This is one in a series of reflections on the re-emergence of the Biodynamic Association by long-time BDA staff members.
By Rebecca Briggs
It is extraordinarily humbling to place oneself within the context of an 87-year timeline — to consider all the individuals who have given so much of themselves to take biodynamics forward, keep the organization going through challenging times and circumstances, and do the hard work of building community across this vast and diverse country since the BDA's founding in 1938. While I have been with the BDA for nearly 18 years and through so many stages of development, this is still just a fraction of the organization’s total life. I’m grateful to have been a part of it for those years — and to help as it moves forward now to understand its role within the current context.
The path has not always been easy or clear. I imagine that has been the case at times for many of our predecessors as well. Yet the resilience of this organization and movement is undeniable.
When I step back to consider this timeline, it puts recent years within a much broader context. One of the things I most value about biodynamics and working for this organization is the emphasis on continual striving, on always trying to deepen our understanding. We make the best decisions we can at the time, and then we observe and listen. We try to approach the BDA as we would approach any land we steward. We hope we are humble enough to recognize when we need to change course. My faith in this organization — indeed, in this community — rests not in every decision being right, but in our ability to be agile, question our own assumptions, and adapt to changing circumstances or even changing understanding.
I have tremendous optimism about the BDA going forward. I don’t think it will be simply a re-creation of the BDA of the past, but rather an evolution that builds upon the wisdom of many decades. I think of it as a re-individualization, a re-discovering of itself as an entity: what is the BDA at this moment in time and in light of all its experiences and lessons learned? I also hold great hope for our continuing, healthy work with Demeter USA, as well as other organizations and groups within the biodynamic and regenerative agriculture communities.
I feel that in some ways my understanding of the BDA and the biodynamic movement over the years has become ever simpler. For me, it’s about community. This organization, this movement, are about the people: the creative, committed, passionate — and, yes, sometimes disagreeing — individuals who collectively take this work forward, in concert with the community of all beings on this planet. Community can feel tough sometimes, and yet is also, I believe, our ultimate hope.
Rebecca is the Communications & Outreach Director the Biodynamic Association. With a background in law, she moved from DC to Eugene to pursue an MS degree in environmental studies at the University of Oregon. During this time, she found her passion for food and farming issues while working on Ruby and Amber’s Organic Farm, a small, diverse, horse-powered farm in Dorena, Oregon. In her role with the BDA, she strives to harmonize messaging, outreach, and community building — integrating communications seamlessly into all aspects of external and internal work. She enjoys the challenges and creativity of working with regional, US, and international biodynamic movements; helping to connect the growing community to information and each other; and learning new technologies and skills. Rebecca also serves on the Board for the Oregon-wide Farmers Market Fund. She is grateful to live in the beautiful southern Willamette Valley and loves to get out on the trail, discover ever more about her local landscape and flora and fauna, and expand her culinary horizons.