Australia’s Place in the World of Biodynamics

Australia is second in the world in certified biodynamic hectares, accounting for 20% of global certified biodynamic hectares. Australia was an early adopter of biodynamics. The AIF stretcher bearer and Italian immigrant, Ernesto Genoni, pioneered biodynamics in Australia. He joined Rudolf Steiner’s Experimental Circle in 1928, the first Australian to join. Ernesto Genoni spent 1924 at the headquarters of Anthroposophy in Dornach, Switzerland, attending Rudolf Steiner’s First Class, learning German in the process, and painting in the Anthroposophic style. Ernesto established the first biodynamic farm in Victoria, at Dalmore. With his partner, Ileen Macpherson, Ernesto Genoni operated Australia’s original Demeter Farm at Dandenong, Victoria, for two decades.