biodynamic Family' — coordinating the Biodynamic Land Trust (custodian trustee role), Biodynamic Agricultural College, seed initiative, and 80+ UK local groups — and is a member of the global Biodynamic Federation Demeter International and Open Food Network. Customers span home gardeners, commercial farmers, viticulturists, CSA community members, corporate partners, and students/trainees, with distribution through direct memberships, events, an e-commerce storefront, certification services, the Open Food Network marketplace, and farm shops/farmers markets. The core team of 1-10 staff is supplemented by trustees, volunteers, and partner organisations.

Name

Biodynamic Association

Legal name

The Biodynamic Association

Website

https://biodynamic.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1924

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Biodynamic Association is a UK charity that promotes biodynamic farming and gardening through Demeter and organic certification, conversion consultancy, training courses, a free online Gardening Club, and the Star & Furrow magazine, serving commercial farmers, home gardeners, corporate partners, and CSA communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Stroud

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership fees ranging from £30 (concessionary) to £50 (standard) with Pay It Forward options at £75, £120, £200. Includes Star & Furrow magazine, newsletter, gardening club membership, and discounts on products and events.
2. Corporate Membership: Corporate membership tiers: Bronze £1,000/year, Silver £3,000/year, Gold £5,000/year, and Sponsor (above £5,000). Includes logo placement, magazine copies, and promotional opportunities.
3. Event Tickets and Workshops: Revenue from step-by-step gardening courses (£180 for 6 sessions), workshops (£20-£180), conferences, and training programs. Also generates income through ticket sales for events like Lilly Kolisko Conference (£30).
4. Online Shop Sales: Sales of biodynamic preparations, books, DVDs, the Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar, and other resources. Also sells Star & Furrow back issues.
5. Certification Services: BDA Certification certifies farms, growers, food processors, importers and traders to organic and biodynamic (Demeter) standards. Certification fees support the organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Biodynamic Association is a UK charitable organization that promotes and supports biodynamic farming and gardening. It delivers BDA Certification (Demeter and organic certification for farms, processors, and traders), Farm Services (conversion consultancy and whole-farm planning), the Biodynamic Gardening Club (online community), educational programs through the Biodynamic Agricultural College, training workshops, the Star & Furrow membership magazine, and a UK network of local groups supporting biodynamic practitioners.

Product overview

The Biodynamic Association is a UK charitable organization (Charity Commission no: 1158301) offering a unified portfolio of interconnected services centered on biodynamic agriculture certification, education, and community support. Core offerings include BDA Certification (biodynamic and Demeter certification for farms, processors, and traders), Farm Services (conversion consultancy and whole-farm planning), and the Biodynamic Gardening Club (online community with resources and webinars). Educational products span the Biodynamic Agricultural College (distance learning and work-based training diploma), Step-by-Step workshops (gardening, woodland management, fish farming), and Films & Videos library. The Star & Furrow magazine provides bi-annual in-depth editorial content. Local Groups Network and Community Supported Agriculture initiatives foster community engagement. The BDA operates the online shop selling preparations, calendars, and books. All offerings interconnect through shared standards, training pathways, and community platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BDA Certification Demeter and organic certification services for GB farmers, growers, food processors, importers, and traders to internationally recognized Demeter and UK Organic standards, with standards equivalent to or exceeding EU organic requirements.
• Farm Services Consultancy and technical support for farmers and growers converting to biodynamic and organic management, including whole farm planning services and themed workshops.
• Biodynamic Gardening Club Online membership community for biodynamic gardening enthusiasts offering expert advice, resource library, weekly Garden Matters email newsletter, interactive webinars, and member events. Free membership included with BDA membership.
• Star & Furrow Magazine Flagship membership magazine published twice yearly, featuring in-depth articles on biodynamic farming, gardening, and beekeeping, plus news, event reports, and book reviews from UK and international practitioners.
• Biodynamic Agricultural College (BDAC) UK centre for biodynamic education offering distance learning courses and a two-year Ofqual-regulated work-based training diploma (Crossfields Institute Level 3 Diploma in Biodynamic Farming and Gardening).
• Films and Videos Library Educational video library featuring documentaries, webinars, conference talks, and practical guides covering biodynamic farming, gardening, farm case studies, and international biodynamic initiatives.
• Step by Step Biodynamic Gardening Workshops Six-session practical workshop series teaching biodynamic gardening principles and practices across multiple UK venues covering seed, planning, plant growth, preparations, garden tending, and farm organism concepts.
• Biodynamic Woodland Management Course Six-day introduction to woodland management with biodynamic focus, teaching traditional hand-tool methods for small woodland settings. Held monthly at Emerson College, East Sussex.
• Biodynamic Fish Farming Course Half-day workshops at Ruskin Mill College biodynamic fish farm, the only biodynamic fish farm in the UK, teaching biodynamic methods for brown trout farming.
• Biodynamic Online Shop Online shop selling books, DVDs, biodynamic preparations, the Maria Thun Biodynamic Calendar, and Star & Furrow back issues.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% more birds found on biodynamic/organic farmland
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• WeledacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeleda is a world-leading manufacturer of holistic natural biodynamic cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They partner with the Biodynamic Gardening Club, running open days and events in their biodynamic gardens in Derbyshire and Shipley.
• Waltham Place EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with the Biodynamic Gardening Club, hosting events and workshops at their estate in Berkshire. Waltham Place is a working biodynamic farm hosting centenary celebrations and educational events.
• Wholistic Living UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner in the Biodynamic Gardening Club, offering online masterclasses including 'Grow your own Health' series. Co-hosts summer gatherings for centenary celebrations.
• Greencuisine TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in the Biodynamic Gardening Club, contributing to the empowerment of planet-friendly growing practices.
• Triodos BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Biodynamic Land Trust on Farm Organism Finances Workshop educating farmers on understanding farm finances. Co-hosts events with BDA at Yatesbury Farm bringing together DEFRA, Soil Association, and other stakeholders.
• Biodynamic Land TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable community benefit society established in 2011 to secure land for biodynamic farming. The BDA is the custodian trustee of the Biodynamic Land Trust. Both organizations share staff and coordinate on land stewardship initiatives.
• Biodynamic Agricultural CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK's center for biodynamic learning offering distance learning and Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma. Part of the Biodynamic Family network under BDA umbrella.
• Biodynamic Federation Demeter InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal union of national Biodynamic associations supporting development of member organizations. BDA Certification is a member. Demeter trademark used by all certified producers in UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Goetheanum Section for AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSection for Agriculture at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland is one of eleven departments of the School for Spiritual Science founded by Rudolf Steiner. Contributes to solutions for global agricultural challenges.
• AgricologyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration of farmers and researchers sharing knowledge to promote practical, sustainable and profitable agricultural systems. Partner in the Partners and Allies network.
• SustainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance organization sharing vision for food and farming systems which nourish health of planet and people. Advises and negotiates with governments on food and agriculture legislation.
• Sustainable Food TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFounded by BDA Patron Patrick Holden CBE to lobby for change in response to human and environmental crises from industrial food systems.
• Whole Health AgricultureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew collaboration raising awareness of benefits of holistically produced food, empowering farmers to see their farm as a whole in balance within itself and harmony with environment.
• Eating BetterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlliance of over 50 organizations working to accelerate action for less but better quality meat and dairy for health, environment, animal welfare and social justice.
• GM FreezeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUmbrella campaign opposing patenting of genetic resources and campaigning for moratorium on genetically modified food and farming in UK.
• Open Food NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPlatform dedicated to building a stronger, fairer food system based on sound ethics, social values, and local economies. BDA is a member, enabling more than 80% of producers to sell direct to customers.
• Blue PatchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUses power of positive shopping to promote sustainable local social enterprise, new economic models, and sustainable eco-living.
• MarinetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarine conservation partner whose first loyalty is to the seas and oceans which it seeks to protect.
• Ruskin Mill TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiodynamic provider of Specialist Independent Education to children and adults with complex needs. Offers biodynamic training through The Field Centre including Step-by-Step courses in gardening, woodland management, and fish farming.
• The Apricot CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in training endorsement by the Board of Studies. Contributes to farm organism finances workshops and biodynamic demonstration at events.
• NatooraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFruit and vegetable wholesaler specializing in radically seasonal produce from small-scale producers. Co-hosts workshop on direct grower-supplier relationships with BDA at Waltham Place.
• ClearspringminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBiodynamic and organic food brand. Shared exhibition space at Natural & Organic Products Expo (NOPEX) with over 600 exhibitions from 74 countries.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Sustainable Food Trust: UK charity founded in 2011 by BDA Patron Patrick Holden CBE advocating for sustainable food systems through policy, communications, and events. Broader (non-biodynamic) remit but overlapping farmer/consumer audience, shared leadership lineage, and co-hosted events (e.g. Yatesbury Farm workshops with DEFRA and Soil Association).
• Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming: UK alliance of ~100 organisations advocating for better food and farming policies and practices. BDA is a partner in the "Partners and Allies" network. Comparable advocacy and coalition-building function but broader (not certification-specific) and policy-led rather than practitioner-led.

