SEKEM Insight 02.13 EN

Nr. 125 - Februar 2013

Insight

SEKEM‘s Journal for Culture, Economy, Society and Ecology in Egypt

Editorial Dear Readers, Demeter agriculture is virtually the lifeblood SEKEM, the fundamental principle on which its development work is built, as far as its engagement with the natural environment is concerned. It also deeply affects the care and management of its relations to its employees. Hardly any other approach is of more crucial significance to the ethical and material importance of its work not only in Egypt, but also internationally.

Demeter

DUNDU

Partner News

Bio-dynamic Practice in Egypt

Art and Human Encounters

Lebensbaum Wins Demeter Prize

The Practice of Demeter Agriculture in Egypt The focus of the foundation for successful development SEKEM’s work is the bio-dynamic agriculture. On the initiative and they more and more farmers in Egypt trust for more than 30 years. In a series of articles, we look at the specifics of the Demeter cultivation in Egypt.

SEKEM Insight has highlighted individual aspects of Demeter agriculture in Egypt in several of its previous issues. In this edition, we comprehensively consider the interaction of these elements in an article on the practice of biodynamic cultivation in the country.

In a future issue, we will look more closely at the material basis of the approach.

The SEKEM team is delighted that another pioneer of biodynamic agriculture - long-term SEKEM partner and customer Lebensbaum from Germany - has recently won the distinction “Product of the Year” for another leading product of the global sustainable and fair trade movement: coffee.

Congratulations!

Your Team of Editors Find SEKEM also on the Internet at:

Though SEKEM also cultivates raw materials itself at numerous large farms all over Egypt, its companies traditionally work with many small-holding farmers such as this family from Fayoum.

A

white house with red roof tiles, geraniums on the windowsills, next to a barn, a cow peeps out of its window and a cock crows on the dung heap beside, surrounded by his flock of hens, pecking. The whole idyllic scene is located right next to a vegetable garden, green hills and yellow-waving corn fields. Is that not a perfect representation of our imagination of a Demeter farm somewhere in lush, green Europe? And is it not hard

to imagine a similar scene in Egypt, a country virtually without rain, with vast deserts, and almost without any cows or cattle?

Interestingly, the reality can be quite different. In Egypt SEKEM is working in most of the country’s regions together with many farmers to produce large quantities of organic food according to the Demeter guidelines.

Even though the sights and sounds of Egypt might differ a bit from those of SEKEM Insight | Februar 2013 | Page 1

Economy

Farm, many more farmers joined or expressed interest in learning more about the new technique. They were all naturally interested in a method that would allow them to reclaim desert ground, turn it into arable land, and to manage it in such a way that it would yield healthy food and contribute to creating sustainable livelihoods for their families and their children in a profitable way.

been improved for thousands of years through the mud of the Nile that has been deposited here during each of the annual flooding cycles. Today, the quality of these soils must be actively preserved by the farmers themselves, as no flooding occurs anymore due to the impact of the Aswan Dam built between 1960-1970.

The basis of the agricultural work and the motivation of the farmers may be quite different in many of these locations, as it is on conventional farms. Of course, Demeter farmers also have to earn enough income to provide for themselves and their families. However, the motivational core for many is the service they may provide to the wellbeing of the earth itself. On the Demeter farms, soil fertility is improved through the use of specially prepared compost and by the balanced employment of crop rotation on the individual fields. For the compost, vegetable scraps (green waste) from the farm itself as well as animal manure from its own animals are used. In addition, the compost used is further refined through bio-dynamic preparations is that are used by all Demeter farmers.

As different as these farms may seem, they all bear some typical “Demeter characteristics”, but often exhibit them in many different ways:

The compost is usually brought onto the fields twice a year, during the preparation season. The fields are then immediately ploughed.

More than 30 years of Demeter agriculture bear fruit in the soils of the original SEKEM Farm. Through compost application the sandy ground has gained so much in quality that it can be used for regular agriculture.

fertile Europe, many of these products grown here are produced under similar circumstances and will later be processed into foods, teas, medicines and textiles by the many companies of the SEKEM Group.

