Italian authors recently published a remarkable review entitled ‘Systemic Agro-Homeopathy: A New Approach to Agriculture‘ (OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2021, volume 6, issue 3 doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2103020). Allow me to present you with their (lengthy) conclusions:
The systemic agro-homeopathic approach considers the farm as a single organism, an agroecosystem of living and non-living elements, which establishes a dense network of interactions. Its purpose is to strengthen and intensify the relationships among the organisms to create a stronger and healthier agroecosystem, involving all the organisms within the agroecosystem. To fulfill this aim, the described approach allows one to control and manage the agricultural processes through the application of highly diluted and dynamized natural substances. The latter might restore the equilibrium in the agroecosystem by stimulating the natural resistance already present in the agrarian system. The identification of the correct mineral remedy, through the biotypes and pathogenesis levels, could allow one to act on the chronic conditions of the agroecosystem (imbalance in plant primary metabolism or cellular levels), whereas, the identification of plant/animal homeopathic remedy, based on the principle of metabolic similarity, might allow the management of the acute conditions (phytopathological diseases).
Till now, the systemic agro-homeopathic approach has been adopted by some farmers in Europe, particularly in Italy, for about six years and it is increasing interest, especially among organic producers. To date, several observations have been reported by farmers (personal communications), providing positive and encouraging perspectives, but some rigorous scientific experimentation at the farm level is needed to validate such results. If statistical data from field trials were to confirm the observations made so far, the systemic agro-homeopathic approach could represent an agroecological production model with a very low energy impact. Additionally, this approach could be in line with the current European community orientation (European Green Deal), which aims to promote a type of sustainable agriculture. In this context, systemic agro-homeopathy would meet the three pillars of sustainability: (1) economic, due to the very low use of raw materials; (2) environmental, by avoiding the use of chemical substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, etc.; and (3) social, with the production of healthy, safe, and high-quality food.
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Normally, when I encounter something weird, unproven, or incredible, I react by saying something like: SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE! In this case, I think any attempts to gather evidence might be a waste of time. Some things are just too idiotic to even test them. An open mind is usually a good thing, but one still needs to take care that one’s brain does not fall out.
5 Responses to Just when I thought I had seen everything: ‘Systemic Agro-Homeopathy’
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Heavy whiff of Steinerism and biodynamics here.
Yes, I thought the same. The description reminds me of the German Demeter association.
This review seems plain insane, and thus might be simply laughed out of court. But this would be a mistake: ‘Systemic Agro-Homeopathy’ may represent an extreme end of the spectrum, but within more mainstream agriculture, homeopaths have also managed to spread their unscientific creed. Consider the powerful Soil Association, which sets the standards for ‘organic’ agriculture in the UK. This body explicitly promotes homeopathy over conventional veterinary treatments. See for example their current (2021) ‘Soil Association Standards – Farming and Growing’ document (https://www.soilassociation.org/media/15931/farming-and-growing-standards.pdf). This states:
“When treating you must use phytotherapeutic and HOMEOPATHIC PRODUCTS and the trace elements, vitamins and minerals listed in standard 3.10.14 in preference to chemically-synthesised allopathic veterinary treatment”. (My capitalisation.)
IMO organic agriculture – despite the popularity of organic products amongst affluent onsumers – is itself inherently unscientific and irrational, and it is made worse by assertions from its guardians that homeopathy ought to be used on organic livestock. And the poor animals! Given the ineffectiveness of of homeopathy, it seems highly unethical to treat ill animals using homeopathic medicines.
Apologies for the frivolity, but some real bullshit would be far more effective than this genuine stuff.
Sometimes it feels as if we live in a parallel universe in which all rationality has been banished. Those purveyors of woo do so much damage at a time when we need genuine solutions to climate change and poverty more than ever.