Annual Reports & Financials

JANUARY 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31 2025

Our purpose

JPI works to heal the earth through biodynamic preparations and the practice of biodynamic agriculture. We make preparations, teach people to make and use them, and support careful observation and research.

In 2025, JPI brought people together through soil chromatography, seasonal preparation making, an online Agriculture Course study, and regional and national gatherings. Publications extended the teaching beyond the workshop. Planning and pilot work shaped the Merit Grant, while an initial compost-extraction trial opened a new line of practical investigation. JPI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 54-1359533

REACH AND RESOURCES

2025 in numbers

13 · Countries shipped to

In 2025, JPI shipped to 13 countries, including the United States. Destinations were Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

About 8,000 · One-acre soil-spray applications

Estimated potential coverage represented by soil preparations in 2025 orders at standard application rates. This counts acre-applications, not unique acres or confirmed use; combined or repeated applications may serve the same land. Coverage uses current 500P guidance and a legacy kit packaging image; their 2025 rates or contents were not independently confirmed. Unresolved items are excluded. Some orders shipped after 2025.

1,767 · Trees recorded in our Tree-Nation forest

Tree-Nation's 2025 view records 1,767 trees across six projects in Tanzania and Kenya, representing 1.74 hectares of estimated reforestation area and 90.3 tonnes of modeled CO₂ sequestration over the trees' first ten years.

Sources: Shopify physical shipment records, January 1–December 31, 2025 (New York time); test/canceled orders and nonphysical fulfillments excluded. Tree-Nation's 2025 activity records do not establish physical planting dates or exclusive JPI funding. Area is estimated from project planting densities. The 90.3-tonne CO₂ projection comprises 89.92 tonnes attributed to JPI and 0.38 shared tonnes not claimed by JPI; it is not measured 2025 removal.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A message from Stewart Lundy

2025 has been a rich year. We held our chromatography workshop, which allowed people to send their samples to us, each unique. We performed the chromatography process on all of them, rendered the pictures, and had them fully formed before the event. When people arrived, all of the pictures were ready, but they weren’t labeled. What everyone was able to experience upon arrival was a completely unbiased encounter with the pictures themselves.

A remarkable experience occurs when you show people a group of chromatograms, these pictures made out of soil and compost. Even without knowing what the pictures are displaying, everyone knows how to organize them. The group, almost to a person, agrees about where each picture goes, which ones seem harmonious and which ones seem disharmonious, without ever reading a word about chromatography, their chemical constitution, or any quantities. It’s all qualitative. And that is perhaps the most important thing we can develop in the human being: the qualitative appreciation of life, which includes, of course, the food we grow and eat.

I was fortunate enough to travel to Utah and enjoy a road trip with former board member Lloyd Nelson, biodynamic maestro extraordinaire. We traveled through Colorado and Utah, where we were both honored to give a presentation for a whole day. Separately, I again presented on chromatography, and we demonstrated the practical method right there at Red Acre Farm in Utah. This was attended by a diverse range of people, including a Navajo contingent. We made pictures from the buffalo soil activator made by Lloyd Nelson.

Lloyd Nelson and I wrote together almost every single week in the Biodynamic Digest, something we would love to continue into the future. It has engaged people and generated tens of thousands of words, and may very well be the basis of a collaborative book in the future.

We signed a generous deal with the Biodynamic Association to receive out-of-print books that had been stored for a long time at great cost to that organization and to no benefit, because they no longer sold or shipped books. These have now been incorporated into JPI’s inventory, and we have been able to sell and gift these precious resources to people across the country and even throughout the world.

I also developed a relationship with Hiwassee, who donated a compost extractor to the Josephine Porter Institute. We began initial experiments and have used it quite a few times for further exploration of compost application, the benefits of biodynamic preparations, and how we can spread them out over larger areas.

A major portion of 2025, though, was focused on developing the JPI Merit Grant. It was based on the idea that anyone who is farming now, who is seeking to regenerate a plot of land, is already doing the good work, and that simply needs to be recognized. This isn’t a small thing, because the preparations are labor-intensive, just as farming is. A gift of these things is quite costly to anything that thinks of itself as a for-profit business.

While JPI has historically operated in a for-profit manner, selling retail goods while being managed in a nonprofit way, this is no longer the case. Under the guidance of our president, Teresa O’Shaughnessy, JPI’s center has shifted, and our gesture has become less of a grasping fist and more of an open hand. We hope that this gesture will continue.

You will see an intimation of this in the change in our logo. Our former logo was too stiff and rigid, with clip art and no fluidity. Our new gesture is one of openness, inspired, of course, by the grand benefic, the dandelion preparation: the flower that expands and broadcasts its generosity throughout the world. The dynamism we see in the seeds spreading is how we wish to envision JPI moving into the future: sowing seeds for other institutions, so people no longer need to buy or sell preparations, but can find them in their own backyards or regionally in appropriate groups.

We invite you to join that future.

