Anthroposophy

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Kienle GS, Glockmann A, Grugel R, Hamre HJ, Kiene H.
Clinical research on anthroposophic medicine - update of a "Health Technology Assessment" report and status quo.
Forschende Komplementärmedizin 2011;18(5):269-282.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000331812.
Study type: Systemic Review

An overview and evaluation of a total of 265 studies on the efficacy of anthroposophic medicine or on specific therapeutic procedures of anthroposophic medicine.
Result: Studies of different designs and varying quality describe a medically good treatment outcome for a variety of diseases that is satisfactory, safe and presumably also cost-effective for patients.

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Hamre HJ, Kiene H, Ziegler R, Tröger W, Meinecke C, Schnürer C, Vögler H, Glockmann A, Kienle GS.
Overview of publications from the anthroposophic medicine outcomes study (AMOS): a whole systems evaluation study.
Global Advances in Health and Medicine 2014;3(1):54-70.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2013.010.
Study type: Review

The Anthroposophic Medicine Outcomes Study (AMOS) was a prospective, multicentre observational study of 1631 outpatients who had started anthroposophic therapy for anxiety disorders, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, low back pain, migraine and other chronic indications under routine conditions in Germany.
Results: Anthroposophic treatment was safe and was associated with clinically relevant improvements in symptoms and quality of life without increasing costs; improvements were observed in all age, diagnosis and therapy groups and were maintained after 48 months.

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Hamre HJ, Fischer M, Heger M, Riley D, Haidvogl M, Baars E, Bristol E, Evans M, Schwarz R, Kiene H.
Anthroposophic vs. conventional therapy of acute respiratory and ear infections: a prospective outcomes study.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 2005;117(7/8):256-268.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00508-005-0344-9.
Study type: Prospective outcome study

The study compares anthroposophic and conventional medical treatment of acute respiratory and ear complaints in terms of disease progression, drug consumption and safety, and patient satisfaction. 29 GP practices in Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Austria and the USA took part.
Result: Compared to conventional medical treatment, anthroposophic treatment of GP patients with acute respiratory or ear complaints achieved more favourable disease progression, lower antibiotic prescription rates and fewer adverse drug reactions with higher patient satisfaction.

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Hamre HJ, Glockmann A, Schwartz R, Riley DS, Baars EW, Kiene H, Kienle GS.
Antibiotic use in children with acute respiratory or ear infections: prospective observational comparison of anthroposophic and conventional treatment under routine primary care conditions.
Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2014; Article ID 243801.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/243801.
Study type: observational study

Children with acute respiratory tract or ear infections (RTI/OM) are often prescribed antibiotics unnecessarily. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem. Anthroposophic treatment of RTI/OM includes anthroposophic medicines, non-drug therapies and, if necessary, antibiotics. This secondary analysis of an observational study included 529 children <18 years of age from Europe or the USA whose caregivers had chosen to consult physicians who offered anthroposophic (A) or conventional (C) treatment for RTI/OM. During the 28-day follow-up period, 5.5% of A patients and 25.6% of C patients were prescribed antibiotics.
Result: Compared to C patients, significantly fewer conventional painkillers were used in A patients and symptoms resolved slightly faster.

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Plangger N, Rist L, Zimmermann R, von Mandach U.
Intravenous tocolysis with Bryophyllum pinnatum is better tolerated than beta agonist application.
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 2006:124(2):168-172.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2005.05.013.
Study type: Retrospective study

The aim of the study was to compare the tolerability and the labour-inhibiting effect of intravenously infused plant extract Bryophyllum pinnatum with conventional labour inhibitors (betamimetics). In a retrospective study, 67 couples of pregnant women with premature labour who were treated with intravenous Bryophyllum or with betamimetics were compared.
Result: In the treatment of premature labour, the anthroposophic Bryophyllum preparation used is no less effective than beta-agonists, but is significantly better tolerated.