Among each other, these farms ranging from small-holding farmers’ places to larger plantations - can seem very different: from tiny rural settlements in the Nile Delta, that have access to only 1-2 hectares, but boast dark, fertile soil and irrigation through the channels that zigzag the Delta in most places, to large farms with hundreds of hectares all of them form part of the wider SEKEM community of suppliers and co-workers. Some farms are located in the oases of the Western Desert, where date palms are grown traditionally and herbs and spices.

Here the soil is poor and sandy, and dependent on irrigation from groundwater of the oases. Other farms are located in the southern region of the country, right in the narrow strip of fertile soil left and right of the river Nile itself, such as the area of the towns of Minya, Sohag, and Beni Suef.

Here, many different varieties of food plants can be grown, albeit in a very confined space, as soil fertility has

Improving Soil Fertility On the SEKEM farm, cultivation according to biodynamic principles began more than 30 years ago. During the implementation of the basic foundations of Demeter agriculture in the Egyptian desert, Dr. Abouleish and his team were support and inspired by many experts. Frieda Gögler and Georg Merckens, for example, managed to transfer their decades of experience with bio-dynamic farming in Europe to the new circumstances in an arid country like Egypt and went on to share their enthusiasm with the early SEKEM co-workers. Based on the successes achieved on the seminal SEKEM

The desert soils in and around SEKEM are slightly alkaline with very low carbon and very high salt levels.

Their treatment with compost, green manure, bio-dynamic preparations, and regular irrigation has, over time, led to a change in the composition of the soil and its improvement with higher levels of organic matter.

In a study by Soil & More International, the Louis Bolk Institute and the Heliopolis University, the researchers Joris van der Kamp and Boki Luske could compare the effects of many years of bio-dynamic farming on Egyptian desert soils with cultivation on un-prepared, conventionally tilled soils, specifically concerning the

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Economy

organic carbon content contained in different soil layers. The results show a strong increase of organic carbon in layers of up to 30cm deep. In the pristine desert soil around SEKEM, an organic carbon content of 0,06 to 0,08% was measured. On soils that had been farmed for 30 years by SEKEM, the organic carbon content in a depth of 0-10cm had increased to levels between 0.99 to 1.39% and in 10-30cm depth to levels between 0.32 and 0.39%. Per hectare per year, on average 3 tons of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases are sequestered and thus a major contribution to climate protection is made.

The higher organic matter content in the soil also leads to a lower need for continuous irrigation and a generally better soil fertility - important factors for improving food security in a waterscarce country like Egypt.

sowing and the three-time application of horn silica, the cotton harvest improved by almost 20% (weight) compared to cotton which was grown on the same field but had remained untreated and whose farmers did not observe cosmic rhythms.

Since then, similar tests have been run under the direction of the EBDA because through the initial study and later regular work, lots of new questions arose, such as regarding the quality of the preparations themselves. In Egypt, the same treatments are manufactured and used as in Europe. Even though legitimate questions have been posed concerning the need for different types of preparations to be used in different climates, the good results obtained through their application do not suggest a need for special manufacturing methods.

Animal Husbandry

The Application of Preparations and the Observation of Cosmic Rhythms On the fields, bio-dynamic preparations are used in a comprehensive fashion, namely horn manure and horn silica. In addition, the farmers aim to orient their cultivation practice to cosmic rhythms, for instance concerning the exact timing of the employment of preparations, during planting, fertilizing, and even soil preparation.

They rely on the calendar authored by Maria Thun, a German bio-dynamic author specialising in farming calendars. EBDA, the Egyptian Biodynamic Association, has conducted a number of field trials in recent years that could confirm the effectiveness of the use of treatments and the observance of cosmic rhythms. The trails provided impressive insights and confirmed rising yields and the better quality of clover plants, potatoes and cotton.

SEKEM’s farmers have been encouraged in their work very much (see also SEKEM Insight No. 30, 11.2004).

