Andrew Lorand
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[edit] Career
Dr. Andrew Lorand is an agroecologist and biodynamic farmer, gardener, author, professor, and consultant, involved professionally in biodynamics since 1974. He has been consulting since 1981. He is best known as pioneer of unique diagnostic-therapeutic approach to farm management based on agroecology and biodynamics - as well as his work in the early development and diffusion of CSA (community-supported agriculture) in the U.S. and Europe. He is active, teaching and consulting internationally. Author of numerous articles, workshops and seminars, Lorand builds and maintains biodynamic learning communities of active producers who study with him, but also actively exchange ideas, practices and experiences. He has recently designed new machines for "cooking" and applying homeopathic and biodynamic sprays, composts and other ammendents that are now in commercial use.
[edit] Approach
Lorand's approach to biodynamics is primarily diagnostic-therapeutic, meaning he lays emphasis on the capacity of each grower to diagnose health and illness on farm and to find the appropriate "therapy" to return soils, crops and animals to full health and productivity. Based on the work of Dr. Rudolf Steiner, Lorand's approach is also grounded in the modern science of agroecology which researches agriculture based on ecology. Further influences includes Dr. med. Ita Wegman (Fundamentals of Therapy - written together with R. Steiner, 1925), Prof. Selman Waksman (Humus, 1936), Dr. W.A. Albrecht (Loss of Organic Matter and its Restoration, 1938), L. and E. Kolikso (Agriculture of Tomorrow, 1939), Dr. med. Rudolf Hauschka (The Nature of Substance, 1946).
Lorand's conceptual approach begins with an outline of agroecologcal principles, including 'archetype and metamorphosis,' 'ecological succession' and 'dynamic equillibirum' - and the overriding importance of humus for the development of biological activity and a stable, ecologically healthy agricultural system. He sees Steiner's conceptual frames and practical advice as an historical precursor and technically an extension and expansion of agroecology in terms of substance theory - to include a theory of life forces that underlies the biodynamic approach to composting and soil fertility, crop and animal nutrition, and chronobiological management of farm operations - to name three seminal aspects.
Lorand's practical approach to developing biodynamic management on farm, supports the development of complex, disciplined and organized ecological management sub-systems based on a step-by-step approach to building health and productivity using such parameters as locally appropriate production, biodiversity, soil fertility, crop nutrition, integrated animal production, pest-weed-disease prevention and management, whole farm and landscape management. The specific homeopathic and biodynamic spray, teas and preparations are used in conjunction with an extensive build up of natural health in all aspects of the farm, following the notion that healthy immunological functions will provide the best basis for overall health and productivity - also in agriculture.
[edit] Biography
Lorand was born on the island of Manhattan, New York City, to Hungarian-Swiss parents in 1957. He was trained in Switzerland (Cantonal Diploma and Federal Certification in Farm Management), and studied in Germany and in the United States. He has degrees in political science, linguistics, and agriculture (PhD on biodynamic agriculture) from Penn State University's College of Agricultural Sciences. His doctoral dissertation won the 1997 AIAEE International Best Research Project and Presentation in Washington, D.C. Formerly he was Director of North American Biodynamic Training Program in Kimberton, PA and Past Associate Director of North American Biodynamic Association. He is one of the pioneers of the CSA (community-supported agriculture) movement. He co-organized first several CSA conferences on East and West Coast of the US and in the Netherlands. His articles have appeared in "Biodynamics," "Practical Winery and Vineyards," "Stella Natura," "Journal for Anthroposophy," "Jonas," "Lilipoh" and "Lebendige Erde."
NOTE: The University of Uberaba, in Brazil, provides specialization and postgraduate studies in Biodynamic Agriculture since 1987 http://www.uniube.br/institucional/eventos/elo/ . Therefore Prof. Lorand cannot be considered the first professor of biodynamic agriculture worldwide.''
Lorand was the first professor of biodynamic agriculture worldwide, from 2000 to 2002 at New College of California. He taught plant science and sustainable agriculture, including organic viticulture, horticulure, pest management and natural resource management at Santa Rosa Junior College from 1997-2000. Since 1993 he has specialized in viticulture (grape growing). His clients include high-end wine grape growers in California, Oregon, France, Austria, Hungary, Germany and Italy. Lorand also worked on projects with OECD in Paris and the European Commission in Brussels. However, he remains focused on educational work and consulting with farmers, grape growers and various farm organizations internationally. His current clients included growers not only of fine wine grapes, but also of bread and seed grains, olives, apples, pears, apricots, cows, pigs, horses and other domestic animals.
Lorand's doctoral dissertation inspired various studies and is included, for example in the ATTRA study.
