Ramharter Biodynamic Farm

Ramharter Biodynamic Farm is a small-scale market garden located in Ladbrooks, Canterbury, near Christchurch, and is closely associated with grower Rainer Ramharter. The farm is known locally for producing high-quality seasonal vegetables using biodynamic principles—an approach to agriculture that treats the farm as a self-sustaining living organism. Farming practices at Ramharter go beyond standard organic methods. Synthetic fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides are avoided entirely, with soil fertility instead built through composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, and biodynamic preparations. Planting and harvesting are informed by lunar and seasonal calendars, a core feature of biodynamic agriculture, with the intention of strengthening soil life, plant vitality, and overall ecosystem health. Produce from the farm is sold directly into the local food system, including through farmers’ markets such as the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market and via community-focused retailers like Harbour Co-op in Lyttelton. The emphasis is on freshness, locality, and transparency, with vegetables grown specifically for the Canterbury region rather than long-distance distribution. While formal biodynamic certification (such as Demeter) is not publicly confirmed, the farm’s practices align closely with biodynamic and regenerative principles. Ramharter Biodynamic Farm is regarded as part of Christchurch’s grassroots organic food network, contributing to resilient local supply chains and healthier soils.