Observing the suggested days for

You can visit SEKEM yourself: www.SEKEM-reisen.de www.aventerra.de

All Demeter farms engage in animal husbandry, except for the occasional facility focussing on horticulture alone. In Egypt, these animals are often traditional sheep or water buffalos. Pigs are not kept while cattle is rare. Chickens, pigeons, ducks, and geese are also found on many farms.

Some dispose of camels or donkeys as animals used in labour or they maintain beehives.

On the SEKEM farm itself, 230 dairy cows are kept in stables. To these have to be added some calves, heifers and some fattening animals that are homebred. A flock of sheep, many chickens and a few donkeys and camels also populate the farm. SEKEM even cultivates bees. The large number of animals on the farm is justified (and even necessary) by the fact that the SEKEM Farm is in an operating community with SEKEM’s neighbouring Adleya farm. Here, herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown, which are dependent on the compost produced with the manure of animals kept by SEKEM. Since the beginning of the agricultural work on the farm, Angela Hofmann has been responsible for

animal husbandry and breeding. She also strives share with SEKEM’s coworkers a whole new attitude towards animals in the context of the farm, which is marked by dignity and respect for their nature. Again and again she has experienced the challenge of changing the image of animals in a society used to look at them in the first place as tool for labour or as a provider of meat.

However, by visiting the SEKEM farm or any other Demeter farm and by carefully observing the animals and their relationship to humans, visitors can get a first glimpse of what constitutes the individuality of each farm and its specific bio-dynamic spirit.

Thus, in Egypt in recent years, a strong Demeter movement has emerged. On the one hand, recent successes are entirely material and are reflected in the many healthy foods that are sold mostly in Egypt, and in the farms, whose soils are farmed bio-dynamically and whose fertility is constantly improving. On top of that, however, it has to be considered an important success for the whole of Egypt that precisely because of the example SEKEM originally set for bio-dynamic cotton production, the spraying of pesticides by air has been abandoned long ago and that the overall use of pesticides in Egypt dropped by nearly 90%. The power of the Demeter movement is also visible in individual encouragement that creates a healthier culture of farming. It is a culture that continues to understand the practice of farming as a continuous grappling new ideas and questions and not to resort to simple (chemical) “One-size-fits-all” approaches.

At present, Demeter farmers in Egypt are working hard on issues of soil quality: what is their quality? How do roots develop in sandy ground?

What does our treating it do to it? How is the soil compacted by working with heavy tractors? What plants can I grow that help the soil regenerate? Egypt’s Demeter movement is all about never stopping to ask radical questions Christina Anlauf, Angela Hofmann

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Economy

The Business Development of the SEKEM Group Companies in 2012 Turnover (consolidated)

209 Mio. EGP

2011

260 Mio. EGP

2012

Sales Shares (Domestic vs. Export)

2011

Local

Local

Export

Export

2012

Sales Shares (by category)

20% 15% 15%

Farming

Pharma

50%

Textiles

FMCG

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Impressions

Impressions from SEKEM

D

UNDU („You And You“) is a 5m long puppet that has the power to engage people in an interactive and playful interaction wherever it appears. Interacting with DUNDU, you may easily forget time and space because everyone is immediately fascinated by its charisma that speaks to souls anywhere in the world, and warms the heart of everyone by calling to life one’s „inner child“. With artistic genius and great empathy five DUNDU artists lead the doll.

There‘s also a „DUNDU Baby“. It can be lead by anyone who holds it on his or her lap or lets it jump on his or her shoulder, but can also be used in performances of several people in coordination.

The students of SEKEM’s Heliopolis University had an enjoyable day with DUNDU. DUNDU walked across the campus and visited the square in which SEKEM co-workers meet every day, the campus garden and many other places. It even entered the big lecture hall, which was then filled to the last seat.

