Ontology

Epistemology

Methodology

Traditional agriculture varies from culture to culture, from region to region, sometimes from tribe to tribe within a culture and a region. It is often a complex, living and dynamic web of relationships, in which:

The traditional practitioner stands in relationship to farming that is characterized by customs, rituals, generational wisdoms, tribal rules, superstitions, religious mores and often other external values.

The traditional practitioner practices often rote patterns of seasonal preparations, planting, cultivation, and harvesting based on convention handed by parents, tribal elders and consistent with customs.

the earth is a living being within a living universe;

Innovations are not continually sought out and typically are slow in acceptance.

forces are at work in all that is both animate and inanimate;

Biodiversity is part of the traditional practices, stemming from the farmer's need for self-sufficiency with as much variety as possible.

celestial rhythms play a role in health and prosperity;

animals and humans are an integral part of the whole

the farm is not considered a distinct being; and

although these elements form a whole, the image of health is not necessarily discernable

Ontology

Epistemology

Methodology

Industrial agriculture is an economic enterprise aimed at maximum short-term profit based on the most efficient use of resources and maximization of labor and technological efficiencies, in which:

The industrial practitioner stands in an exploitative business relationship with the "factory" farm. Observation, analysis and policy decisions are made on a bottom line basis.

The industrial practitioner is successful to the extent that economic profit is maximized. Consequently, methods and practices that lead to efficiencies of technology and labor are employed, assessed, and refined.

the earth is a relatively unlimited source of exploitable resources;

A technological framework shapes and restrains the thinking, problem identification and analysis of the practitioner.

Innovations are constantly sought out, but evaluated on the basis of their contribution to added profit from the business enterprise; which may come from increased output or decreased input.

substances are analyzed for a mechanical/manipulative use;

Biodiversity is seen to be economically inconsistent with efficiency. Monocrop production is the rule in the industrial paradigm.

the influences of natural conditions are limited by technology;

animals and humans are seen in the context of output of cash flow; and

the farm is often seen as a machine or "factory" (mechanical perspective)

Ontology

Epistemology

Methodology

Organic agriculture recognizes life as a complex ecosystem in which:

The organic practitioner stands in a benevolent appreciation of the complexity of the ecosystem and attempts to work within the framework of this ecosystem towards sustainability (zero-sum net gains or losses).

The organic practitioner seeks a sustainable subsistence, and restricts his/her activities to non-exploitative practices that "do no harm," and thus that support ongoing sustainability.

nature, on earth, is a living ecosystem; albeit purely material;

Organic production does not emphasize biodiversity as an essential principle, and monocrop production is common.

substances are analyzed for balanced, ecological use;

natural conditions are accepted and adjusted to;

domestic animals are often excluded for ethical values; and

the farm is seen as an integral part of larger ecosystem (ecological perspective)

Ontology

Epistemology

Methodology

Biodynamics is a complex living and dynamic (spiritual) system of agriculture, in which:

The biodynamic practitioner stands in both a supportive and remedial relationship to this complex, living, dynamic farm individuality**.

From the diagnostic-therapeutic relationship follows that the biodynamic practitioner's activities are divided into supportive (preventative) maintenance and remedial (therapeutic) inteventions.

the earth is a living being in a living universe, characterized by a spiritual-physical matrix;

Observation, diagnosis and therapy development are the central themes of the practitioner's relationship with the farm.

In practice, there is a strong focus on balance, biodiversity, and plant and animal immunity.

substances are carriers of forces that create life;

celestial rhythms directly effect terrestrial life;

animals and humans emancipate from celestial rhythms; and

the farm is a living, dynamic, spiritual individuality** (spiritual perspective)