Farm Types in Biocyclic Vegan Agriculture
The Biocyclic Vegan Standard redefines farming practices, emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity, and ethical production. This approach extends to diverse farm types, including protected vegetable production, outdoor farming, fruit growing, wine production, mushroom cultivation, and on-farm processing. Below, we explore each type's unique features and guidelines under this innovative framework.
Protected Vegetable Production
According to the Biocyclic Vegan Standard, protected vegetable production requires the farm to completely change its previous cultivation procedures. Sustainable cultivation practices are being emphasized, such as substituting conventional substrates with Biocyclic Humus Soil. This soil acts as a substrate, fertilizer, and soil additive, particularly useful in previously contaminated areas. If sufficient quantities of Biocyclic Humus Soil are unavailable to the farm, fully mature compost from purely plant-based source material can be used instead of humus soil. Diverse planting strategies foster symbiotic relationships, enhancing nutrient uptake and biodiversity. Natural pest control through beneficial insects and minimal use of external inputs are central to this method.
Outdoor Vegetable and Arable Farming
Like all arable farming approaches of a biocyclic vegan farm, outdoor farming focuses on enriching soil humus content through green manuring, mulching, mixed cropping, and extended crop rotation. Legumes play a crucial role in ensuring nitrogen fixation and soil fertility. Mixed cropping and extensive crop rotations boost biodiversity and resilience, transforming large arable lands into thriving ecosystems.
Fruit Growing
Monocultures are prohibited in biocyclic vegan fruit growing. Tree rows are interspersed by alleys that serve to cultivate other crops, such as legumes or herbs. Those can be used as mulch material for the trees to enhance soil health. Humus-rich planting practices during the initial years are important to ensure robust tree growth. Selective insect control is part of the farm practice and must align with the standard’s principles.
Wine Growing
Biocyclic vegan viticulture emphasizes the use of local, well-adapted grape varieties and location-specific cultivation. Humus-enriched planting ensures vigorous root development, while inter-row legume cultivation enhances soil fertility. The focus extends to biodiversity, with flowering plants and trees integrated into vineyards.
Mushroom Cultivation
Currently under development, the mushroom cultivation guidelines will mainly focus on the production of mushroom spawn and substrate. Besides the prohibition of animal-derived inputs, the sustainable sourcing of wood for wood substrates will be the content of the guidelines. The aim to compost discarded substrates for use as fertilizers reflects the circular approach of biocyclic vegan agriculture.
On-Farm Processing
For the refinement of biocyclic vegan products, on-farm processing can be appropriate. In that case, the operation must guarantee the complete traceability of the processing and transport chain. This requires stringent separation of product flows to maintain certification integrity if, in addition to biocyclic vegan products, traditionally organic or non-organic products (e.g., from partner farms) are processed.
Generally, the use of non-organic ingredients is prohibited within the framework of a biocyclic vegan certification. Under exceptional circumstances, however, exemptions for using raw materials from non-organic production are possible. However, in this case, the use of the Biocyclic Vegan Quality Seal to label the products is not allowed.
The Biocyclic Vegan Standard transforms agricultural practices, fostering biodiversity, soil health, and ethical production. Each farm type under this framework contributes to a resilient and sustainable food system, from protected vegetables to wine. These practices meet environmental goals and cater to the growing demand for ethical and eco-conscious farming.
Further and more detailed information can be found in the Biocyclic Vegan Growers' Guide, a comprehensive introductory guide to biocyclic vegan agriculture, as well as on the website of Biocyclic Vegan International.
Further reading
How Profitable is Sustainable Farming?
Core Principles and Benefits of Agroecology in Sustainable Farming
The Role of Soil Microbiome in Sustainable Farming
What is Soil Compaction and How to Reverse it?
How organic farming can be purely plant-based?
Sustainable Management of Permanent Grasslands for Resilience and Biodiversity