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News in Brief

Demeter Product of the Year 2013 from Lebensbaum

Large Congress Attracts Waldorf Teachers to Vienna

GLS Bank: Positive Outlook for the Future

The product “Espresso KaapiKerala (whole bean)” by Lebensbaum, a longterm SEKEM partner, has been selected “Demeter Product of the Year 2013”.

The spicy scent of the coffee that is produced according to bio-dynamic standards as well as the long-standing and close cooperation of the producer with its cultivation partners have both been deemed entirely “persuasive” by customers voting for the product.

From 1 to 3 May 2013, the Centre for Culture and Education on behalf of the European Network for Academic Steiner Teacher Education (ENASTE) in Vienna organises the international congress „The Educator‘s View of the Human Being - Consequences for Schools and Teacher Education“. The event is directed at teachers and educators in the field of Waldorf/Rudolf Steiner education on a global level.

The German GLS Bank, a leading ethical bank and investor in the SEKEM Initiative, recorded a strong growth of clients and a tripling of their cooperative business credit this last year. The bank also recorded growth in customer deposits, a significantly increased demand for credit and solid earnings across its entire business.

Among the key features of the new Demeter Product of the Year 2013 are: strong demands on cultivation methods, exemplary protection of natural resources, and a clever refinement of the finished product are all coming together in “KaapiKerala”.

The intense spicy flavour of the first Demeter espresso is expertly composed of Arabica and Robusta beans.

They mature bio-dynamically cultivated and protected under shade trees on the plantations of a long-standing cooperation partner of Lebensbaum in South India and the oldest Demeter coffee plantation in Mexico. At these farms, thanks to the extensive use of bio-dynamic preparations, the soil has continuously improved over many years. This as well as the mountain climate shapes the taste of the coffee beans, which is perfectly improved by a gentle roasting process.

The two farms are renowned for their protection of natural resources and the provision of sustainable livelihoods far beyond the biodynamic scene and have won many awards.

Klemens Fischer, member of the Demeter board of directors, explains: „For the Demeter trademark community, it is this link in the value chain from producer to consumer that has always been essential.“

Educators, philosophers, theologians, neuroscientists and historians will use the congress to analyse and discuss the importance of human nature and an all-encompassing understanding of the human being in pedagogy, school-level education and education systems in general.

As part of the congress 45 speakers from America, Europe and Australia will take to the stage at Vienna.

Numerous representatives from Waldorf-based teacher training institutions will participate in the event, which takes place in deliberate connection with an international meeting of Waldorf teachers. The congress aims to facilitate a fruitful dialogue between the educational science and the Waldorf movement and especially lead to an increased awareness and appreciation of Waldorf education in an academic context.

The conference will be held in the rooms of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (Favoritenstraße 15a, 1040 Vienna) and the Centre for Culture and Education (Tilgnerstraße 3, 1040 Vienna).

Conference languages ​​ will be English and German. A reduced registration fee is available for all applications received until 22 February.

Source and information: www.

ENASTEcongress2013.net

Source: Demeter

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More information: http://www.lebensbaum.de

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With 20 percent growth overall the GLS Bank remains firmly on the path to strong growth in the immediate future. With an increase in capital from 61 million euros to 93 million euros, the members of the cooperative bank have substantially strengthened its equity base. Accordingly, GLS Bank already fulfils the requirements for new capital rules posed by the new Basel III regulations.

Last year, 27,000 new customers opted for the GLS Bank, an increase of 23 percent. Customer deposits grew by a total of 20 percent. Total lending rose by 26 percent. In 2012, the bank funded social, cultural and environmental, educational and residential projects with a total sum of 543 million euros. GLS Bank was also recently voted the most sustainable business in entire Germany.

Source: GLS Bank

Masthead: The editors of SEKEM Insight wish to thank all contributors to this issue.

Editor: Bijan Kafi, Christina Anlauf Contact: SEKEM-Insight c/o SEKEM Holding P.O.Box 2834, El Horreya, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt insight@SEKEM.com Pictures: 1, 4: SEKEM; 2: Bijan Kafi No republication without written consent by the publisher.

More information: http://www.ENASTEcongress2013.net

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