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Tröger W, Galun D, Reif M, Schumann A, Stankovic N, Milicevic M.
Quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer during treatment with mistletoe - a randomized controlled trial.
Deutsches Ärzteblatt International 2014; 111(29-30):493-502.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2014.0493.
Study type: Randomised controlled phase III trial

The treatment of cancer patients with mistletoe extract is intended to prolong their survival and, above all, improve their quality of life. The study investigated whether the quality of life of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer can be improved by mistletoe extract. An open, blinded phase III study was conducted at a treatment centre. 220 patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who were not receiving any treatment other than best supportive care were included in this study.
Result: Mistletoe therapy significantly improves the quality of life of patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer compared to best supportive care alone. Mistletoe is an effective second-line treatment for this disease.

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Schad F, Thronicke A, Steele ML, Merkle A, Matthes B, Grah C, Matthes H.
Overall survival of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with Viscum album L.in addition to chemotherapy, a real-world observational multicentre analysis.
PLoS One. 2018;13(8):e0203058.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203058.
Study type: Multicentre observational study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mistletoe therapy in addition to chemotherapy on the survival of patients with stage IV NSCLC. The observational study was conducted using data from the clinical registry of the Network Oncology, an accredited joint clinical registry of German oncology clinics, general practitioners and outpatient centres.
Result: Overall survival was significantly prolonged in the mistletoe therapy group. The overall survival rates after one and three years were higher with chemotherapy plus mistletoe therapy than with chemotherapy alone. This indicates that concomitant mistletoe therapy is positively associated with survival in patients with stage IV NSCLC treated with standard chemotherapy.

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Alm JS, Swartz J, Lilja G, Scheynius A, Pershagen G.
Atopy in children of families with an anthroposophic lifestyle.
Lancet 1999; 353(91630):1485-1488.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(98)09344-1.
Study type: Comparative cross-sectional study

People who lead an "anthroposophical lifestyle" use antibiotics and conventional painkillers less frequently, are vaccinated less often and have a healthier diet with regard to their own intestinal flora. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of neurodermatitis and bronchial asthma ("atopy") in children with an "anthroposophic lifestyle".
Result: The frequency of atopic diseases in children from families with an anthroposophic lifestyle is lower than in children from other families. The study caused quite a stir among experts because it was the first to show how much the incidence of asthma and neurodermatitis is also influenced by the environment, diet and the use of antibiotics in early childhood.

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Swartz J, Lindblad F, Arinell H, Theorell T, Alm J.
Anthroposophic lifestyle and salivary cortisol are associated with a lower risk of sensitisation during childhood.
Pediatric, Allergy and Immunology 2015;26(2):153-160.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.12342.
Study type: comparative study

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of an anthroposophic lifestyle at the age of 6 months on allergy sensitisation up to the age of 5 years. A total of 507 families from maternal health centres took part. Parents' lifestyles were categorised as anthroposophic, partially anthroposophic or non-anthroposophic.
Results: Children from families with an anthroposophic lifestyle have a lower risk of developing allergic sensitisation by 5 years of age than comparison children. This risk is partly explained by lower stress levels in infants with an anthroposophic lifestyle.

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Ostermann T, Appelbaum S, Poier D, Boehm K, Raak C, Bussing A.
Asystematic review and meta-analysis on the survival of cancer patients treated with a fermented Viscum album L. extract (Iscador): an update of findings.
Complementary Medicine Research 2020;27(4):260-271.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000505202.
Study type: Systematic review

The aim of the study was to update the efficacy assessment of the anthroposophic mistletoe preparation Iscador® in controlled trials on the overall or event-free survival of cancer patients. Methodologically, leading medical databases were searched for clinical trials with cancer patients treated with Iscador. 82 controlled studies met the inclusion criteria.
Result: Overall, the studies indicate a positive therapeutic effect of mistletoe therapy. Significant differences were found between the types of cancer (p < 0.01), with the strongest positive effects in cervical cancer and less strong effects in lung cancer. The so-called adjuvant treatment of cancer patients with anthroposophic mistletoe therapy can therefore be associated with better survival.

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Barz, Heiner; Randoll, Dirk. (Eds.)
Graduates of Waldorf schools. An empirical study on education and life organisation.
VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften | Springer Fachmedien 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-90658-4
Study type: Quantitative study

Approximately 1500 questionnaires in three age cohorts were asked, among other things, open questions on the life organisation and professional development of former Waldorf school pupils.
Result: Encouraging and guiding support from committed class teachers, but also criticism of the professional skills acquired.

