Applied Biodynamics — Issue 014 (Winter 1995)

Issue 014 (Winter 1995) is an unusually brief, organizationally focused issue that records a year of operational disruption and institutional reorientation at the Josephine Porter Institute (JPI). Rather than centering on field protocols, the issue centers on continuity of production, organizational governance, and the assumption of a major new manufacturing responsibility.

“A Word of Thanks” frames JPI’s work as dependent on a broad base of supporting gardeners and growers, naming specific forms of support as operational inputs: herb collection and contributions (dandelions, chamomile, horsetail), article submissions, and encouragement. This functions as a recognition of distributed supply chains and volunteer labor as structural necessities rather than optional goodwill.

“1995 – A Year of Change and Reaffirmation” documents substantial staff transition and organizational strain. The issue records the departure of a long-serving staff member, an interim expansion of contract hours for remaining staff, and the arrival of Chris Stearn into the staff structure. The narrative then centers on extended negotiations with The Pfeiffer Foundation and General Compost Corporation, describing this as a parallel pressure stream alongside internal planning for JPI’s future. The text explicitly states that differing visions emerged between staff and the Director regarding governance and management method, and that these tensions coincided with the finalization of the Pfeiffer agreement.

The issue’s primary operational announcement is formalized in “The Pfeiffer BD Compost Starter and BD Field Spray: A New Responsibility for JPI and Its Meaning for the Future.” JPI states that it concluded an agreement (dated August 22) to assume production of the Pfeiffer BD Compost Starter and BD Field Spray Concentrate, with agricultural and horticultural distribution rights. The products are described as having a long-standing international reputation and as difficult to replicate because imitations allegedly focus only on microbial material factors while failing to incorporate biodynamic preparations and other production dynamics. The text presents the transfer as an act of stewardship intended to keep these products in circulation and describes this as both an honor and a major operational burden.

A linked set of notices clarifies what this responsibility means structurally. “Realizing the Mission – Further Progress” states that the Pfeiffer production responsibility requires construction and furnishing of a dedicated facility and solicits donations for that purpose, including mention of a formal receiving fund. “Change (continued …)” describes concrete production-season work outputs and volunteer mobilization: large-scale horn stuffing for BD #500 and #(X)500, chamomile preparation production, skull processing for the skull preparation, oak bark collection and grinding, and the continuing seasonal schedule of preparation making and conferences. The facility plan is described in measurable building terms, with an expanded plan for a larger structure than originally envisioned, including production spaces and potential guest/apprentice capacity.

The issue also functions as an institutional status bulletin for the publication itself. “Applied Biodynamics — An Uncertain Future” states that the newsletter is temporarily without an editor and may be reduced in scale for cost and labor reasons, with an explicit priority hierarchy that places preparation production and facility construction ahead of publication ambitions. A short notice announces an expected JPI presence on the early web via a “Home Page,” positioning basic contact information and preparation articles as the initial online materials. The issue closes with standard organizational elements: the mission statement, associative contract renewal reminder, and a biodynamic preparations legend.

Overall, Issue 014 operates as a governance and infrastructure record that treats biodynamics as a continuity problem: maintaining preparation quality, manufacturing capacity, and distribution systems under staffing change and expanding responsibilities.

Articles

• 1995 – A Year of Change and Reaffirmation Biodynamic Culture  of Potatoes (H. Courtney)  
• Practical Observation on Growing Biodynamic Potatoes (H.  Courtney)  
• The Pfeiffer BD Compost Starter and BD Field Spray: A New  Responsibility for JPI and Its Meaning for the Future  

Key Topics Covered

• JPI staffing changes and organizational restructuring during 1995
• Governance tension regarding management method during expansion planning
• Agreement for JPI to produce Pfeiffer BD Compost Starter and BD Field Spray Concentrate
• Imitation risk framed as failure to include biodynamic preparations and production dynamics
• Facility construction requirements for Pfeiffer product production including expanded building size
• Donation solicitation and receiving fund established for construction and furnishing
• Volunteer-supported preparation making scale including horn stuffing and chamomile production
• Seasonal production workload planning alongside conference commitments
• Applied Biodynamics publication reduced due to editor absence and cost constraints
• Early web presence planned for JPI contact information mission and preparation articles
• Associative contract renewal framed as workload scheduling tool for spring preparation fulfillment

Citation

Source: Applied Biodynamics, Issue 014, Josephine Porter Institute, 1995.