Organic vs. biodynamic – what is the difference?

"Organic" and "biodynamic" are often treated as the same in everyday use, but they mean two different things. "Organic" describes the legal ecological minimum standard; "biodynamic" is a distinct, further-reaching way of farming which in Germany is almost identical with the Demeter association. Every biodynamic product is also organic — but by no means every organic product is biodynamic. The difference lies in the depth of the requirements.

What "organic" means

"Organic" is regulated by law, in the EU through the EU organic regulation. Every product with the EU organic logo meets these minimum requirements: no chemical-synthetic pesticides or mineral nitrogen fertilisers, no genetic engineering, more species-appropriate animal husbandry, limited lists of additives in processing. That is a solid basis — and the standard on which everything else builds.

Above this are the growers' associations such as Bioland and Naturland, which set stricter rules of their own: conversion of the whole farm rather than individual fields, tighter fertiliser limits, more animal welfare. They clearly go beyond EU organic, but they do not require biodynamic farming. A more detailed comparison can be found under Organic associations compared.

What "biodynamic" means in addition

Biodynamic agriculture goes back to Rudolf Steiner's Agriculture Course of 1924 and today carries the Demeter label. Two things set it apart from every other organic standard.

First, the farm organism: the farm is run as a living organism that is as closed as possible, sourcing feed, fertiliser and seed largely from its own cycle or from close regional cooperation. Keeping animals is part of this model.

Second, working with the preparations: Demeter is the only major standard that makes the biodynamic preparations mandatory. Horn manure 500 must go on all land at least once a year, horn silica 501 as appropriate for the crop, and the compost preparations (502–507) belong in all organic farm manures. No other association has this requirement.

What it comes down to

EU organic mainly asks: what is left out (no synthetics, no genetic engineering)? Biodynamic also asks: how is the farm kept alive as a whole? Organic is a standard of restraint and protection; biodynamic is a shaping approach aimed at a self-sustaining, living organism. The two do not exclude each other — biodynamic is the more demanding level, built on the organic base.

Frequently asked questions

Is biodynamic the same as organic?

No. Biodynamic (Demeter) meets the organic standard and adds stricter requirements on top — above all the farm organism and mandatory work with the preparations.

Is every Demeter product also organic?

Yes. The Demeter standard always sits on top of the EU organic regulation, not in its place.

Which standard is stricter?

Among the major standards, Demeter has the most far-reaching requirements, because only Demeter requires the preparations and a farm organism.