The purpose of the Biodynamic Land Trust Limited is to secure land for biodynamic farming, gardening and food growing in the long term. We do this through partnerships, community involvement and shares.

organisation

The Biodynamic Land Trust (BDLT) is a charitable Community Benefit Society. We were established in 2011 and we are:

  • registered with the Financial Conduct Authority;
  • governed by a set of Rules;
  • directed by a small board of volunteer directors elected by members at Annual General Meetings; and
  • assisted by an Operations Manager.

Members join by investing in withdrawable, non-profit shares. Both individuals and organisations can join, each member has one vote.

The Biodynamic Association (BDA) is our custodian trustee. As such, the BDA has the power under the BDLT Rules to nominate a director who can veto any changes in the Objects of the BDLT. As a result, our assets would be transferred to the BDA should the BDLT ever wind up. This offers an additional safeguard for the BDLT land assets, in addition to the charity at law status.

origins

The BDLT is the outcome of the 2011 Biodynamic Land Action Research and Feasibility Project carried out in partnership with the BDA. Following this, the generous gift of a donor made the Trust possible by helping to seed fund and secure 2-3 pilot farm buyouts. By combining the gift with community share issues and personal/private loans, we have enabled five projects so far.

dIVERSITY

The Biodynamic Land Trust is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion in all our interactions and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We seek to ensure equality, fairness and respect for all. We recognise that there are many barriers facing those seeking to enter the agricultural and horticultural sectors, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. The Land Trust joins with the global biodynamic community in actively working to remove those barriers to facilitate access for all.

looking forward

As a result of our early experience, we are evolving ways to support new initiatives and continue to facilitate the growth in sustainable community-connected farming. This will allow more people to benefit by being really connected to where their food comes from.

To become a member please complete the application form available here. Alternatively, please contact us and we will forward one to you.