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Helsper, Werner; Pscheida, Daniela; Ullrich, Heiner et. al
Authority and school: The empirical reconstruction of the class teacher-pupil relationship at Waldorf schools
VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften | Springer Fachmedien 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-90740-6
Study type: Qualitative study

The broadly based study with interviews in three eighth grade classes, videography and report texts examined the authority-based pedagogical teacher-pupil relationship of the class teacher period.
Result: Fitting relationships are of central importance, various antinomies such as closeness and distance are worked out.

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Kohlmann, Steffen; Petersen, Lars; Ehrler, Petra (eds.)
Waldorf parents in Germany. Status, motives, attitudes, ideas for the future.
Beltz 2018
https://www.beltz.de/fachmedien/erziehungswissenschaft/produkte/details/36048-waldorf-eltern-in-deutschland.html
Study type: Quantitative survey

3600 parents were asked about their economic status and their visions for the future of Waldorf schools.
Result: Waldorf parents do not have a high economic status, but place significantly more value on education than other groups of parents in Germany.

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Liebenwein, Sylva; Barz, Heiner; Randoll, Dirk
Educational experiences at Waldorf schools. Empirical study on school quality and learning experience.
VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften | Springer Fachmedien 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-19090-7
Study type: Qualitative and quantitative study

How do parents and students rate teaching and the school climate? 57 problem-centred interviews were conducted with students and parents and 827 questionnaires from grades 9-13 from ten Waldorf schools were evaluated.
Result: The study found that there was a predominance of enthusiasm for learning, trusting teacher-student relationships and self-efficacy, and the class teacher principle was also confirmed.

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Randoll, Dirk (ed.)
"I am a Waldorf teacher". Attitudes, experiences, discussion points - A survey study.
VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften | Springer Fachmedien 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-19811-8
Study type: Quantitative study with open questions

In 2004 questionnaires with around 300 questions were asked about satisfaction, stress, health, self-administration, etc.
Result: Resilience is slightly better than at mainstream schools, but 40% of teachers are highly stressed. High job satisfaction despite comparatively lower pay.

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Randoll, Dirk; Peters, Jürgen
"We were at the Waldorf school". Former teachers as experts on their own behalf.
Beltz 2021
https://www.beltz.de/fachmedien/erziehungswissenschaft/produkte/details/45239-wir-waren-auf-der-waldorfschule.html
Study type: Quantitative survey

Around 3,000 former Waldorf school pupils were asked about their experiences at school, the quality of learning and personal development.
Result: More than three quarters of the statements were positive, with the artistic and craft aspects and social interaction in particular being highly appreciated.

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Beckel, Larissa
Educational experiences of refugee adolescents at a Waldorf school - strategies for more equal opportunities in education at Waldorf schools
Rose Journal Vol. 12 No. 2 2021
www.rosejourn.com/index.php/rose/article/view/648/595
Study type: Qualitative study

The educational experiences of adolescent refugees at Waldorf schools were analysed. The aim was to identify opportunities and potentials in which Waldorf education can support the educational progress of refugee pupils, but also to identify barriers to participation in the form of structural and institutional discrimination.
Result: The analysis of the data material reveals which practical strategies can mitigate structural and institutional discrimination. In particular, the effects of socio-cultural closures due to heterogeneous milieus in Waldorf educational settings play an important role here.

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Rittelmeyer, Christian
The temperaments in Waldorf education. A model for testing their scientific validity
RoSE Journal Vol 1 No 1 2010
https://www.rosejourn.com/index.php/rose/article/view/9/0
Study type: Methodological meta-study

The relationship between the temperamental teachings of Waldorf education and general psychological research is examined.
Result: The classical four temperaments are compatible with today's empirical psychological research.