Until the last blade of grass can be redeemed…

Stewart

EDUCATION IN 2025

Learning through practice

Soil chromatography in March, spring preparation making in June, and fall preparation work in October formed a practical sequence through the year. Each gathering joined instruction with observation and work on the farm.

At the March workshop, participants combined technical instruction with close observation and a farm visit. The June gathering brought preparation making into the rhythms of a working farm: gathering dandelions and nettles, picking chamomile, sharing food, touring the farm, and making art together. October returned the group to seasonal preparation work.

WORKING WITH OUR BIODYNAMIC COMMUNITY

Study and exchange

JPI's educational work included sustained study and exchange with other practitioners. Two collaborations at the beginning of 2025 connected the Agriculture Course with the practical craft of making and using preparations.

The Agriculture Course with Spikenard

JPI and Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary continued Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture: Life Based on Love, their shared study of Rudolf Steiner's Agriculture Course. Begun in February 2024, the online series carried into January and February 2025.

The January 15 session addressed Lecture Eight, bringing together animal themes, observation, and biodynamic research. The February 12 conclusion welcomed Malcolm Gardner for reflection and questions about the course and his work on a new edition.

The series was co-led by Alex Tuchman, Ines Kinchen, Stewart Lundy, M Mueller, and colleagues, with Georgie Donovan supporting the shared resources. The concluding sessions combined presentations and discussion. Recordings, reading references, and other materials supported continued study.

Fellowship of Preparation Makers

From January 30 through February 2, Stewart and Board President Teresa O'Shaughnessy joined the Fellowship of Preparation Makers gathering in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Its theme, Forces and Processes of Stirring Biodynamic Preparations, focused attention on an essential part of biodynamic practice.

The gathering brought preparation makers together to exchange practical experience, consider the quality of their work, and renew connections with colleagues from across the country.

REGIONAL AND NATIONAL GATHERINGS

Teaching beyond the workshop

Conference sessions brought JPI into conversation with farmers, gardeners, preparation makers, and researchers. The year's contributions ranged from introductory biodynamics to chromatography, farm practice, and research.

An introduction in Texas

At Texas State University in San Marcos, Teresa represented JPI in an introductory panel within the Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference. The session brought the perspectives of biodynamic practitioners into the conference's wider agricultural conversation.

The exchange continued after the event. Organizers created an opt-in Texas biodynamics contact group, providing a way for interested participants to stay connected.

PUBLICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION

Written teaching and shared resources

Written teaching carried JPI's work beyond scheduled gatherings. Articles, newsletters, and study resources offered readers ways to return to ideas, compare experience, and bring questions into their own farming and gardening.

JPI publications

Cosmic Journal continued during 2025, sharing practical and reflective writing from the biodynamic community. Its February account of the Fellowship of Preparation Makers connected readers with the gathering in Wisconsin. Other pieces explored preparation plants, chromatography, pest management, and farm practice.

In July, JPI introduced Biodynamic Digest with Lloyd Nelson. The first issue appeared on July 27 and opened a series of calendar-oriented updates on biodynamic practice. These publications complemented the Institute's in-person teaching and online study.

Contributing to the Biodynamic Association

On December 17, the Biodynamic Association published Stewart Lundy's article Biodynamic Calendars, sharing JPI's perspective on working with calendars in biodynamic practice.

Cooperation also included practical access to preparations. JPI offered a preparation discount for the Association's paid members, connecting a membership benefit with resources for growers.

Bringing book resources into JPI

On October 28, JPI and the Biodynamic Association signed an agreement transferring ownership of the Association's remaining published-book inventory and related color plates to JPI. It covered physical editions and study materials, including color plates for In Partnership with Nature. JPI undertook shipping and royalty obligations as part of the arrangement; copyright ownership remained unchanged.

Resources for continued learning

The Agriculture Course collaboration with Spikenard provided recordings and a shared collection of reading references. Together with JPI's articles and workshop instruction, these resources gave people several ways to approach the work: reading, discussion, observation, and practice.

SEASONAL WORK AND CAREFUL OBSERVATION

Preparations and research

Making preparations together

Preparation making remained a practical part of JPI's educational work. The spring gathering brought people into contact with the plants and materials used in the preparations. Seasonal tasks made the teaching concrete: collecting, sorting, filling, tending, and observing how materials change over time.

The fall gathering continued that cycle with work on horn manure and seasonal herbal preparations. Horns were unearthed, emptied, refilled, and buried. Working through these tasks together helped connect the preparation-making craft with the seasonal cycle of the farm.

An initial compost extraction trial

JPI began a compost-extraction investigation with Hiwassee in the autumn. The proposed study brought together microscopy, chromatography, and field observations to compare compost extracts and treated and untreated pasture. In October, equipment preparation led to Stewart's first extraction run using compost and barrel compound. This initial work provided a starting point for further field comparison.

