What is a farm development dialogue?
The Farm Development Dialogue – FDD for short – is a consultation and exchange forum developed specifically for farmers working biodynamically. It provides a structured yet open space to reflect on and consciously shape the development of one’s farm, together with colleagues who contribute their experience, insight, and support.
At the center is the question:
What wants to grow on this farm—professionally, personally, and within the community?
Each year, a farm invites other farms as guests. During the meeting, participants reflect on current challenges, development ideas, or practical questions from everyday farm life. The focus is on the farm as a whole: soil, plants, animals, people, and the future. The process is supported by a facilitator who guides the dialogue.
The Farm Development Dialogue is part of biodynamic quality development and has been further refined within ARGE Bolzano–Trento together with experienced Demeter farmers. It is not a mandatory requirement, but rather an expression of a shared commitment to continuous development, based on voluntariness, trust, and collegiality.
The Farm Development Dialogue offers a valuable opportunity to engage more deeply with biodynamic practice. It makes it tangible how biodynamic farming is lived in practice—not only in the fields, but also in relationships and collaboration.
Those who participate experience first-hand how much strength lies in a supportive and collegial community, and why it is worthwhile to be part of this network.
Further information can be found here:
Hofentwicklungsgespräche - Handbuch.
Contact details:
- Melanie Zuegg — melanie.zuegg@gmail.com
- Lucia Orsingher — lucia.orsingher@gmail.com
The printing of this handbook was kindly sponsored by the Sparkasse Foundation.