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Randoll, Dirk; Graudenz, Ines; Peters, Jürgen
The class teacher period at Waldorf schools from the students' perspective - An exploratory study.
RoSE Journal Vol 5 No 2 2014
http://www.rosejourn.com/index.php/rose/article/viewFile/226/232
Study type: Quantitative survey

423 students in grades 9 to 13 from five Waldorf schools in Hesse were surveyed. The focus was on the assessment of the (past) class teacher time, the teacher-pupil relationship and the learning culture of the middle school.
Result: Contrary to previous assumptions, the class teacher time was predominantly rated positively by the high school students.

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Harslem, Michael; Randoll, Dirk
Self-responsible learning at Waldorf schools: Results of a practical research project - examples from teaching practice
Peter Lang 2013
Study type: Qualitative longitudinal study

Over a period of seven years, three schools promoted pupils' personal responsibility for the learning process. A total of 60 practical examples were examined in the study.
Result: One condition for success is the orientation of the entire school organisation towards self-responsible learning.

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Brater, Michael; Hemmer-Schanze, Christiane; Schmelzer, Albert
Intercultural Waldorf school. Evaluation of the school integration of migrant children
VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften | Springer Fachmedien 2012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-531-91338-4
Study type: Qualitative and quantitative

Parents at the Intercultural Waldorf school in Mannheim were surveyed in two rounds of written and oral interviews. The focus was on the integration and support of children with a migration background.
Result: 86% of parents are satisfied, particularly with linguistic and social integration.

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H. Felix Fischer, Sylvia Binting, Angelina Bockelbrink, Peter Heusser, Christoph Hueck, Thomas Keil, Stephanie Roll, Claudia Witt
The Effect of Attending Steiner Schools during Childhood on Health in Adulthood: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
PLoS ONE 8(9): e73135. (2013)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0073135;
(German summary at www.erziehungskunst.de/artikel/waldorfschulen-auswirkungen-auf-die-gesundheit-erforscht)
Study type: Quantitative, multicentre study

Survey using questionnaires on illnesses and physical complaints of 1136 former Waldorf school students aged 20 to 80 years compared with 1746 people of the same age in a control group who had not attended a Waldorf school.
Result: After adjustment for variables such as education, income, diet and health behaviour, former Waldorf school students showed significantly fewer illnesses and complaints, especially of the limb and metabolic systems.

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Edita Juknevičienė, Honorata Danilčenko, Elvyra Jarienė, Jurgen Fritz
The effect of horn-manure preparation on enzymes activity and nutrient contents in soil as well as great pumpkin yield
Open Agriculture. 2019; 4: 452-459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0044
Study type: Factorial exact trial under field conditions.

How do horn manure preparations affect the soil quality and yield of pumpkin? In a three-year field trial with pumpkin, four replicates each received horn manure (1% solution) and four replicates each received only water.
Result: Increased activity of soil enzymes, higher amounts of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, increased C=2 flux in the middle of the vegetation period (+5.2%) and increased pumpkin yield (+18%). Conclusion: Horn manure influences biological soil properties and nutrient availability.

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Edita Juknevičienė, Honorata Danilčenko, Elvyra Jarienė, Vilma Živatkauskienė, Johanna Zeise and Jürgen Fritz
The effect of biodynamic preparations on growth and fruit quality of giant pumpkin
Chem. Biol. Technol. Agric. 8, 60 (2021)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40538-021-00258-z
Study type: Factorial exact trial under field conditions

What effect do biodynamic preparations (horn manure and horn silica) have on the growth and fruit quality of giant pumpkin? In a three-year study, the influence of horn manure and horn silica on the yield and the nutrient components in the skin, fruit and seeds of three pumpkin varieties was investigated.
Result: Horn manure increases the total yield and marketable yield. Horn silica increases the marketable yield as well as the content of marrow elements and antioxidants. The combined application of horn manure and horn silica increases total yield, marketable yield, net photosynthetic productivity, dry matter content and total and individual carotenoid content. Conclusion: Effects of horn manure and horn silica on yield and constituents of food crops can be demonstrated.

