European farmers noticed a continuous loss of seed germination power and deterioration in crop productivity. Worried by this downturn in agricultural productivity, they sought the guidance of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy.

In response to their concern, Steiner gave a series of lectures in 1924 confirming the negative impact of using artificial chemical replacement of nutrients through the addition of soluble fertilizers to the soil. This practice separates the plants from their natural conditions and leads to a progressive loss of vitality, productivity and nutritive value of crops.

According to Steiner, plants manifest themselves between the Earth and the Cosmos under the formative forces of the universe. A farm also is a living organism, whose health depends on the total integration of all its activities, directed by the organism’s own biological makeup and in turn personified by the farmer.

The lectures described practical biological tools that the farmer could use to reestablish the vitality of the environment and agricultural production. According to Steiner, food produced using Biodynamic methods delivers more than better nutritional quality, color, aroma and flavor. Those who derive their nourishment from such food also benefit from its enhanced vitality.