Teaching people to observe

Chromatography also served an educational purpose. Participants made and examined images and practiced attending to differences. The workshop connected laboratory technique with patient observation, giving participants a method to explore and questions to carry back to their own work.

MERIT GRANT AND FUNDRAISING

Access and program development

During 2025, JPI developed a way to place preparations and practical support with people already carrying out useful agricultural work. The Merit Grant took shape through application design, pilot material, planning conversations, and proposed cooperation around compost and preparations.

Developing the Merit Grant

An August meeting considered cooperation with Cure Soil and the distribution of biodynamic compost. Material prepared in August and September set out an application process and described pilot recipients. This work helped JPI consider how its preparations, educational resources, and relationships could support projects beyond its own workshops.

The purpose was practical access: connect people with resources suited to their work. Program development brought together questions about what a grower needs, which materials are suitable, and how an award can be delivered and followed through.

Seeking support for the work

JPI pursued outside support for its research and community-facing work. Ekhagastiftelsen acknowledged receipt of an application in May. By July, JPI had also submitted a letter of inquiry to the Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Community Farm Giving Circle and received confirmation of submission.

These submissions formed part of the year's fundraising and program-development work, alongside planning for wider access to JPI's preparations and educational resources.

The next step

The Merit Grant formally launched on January 6, 2026, following the date set in the December 2025 Board minutes. The launch followed the planning and pilot work of 2025; subsequent delivery belongs to the following year's account.

JANUARY 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31 2025

Financial results

JPI reported revenue of $198,969 and expenses of $208,435 in 2025, resulting in expenses exceeding revenue by $9,466. Amounts below are in U.S. dollars.

Gross inventory sales of $262,849 less $104,003 in cost of goods sold produced net inventory income of $158,846. Total revenue is reported after cost of goods sold. That cost is excluded from the functional expenses shown below.

Expense classifications follow the supplied Form 990, including wages reported in management and general.

Source: Supplied 2025 Form 990 client copy, prepared on the accrual basis. This summary is not audited financial statements.

YEAR END 2025

Financial position

JPI ended 2025 with $384,229 in assets, $31,228 in liabilities, and $353,001 in net assets. Of the year-end net assets, $6,850 was subject to donor restrictions. Amounts below are in U.S. dollars.

Net assets decreased by $16,453 during the year. This includes both the $9,466 excess of expenses over revenue and a $6,987 accounting adjustment. Schedule O identifies the latter as the final Section 481(a) adjustment, with no future-year adjustments. Net assets are assets less liabilities; they are not a measure of cash available. Donor-restricted net assets are presented separately from net assets without donor restrictions.

Source: Supplied 2025 Form 990 client copy, prepared on the accrual basis. This summary is not audited financial statements.

FINANCES AND GOVERNANCE

Stewardship and leadership

Preparation and book sales, subscriptions, workshops, donations, and grants support JPI's work. The Board's financial oversight connects those resources with preparation making, education, research, and the Institute's ongoing operations.

JPI's Board oversees policy, programs, finances, and staff leadership. The signed bylaws adopted September 9 2024 establish a calendar fiscal year and include procedures for disclosing and managing conflicts of interest.

Staff leadership

Stewart Lundy served as Director of Education, Research and Outreach earlier in the year. A Board resolution effective November 21 2025 promoted him to Executive Director. The minutes distinguish his staff role from the voting Board.

Oversight in practice

Approved minutes record discussion of finances, inventory questions, program development, and the following year's budget. The December meeting approved the 2026 budget and recorded the planned January Merit Grant launch.

The bylaws call for conflicts to be disclosed, for affected directors or officers to recuse themselves, and for decisions to be recorded and considered by disinterested directors.

An ongoing environmental partnership

JPI continued its relationship with 1% for the Planet, which approved the Institute as an environmental partner in April 2024. The relationship connects JPI with a network of environmental giving.

GRATITUDE AND CURRENT CONTACT INFORMATION

Thank you for supporting JPI

JPI's work depends on the people who make and care for preparations, host gatherings, teach, study, help with practical tasks, and bring the preparations into their farms and gardens. We thank the donors and customers whose support helps sustain this work, and the Board and staff who carry its responsibilities.

We also thank the host farms and collaborators who made room for shared learning during 2025. Their hospitality and practical contributions helped people meet, work, and learn together.

Stay connected

Learn and follow JPI's work at jpibiodynamics.org. For current giving options, visit jpibiodynamics.org/pages/donate. For questions about the Institute, write to info@jpibiodynamics.org or call 540 745 7030. Order questions can be sent to orders@jpibiodynamics.org.

USPS mailing address

Josephine Porter Institute
PO Box 507
Accomac, VA 23301
Order fulfillment and returns: 23344 Decormis Street, Accomac, VA 23301.
Floyd location: 652 Thompson Road SE, Floyd, VA 24091.

Contact and support information checked October 24 2026. These are current routes, separate from the 2025 reporting period. JPI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN 54-1359533.