Bee Biodynamic!

‘Bee Biodynamic’ is a homegrown campaign by an environmentally concerned,

Tuscan wine estate, Querciabella, to raise awareness about the urgent need

to save the honeybee.

In 1988 Querciabella began the journey of ‘gentle farming’ practices to help

maintain the natural balance that our planet requires for a sustainable future;

to help preserve the Tuscan terroir; and to protect the honeybee habitats.

Along this path, Querciabella made the decision to pursue a complete transition

to biodynamic agriculture, which was achieved by 2000.

Currently, one of the most urgent environmental concerns is the preservation

of the honeybee, a force of nature that is the backbone of agriculture. In the

past few years, the world has lost a large percentage of the honeybee population.

Recently, the financial crisis has caused a reduction of demand for certain

crops, such as almonds, that place unhealthy expectations on industrial bred

honeybees and many hives have been able to recuperate. But there is still the

unresolved, looming problem of colony collapse disorder (CCD, otherwise

known as the ‘disappearing bees’).

Nicolas Joly, the world famous biodynamic wine producer from the Loire Valley,

observes that “sickness is a sign of imbalance”. A statement that could easily be

applied to the case of the disappearing bees. Although some of the causes of CCD

have already been found, and they relate to specific kinds of pesticides used in

intensive agriculture, there is a lot more work to be done.

A few European countries have started to ban some of the pesticides relating

to CCD. But what we do know is that organic and biodynamic farms have re-

ported fewer or no problems at all with their hives. We also know that honeybees

need nourishment from native plants and flowers, a concept that biodynamic

farming promotes. To help eradicate and prevent CCD, biodynamic farming is

certainly an essential tool, and has been proven over time to support honeybee

populations. So Bee Biodynamic!

Here are some other reasons why everyone should consider turning to organic or

biodynamic farming methods.

1. Keeping our soil alive. The chemicals used in industrial farming methods

destroy the life and structure of the soil, thus causing erosion. Biodynamic

farming is gentle on the soil and allows it to flourish.

2. Nourishing plants with plants. The chemicals used in industrial farming

methods kill plants, thus killing the natural balance of minerals and nutrients

that a variety of plants provide for the soil. Biodynamic farming promotes the

biodiversity needed to help nourish the soil.

3. Protecting our water supply. The chemicals used in industrial farming

methods seap into the underground water supply. Biodynamic farming practices

do not contaminate our water.

4. Protecting the health of living beings. How can something that bears a

“Toxic” label, and needs to be handled with gloves and by wearing a spacesuit

be safe for human consumption? Chemicals in agriculture are dangerous for

people, animals, and the environment. Biodynamic farming encourages life.

5. Supporting your local community. Typically, chemical crops are managed

by large, industrial farm operations. Biodynamic farms tend to be smaller and

more connected to their communities and colleagues, and are more sympathetic

to their local environmental needs.

6. Supporting a sustainable future. Industrial farmers are not worried by

their impact on the future sustainability of the planet. The biodynamic philosophy,

instead, improves the well being of the planet for generations to come.

7. Preserving the true flavor of fruits and vegetables. Industrial produce is

bland. Biodynamic fruits and vegetables, like the ones we remember from our

childhood, are full of flavor.

As far as Querciabella is concerned, not only do we practice and promote strict

standards in biodynamic viticulture and agriculture throughout our estates – in

Greve in Chianti, in Radda in Chianti, in Alberese (Maremma), and soon in San

Casciano (Northern Chianti Classico). We also have our own bee colonies, placed

in the heart of our two main estates, where they can feed off biodynamic flowers,

be safe and be protected from pesticides and other poisons spread by humans.

We do not harvest their honey, instead we let them find their own balance in a

healthy, natural environment. Planting lavender, and other plants that bees prefer,

is another good way to enhance their health.

We encourage everyone concerned about the disappearance of the honeybees,

and its potential catastrophic consequences to adopt organic or biodynamic

agricultural standards, and to create bee colonies, allowing them to live a safe

and healthy life.

Querciabella, the Querciabella logo, Bee Biodynamic!, Batàr, Camartina, Palafreno

and Mongrana are registered trademarks of Agricola Querciabella SpA.