Others

• Biodynamic Land Trust: UK charitable community benefit society (est. 2011) securing land in trust for biodynamic farming, with BDA acting as custodian trustee. Sister entity in the UK Biodynamic Family rather than a competitor, but shares mission and overlapping board/staff.
• Ruskin Mill Trust: UK charity providing specialist education for young people with complex needs using biodynamic gardening, woodland management, and fish farming as therapeutic and vocational tools. Partner in BDA's Biodynamic Gardening Club and runs The Field Centre training. Adjacent practitioner of biodynamic methods rather than competitor.
• Triodos Bank UK: UK arm of Triodos Bank, a values-based European bank financing organic, biodynamic, and sustainable agriculture. Co-hosts farm-finance workshops with BDA. Functions as a financial-services enabler for the same biodynamic practitioner base, with shared mission alignment.

Direct peers

• Demeter USA: US licensee of the Demeter biodynamic certification mark and the national membership body for biodynamic practitioners in the United States. Closest functional mirror of BDA in a different geography: charity/member association plus Demeter certification issuer plus farmer-education programming.
• Soil Association: UK membership-based charity promoting organic food and farming, operating the UK's largest organic certification scheme plus education, lobbying, and consumer-facing campaigns. Directly comparable structure to BDA: charity status, individual + corporate membership tiers, certification monopoly, training programmes, and advocacy remit — but operating at much larger scale and broader (organic rather than biodynamic-only) remit.
• Biodynamic Federation Demeter International: Global union of national Biodynamic associations headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, custodian of the Demeter trademark. BDA Certification is a direct member. Operates the same membership-association-plus-certification model across 65 countries and is the structural parent/peer for any national biodynamic body.
• Organic Farmers & Growers CIC: UK-based organic control body certifying farmers, processors, and traders to organic standards alongside the Soil Association. Competes with BDA Certification in the UK certification market and shares the same certification-services-plus-trust-signals business model, though without the biodynamic premium tier.
• Bio-Dynamic Association of India (BDAI): Indian national biodynamic association promoting biodynamic farming through training, demonstrations, and certification support across the subcontinent. Direct international counterpart to BDA in mission and structure — both are membership-based bodies promoting biodynamic methods within their respective national farming contexts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/biodynamicuk
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/BiodynamicAssociation
• Facebookfacebook.com/biodynamicUK

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Biodynamic Association