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Rudolf Steiner College Canada Biodynamic Farming
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Biodynamic Farming Diploma Program
The Biodynamic Agriculture Training (often referred to as the Biodynamic Farming Diploma Program or Biodynamic Apprenticeship) at Rudolf Steiner College Canada is a practice-oriented educational offering focused on training the next generation of biodynamic farmers. Based at the Rudolf Steiner Centre in the Greater Toronto Area, the program integrates hands-on farm experience with anthroposophical principles as developed by Rudolf Steiner.
Program Structure and Duration
The program is structured as a multi-year, immersive apprenticeship typically spanning **two to three years**, combining full-time living and working on a biodynamic farm with theoretical and spiritual-scientific studies. It emphasizes experiential learning through daily agricultural practice, seasonal rhythms, and direct mentorship.
The training is divided into progressive phases:
- First year— strong focus on foundational practical skills, farm routines, soil care, composting, animal husbandry, and introductory biodynamic preparations.
- Subsequent years - deepening understanding of cosmic and earthly influences, plant and animal individuality, farm organism development, and advanced biodynamic methods, while participants take increasing responsibility for farm processes.
Participants usually live on-site or in close connection with the host farm, allowing the daily and annual rhythms of agriculture to become the primary teacher.
Philosophy and Approach
Rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s lectures on agriculture (especially the 1924 Koberwitz course), the program views the farm as a self-contained, living organism. It teaches participants to work consciously with spiritual forces in nature — including the use of biodynamic preparations, planetary and zodiacal rhythms, and the integration of elemental beings.
The training aims to develop not only technical farming competence but also inner capacities of observation, imagination, and responsibility toward the earth and future generations.
Curriculum Highlights
Core areas covered include:
- Biodynamic field and garden cultivation
- Composting and soil fertility
- Preparation and application of the nine classical biodynamic preparations
- Animal care and integration in the farm organism
- Orchard, vineyard, and specialty crop management (depending on host farm)
- Seed saving and plant breeding from a biodynamic perspective
- Astronomy and its relation to agriculture
- Goethean observation and phenomenological study of nature
- Social and communal aspects of farm life
Theoretical sessions, artistic activities (e.g., eurythmy, painting, sculpting), and study of anthroposophy complement the practical work.
Certification and Outcomes
Successful completion of the multi-year program leads to a **Diploma in Biodynamic Farming** from Rudolf Steiner College Canada. Graduates are prepared to:
- Start or manage their own biodynamic farms
- Work as skilled practitioners on existing biodynamic operations
- Contribute to community supported agriculture (CSA), food sovereignty, and regenerative land initiatives
The program is recognized within the international biodynamic movement and aligns with Demeter certification principles.
Location and Practical Setting
The training takes place in collaboration with established biodynamic farms in Ontario (and occasionally beyond), selected for their commitment to full biodynamic principles and their capacity to serve as living classrooms. The Rudolf Steiner College Canada serves as the coordinating and educational hub.
For the most current details — including exact start dates, host farm partners for upcoming cohorts, application process, and tuition — prospective students should consult the Rudolf Steiner College Canada website or contact the college directly (info@rscc.ca).
The Biodynamic Farming Diploma Program represents one of the longest-established and most comprehensive biodynamic agriculture trainings in Canada, seeking to educate farmers who can heal the earth through conscious, spiritually informed agriculture.