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Miriam Athmann & Roya Bornhütter & Nicolaas Busscher & Paul Doesburg & Uwe Geier & Gaby Mergardt & Claudia Scherr & Ulrich Köpke & Jürgen Fritz
An update on image forming methods: structure analysis and Gestalt evaluation of images from rocket lettuce with shading, N supply, organic or mineral fertilisation, and biodynamic preparations
Org. Agr. 12, 307-323 (2022)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-021-00347-1
Study type: Method development

Are image-based methods suitable for reliably recording the influence of management factors? How can the evaluation be methodically optimised? The influence of various factors was investigated using three different image-forming methods (copper chloride crystallisation, rising image, round filter chromatography). The three analytical methods were compared with each other and various evaluation methods were also tested.
Result: The influences of the different factors could be recorded with the various image-forming methods. Supplementing the analytical evaluation of structural features in the images with a kinaesthetic view of the dynamics in the images increases the informative value of the method. The method, including evaluation, fulfils all the necessary scientific criteria. Conclusion: The image-generating methods can be used to recognise the effects of management factors on food. The evaluation method is based on sensory analysis and is standardised.

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Mario Malagoli, Stefania Sut, Gourav Kumar and Stefano Dall'Acqua
Variations of elements, pigments, amino acids and secondary metabolites in Vitis vinifera (L.) cv Garganega after 501 biodynamic treatment
Chem. Biol. Technol. Agric. 9, 36 (2022)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40538-022-00299-y
Study type: Field trial under practical conditions

What effect does the biodynamic preparation 501 (horn silica) have on Vitis vinifera (L.) cv Garganega plants? The effect of horn silica on the metabolism of the vines was investigated using leaf and grape samples in two vineyards in the Veneto region (IT).
Result: The application of horn silica increases the phenol content in the berries. The biochemical metabolic analysis appears to be a promising approach for the investigation of preparation effects. Conclusion: Preparation effects (horn silica) on grapes can be demonstrated. The methodological approach is promising. Further studies are necessary to confirm and possibly extend the results.

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Rüdiger Ortiz-Álvarez,a Héctor Ortega-Arranz,a Vicente J. Ontiveros,b Miguel de Celis,c Charles Ravarani,a Alberto Acedo,a Ignacio Beldaa
Network Properties of Local Fungal Communities Reveal the Anthropogenic Disturbance Consequences of Farming Practices in Vineyard Soils
Chem. Biol. Technol. Agric. 9, 36 (2022)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/mSystems.00344-21
Study type: Amplicon-based field study

What influence do geographical and climatic factors have depending on the type of cultivation? The network structure of microbial communities in vineyards was investigated on the basis of 350 soil samples from the USA and Spain.
Result: Differences were found in the association structure and niche specialisation of fungal communities. Organic and biodynamic management promoted densely clustered networks describing an equilibrium state based on mixed collaborative communities. Conventionally managed vineyards had highly modular, sparser communities supported by a higher proportion of coexclusions. Conclusion: The study could indicate a promotion of self-regulation in agroecosystems through biodynamic management. The methodological approach is promising, but further studies are needed to confirm and possibly extend the results.

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Amélie Christel, Pierre-Alain Maron, Lionel Ranjard
Impact of farming systems on soil ecological quality: a meta-analysis
Environ Chem Lett 19, 4603-4625 (2021)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-021-01302-y
Study type: Meta-analysis

How do different farming systems affect biodiversity and soil functioning?
Result: Biological indicators of the soil are about 70% better in organic and biodynamic farming than in conventional farming. Biodynamic agriculture improves soil biological indicators by 43% compared to organic farming. Soil-conserving agriculture performs better than conventional agriculture in 57% of the indicators. Conclusion: On average, biodynamic farming improves soil quality more than organic or conventional farming.

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C. Rigolot, M. Quantin
Biodynamic farming as a resource for sustainability transformations: Potential and challenges
Agricultural Systems 200, June 2022, 103424
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103424
Study type: Concept paper

What is biodynamic agriculture? Are pragmatic scientific approaches compatible with it and do they offer an interesting potential for sustainability?
Methodological approach: Theoretical analysis of the specific approach and measures/elements of biodynamic agriculture with a view to sustainability.
Result: Biodynamic agriculture is based on a specific concept of knowledge based on the creativity, intuition and experience of farmers. It is compatible with holistic and pragmatic research approaches aimed at "realisable knowledge". Academic research could benefit from studying biodynamic agriculture more, and biodynamic agriculture could benefit more from academic research. Conclusion: The biodynamic approach can provide important impulses for the sustainable development of agriculture.

