EcoDynamics
Who we are
Our priority is to walk the talk and to be a part of creating the dream with others. Our dream is a world where people feel and act in a responsible manner, conscious of their own health and wellbeing, the health and wellbeing of the planet and of the universe. This requires a societal paradigm shift or different world view, that includes a focus on food quality and inclusive thinking.
Frank van Steensel
Frank’s keen interest in humus unfolded during his formative years. He went on to develop this interest by seeking formal qualifications and now holds a Bachelor of Science in tropical and subtropical agriculture, with a major in soil science (Netherlands) and a Masters of Agricultural Science (Soil Science), New Zealand. Since immigrating to New Zealand in the early nineties he followed his dreams of furthering the importance of humus in different ways. He founded Eco-Agri-Logic, a well known independent consultancy for the organic sector, initiated and chaired a regional organic organisation in the Wairarapa, taught organic workshops and courses, including the “National Certificate in Organic Horticulture” in the lower part of the North Island. Frank facilitated in the establishment of OANZ, was the team leader of a group which initiated and designed the national Organic Advisory Programme.
He went on to manage the organic research and development arm of OANZ. He has been on the council of OANZ and on the board and council of the Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association in New Zealand for a number of years and was the research manager for the project: “A review of New Zealand and International Organic Land Management Research” published in 2002.
After years of more traditional advisory work through Eco-Agri-Logic (1993-2009) and a transitional period working for Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ), we have now developed an approach that focuses on experience-led guidance (read more). In plain language we share and combine our knowledge and experience with yours and grow better food and communities together.
We are now in the position to offer advice on a personal level, but also in the form of various tailor-made training programs including one-off talks/lectures, workshops or extended courses. Our teaching methodology is grounded in experiential learning. However, the approach is adjusted to take into account personal or group preferences, expectations and responses.
The primary project of Ecodynamics Is the farm as a cornerstone of the community. The aim is for our Farm to act as a pilot project, illustrating the potential of the Farm ecology to build vibrant communities. We hope to lay a foundation for the wider adoption of similar such projects in New Zealand and the Pacific.
The aim across everything we do is to facilitate and catalyse the transformation of our society, into a society based on food quality and environmental care and inclusive of holistic thinking.
What we Offer
Here at EcoDynamics, we offer a range of services to help give you the tools, knowledge and understanding to really make a difference in the world. Whether it be a consultation for property management, gaining the skills and knowledge by becoming an intern, joining one of our courses or workshops or just visiting the farm to see what we’re up to.
What we’ve done
From The Soil Up – Compost
Part of the “From The Soil Up” Series. An article on understanding what is happening in your compost. Includes a reference for scoring the quality of your compost. Read More..
An Opportunity for Research in Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture
Frank van Steensel discusses the development of participatory site-specific research, and its back ground in Europe. He offers suggestions of how this method would be of advantage to producers and researchers in New Zealand. Read More..
Action Research at Murdoch James Estate
In 2000 Barbara Turner, viticulturist at Murdoch James Estate (MJE), joined EcoAgriLogic’s NZQA organics course. This was the start of an interesting process based on a collegial co-operation between guidance and research centre and an innovative vineyard. Both on the road towards more sustainable development. To our own surprise, it turned into an interesting and innovative journey of ongoing Action Research (AR). This document was the work of Frank and delivered whilst he was one of the lead people at EcoAgriLogic. Read More..
Presentations
Whilst presentations highlight what can only be called bullet points they serve as a useful resource and reminder to participants from the original event, in addition we hope that they can give an insight into some of the topics that we can cover.
Go Carbon or Go Humus: A Case for Food Quality Credits:
A presentation delivered in 2009, as part of the New Zealand Carbon Conference.
Improving Quality Through Biological Management:
A presentation delivered back in 2006, targeting the use of biological management as a way of improving quality in a vineyard setting.
Links:
Many people and organisations have had an invaluable influence on our ideas and development over the years. The following links provide information and concepts that are in line with our approach to farming, lifestyle and nutrition. We’re grateful for this shared wisdom.
Health & Nutrition:
The Weston A. Price Foundation (link to the foundation’s website – a nonprofit charity founded in 1999 to disseminate the research of nutrition pioneer Dr Weston Price, whose studies of isolated non-industrialised peoples established the parameters of human health and determined the optimum characteristics of human diets)
Sally Fallon-Morell (YouTube link – Sally Fallon is founder and president of the Weston A. Price foundation)
Natasha Campbell-McBride (link to website – Campbell-McBride is well known for developing the concept of GAPS (Gut And Psychology Syndrome), which she described in her book Gut And Psychology Syndrome – Natural Treatment for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Depression and Schizophrenia)
Klinghardt Academy (link to website – Internationally known for his successful treatment of chronic pain and illness, Dr. Klinghardt combines non-surgical orthopaedic medicine with immunology, endocrinology, toxicology, neural therapy, hypnotherapy and energy psychology)
Agriculture, Organic Farming & Health:
Jerry Brunetti – Agri Dynamics (link to website – Brunetti is a popular speaker on topics that include soil fertility, animal nutrition and livestock health)
Louis Bolk Institute (link to website – an independent international knowledge institute to advance truly sustainable agriculture, nutrition and health)
Organic Eprints (link to website – an international open access archive for papers and projects related to research in organic food and farming)
IFOAM (link to website – the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, which holds the vision for a worldwide adoption of ecologically, socially and economically sound systems, based on the Principles of Organic Agriculture)
Agroecology in Action (link to website – Agroecology is a scientific discipline that uses ecological theory to study, design, manage and evaluate agricultural systems that are productive but also resource conserving)
Ecology:
Stuart Hill (link to website – Foundation Chair of Social Ecology at the University of Western Sydney)
Community Resiliance
Living Economies (Living Economies is an educational network promoting systems of exchange that foster community wellbeing, including savings pools and local currency exchanges.)
Transition Towns New Zealand (Transition Towns initiatives are part of an international grassroots movement that brings people together to explore how communities can respond to the environmental, economic and social challenges arising from climate change, resource depletion and an economy based on growth.
Contact Eco Dynamics:
Physical address:
260 Moroa Rd, Tauherenikau, South Wairarapa, New Zealand
Postal address:
PO Box 19, Greytown
Email Address:
ecodynamicsnz@gmail.co.nz
Phone:
021 0277 6082