STiR coffee and tea magazine

STiR coffee and tea 43 K L O T H & K Ö H N K E N T E E H A N D E L G M B H K O N S U L - S M I D T - S T R A S S E 8 j SPEICHER 1 - D -282 17 BREMEN FON + 4 9 - 4 2 1 - 3 4 8 5 2 6 4 FAX + 4 9 - 4 2 1 - 3 4 7 7 7 2 0 W W W . K K T E E . D E M A I L @ K K T E E . D E IT SUITS ALL MERCHANTS TO TRADE FAIR AND QUALI-TEA ! "When we identify the reasons for plagues or disease, we define a strategy to solve is based on biodynamic methods allied to modern technology. We use, for example, soil and leaf analysis in labs to assure that the biodynamic procedures are effective," he said. The role of the producer is to let na- ture take its course, to serve as an inter- mediary and maintain the environmental health of this unique organism. "Some purists will judge me for using machinery in my plantation, but I like to embrace ancestral techniques with actual discoveries," he explained. As an alternative for organic farming, biodynamic agriculture concept started with the Austrian writer, philosopher, so- cial activist and educator Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925). Some may consider this is a step forward in food production, an evolution of organic treatment. Steiner believed that ecologically interrelated tasks (natural fertilizers and alternative ways to control plagues and disease) are enhanced by emphasizing spiritual and mystical perspectives. Beautiful surroundings are important to the biodynamic philosophy Henrique Leivas Sloper de Araujo describes biodynamic coffee production Biodynamic agriculture in Brazil Biodynamic agricultural methods are not popular among producers in Brazil. According to the Brazilian Biodynamic Association, out of 5.2 million farms, there are 27 certi- fied producers, 20 processors, and 5 farms in a transitional state. Only six of these farms grow coffee. There are three in Bahia; the Fazenda Camocim farm in Espirito Santo, two in São Paulo, and one in Paraná. Certificado Orgânico (IBD) executive director Alexandre Harkaly explains that biodynamic coffee doesn't have the same high productivity rates as traditionally grown crops. "On the other hand, its quality has international recognition and the market is paying more for these coffees," he said. With better prices, producers have begun studying possibilities it presents. They see switching to biodynamic as an investment, he said. Biodynamic growers like to say: "I am not farming coffee, I am farming soil, and I just happen to plant coffee in that soil." It takes two to three years to convert from conventional to biodynamic farming. If the producer is already organic, the process can be reduced to a year. Specialists and agronomist can help on a daily basis at the farm. IBD's role, as a certification institution, is to audit the property annually and check if the producer respects all the requirements for organic certification. "Considering the audition days, diagnosis, the certificate and commercial transactions per- mission, the whole process can cost R$ 3,000 ($ 920) per year," Harkaly said.

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