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D. Heimler; P. Vignolini; P. Arfaioli; L. Isolani; A. Romani
Conventional, organic and biodynamic farming: differences in polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of Batavia lettuce
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 92(03), 2012, 551-556
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4605
Study type: Complex exact trial under field conditions

What influence does the type of farming (conventional, organic, biodynamic) have on the yield, polyphenol content and antiradical activity in Batavia lettuce?
Result: The contents of polyphenols and anthocyanins as valuable ingredients were significantly increased under biodynamic compared to conventional farming. The antiradical activity was positively correlated with the content of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid and was highest under biodynamic cultivation. The yield of the plants was highest under conventional management (2.89 kgm-2). Conclusion: Biodynamic farming can increase the content of nutrients in food plants compared to conventional farming.

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Ana Paula Simões-Wüsta, Lukas Rista, André Muellerb, Machteld Huberc, Hans Steinhartb, Carel Thijsd
Consumption of dairy products of biodynamic origin is correlated with increased contents of rumenic and trans vaccenic acid in the breast milk of lactating women
Org. Agr. 1, 161 (2011)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-011-0013-4
Study type: Ancillary study as part of a prospective birth cohort study

How does a diet with biodynamic versus conventional dairy products affect the quality of human breast milk? Breast milk samples from 312 women with different dietary habits were analysed.
Result: The content of ruminal acid (a valuable linoleic acid) and vaccenic acid in breast milk is significantly higher when fed with dairy products from biodynamic farming compared to conventional sources. The content of elaidic acid in breast milk is significantly lower when fed with dairy products from biodynamic farming compared to conventional sources. Conclusion: A diet with biodynamic dairy products can lead to a higher quality of breast milk and thus promote the health of infants.

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Christopher Brock, Uwe Geier, Ramona Greiner, Michael Olbrich-Majer, Jürgen Fritz
Research in biodynamic food and farming - a review
Open Agriculture. 2019; 4: 743-757
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0064
Study type: Review article (review)

What do scientific publications report on the effects of biodynamic agriculture? Articles on the effects of biodynamic farming published in scientific journals between 2006 and 2019 were analysed.
Result: Biodynamic farming produces system effects on the soil, with compost application playing a decisive role. Biodynamic preparations have an effect on the chemical composition and quality of food. Biodynamic production can improve the value of food in terms of nutrients, flavour and human health and well-being. Biodynamic farming improves grape quality and plant characteristics. Conclusion: System effects in particular are well documented.

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Magali A. Delmas, Olivier Gergaud
Sustainable practices and product quality is there value in eco-lable certification? The case of wine
Ecological Economics Volume 183, May 2021, 106953
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.106953
Study type: Descriptive field study

What influence do ecolabels have on the evaluation of product quality by experts? The results are based on 128,182 wines.
Result: The organic and biodynamic labels certified by third parties lead to better ratings (+6.2 % and +5.6 % respectively) compared to conventional wines. The results indicate that experts assess the quality of organically certified wines differently than some consumers. Conclusion: On average, the quality of biodynamic wines is rated better by experts than that of conventional wines.

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Wendy McWilliam, Andreas Wesener
Attitudes and Behaviours of Certified Winegrowers towards the Design and Implementation of Biodiversity Farming Strategies
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031083
Sustainability 2021, 13, 1083
Study type: Descriptive field study

Does biodiversity management differ between biodynamic and organic farms? A survey was conducted to investigate attitudes towards biodiversity management and its implementation on American winegrowing farms.
Result: Biodynamic farms were more diverse and more frequently integrated animals or other branches of production. The diversity of biodynamic farms contributes to risk minimisation and makes the farms more resilient. Conclusion: The biodynamic impulse obviously promotes the appreciation of biodiversity and structural diversity, as well as the diversification of farms.