Subtle Agroecologies: Farming with the Hidden Half of Nature

Funder

Various including Westbank Trust, Newton Fund, EU Horizon-MSCA

Value

Various projects €2000 - €350,000

Collaborators

Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Brazil, Biodynamic Agriculture Association UK, Animate-Earth.org, patrickmacmanaway.com, Stellenbosch University South Africa

Team

Duration

2017 - Ongoing

CAWR Themes

Environmental Practices, Agroecology and Health, Agroecological Farming Innovations

Sustainable Development Goals

2 Zero Hunger

3 Good health and well-being

15 life on land.

Programme Overview

It is widely held that our farming and food systems require a systemic change away from modernist, industrial approaches and toward more sustainable, organic, agroecological, biodynamic, permaculture and regenerative practices, yet this is only half of the challenge. In contrast to the industrial worldview which is driven by material accumulation and dominion over nature, the worldviews of indigenous cultures worldwide recognise not only our interconnected relationship with all life but also nature’s hidden, invisible yet animate dimensions. These dimensions may be understood through the natural sciences: electromagnetic and sound frequencies, as well as the social sciences and humanities: consciousness and the other-than-human studies. Both the industrial and the sustainable, alternative farming movements have yet to fully embrace this more holistic, postmaterial worldview.

Collection of Subtle Agroecological Practices

Subtle Agroecologies is proposed as an antidote to this predicament. Rather than being a farming system in itself, it superimposes a non-material dimension upon existing, materially-based agroecological farming systems. Rather than being based on modern science, it is grounded in the lived experiences of humans working on, and with, the land over thousand of years to the present. Modern science is but one of several approaches to explore these experiences.

A more appropriate consciousness has been called for in Western society, one that is ecological and grounded in the real and intimate connection between human and the rest of nature. Thus, we may conceive of the re-enchanting of agriculture as a way for peoples to reclaim our perennial relationship with the living landscapes we are in, a real-time, place-based relationship which may therefore be accessed and rekindled by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

A non-exhaustive collection of Subtle Agroecological practices includes those that are more easily understood by natural science – based on electromagnetic and sound frequencies, and those that draw from complementary medicine and traditional practices and underpinned by social sciences and humanities. For example: agro-homeopathy, electroculture, dowsing, geomancy, interspecies communication, intuition/direct knowing, sound and chanting, paramagnetism, planting calendars, radionics, sacred geometry, teacher plants/psychoactives, water activation.

Research into Subtle Agroecologies then follows as the systematic study of the nature of the invisible world as it relates to the practice of agriculture, through adapting and innovating with research methods and in particular with those of a more embodied nature. It comprises a nexus of indigenous and transpersonal studies, multidisciplinary advances in wave-based and ethereal science, and the science of sustainable agriculture. Depending on the situation, this may take a reductionist focus on, for example, increasing crop and livestock yields or reducing the incidence of pests and diseases, or a more holistic, wide-angled vision of simultaneously working with multiple factors and complexities, all crucially based on an Ethics of Care and with the overall purpose of moving toward balance and harmony for the farm (including the farmer), the landscaped community, and the world.

Visible & Invisible Dimensions of farming

Programme Objectives

To explore the philosophical and historical underpinnings of Subtle Agroecologies.
To evaluate the performance, the challenges and the benefits of Subtle Agroecologies.
To develop new Subtle Agroecological techniques and improve on existing ones.
To develop new and more appropriate methodologies for research into Subtle Agroecologies.

Impact Statement

By reclaiming and reinterpreting the perennial relationship between humans and the rest of nature, by working on the vibrational-energetic dimensions, by becoming more adept at embodied practices that enable more conscious interaction with nature, and by re-evaluating our understanding of our place in the world, a systemic transformation of agriculture is possible. This would herald not only a new wave of more sustainable farming techniques, but would also indelibly change our whole relationship with nature to one of real collaboration rather than control, ultimately transforming ourselves and going a long way toward achieving the balance and harmony that contemporary, ecologically- based farming movements are ultimately aiming for.

Outputs

1. The Book:

Wright, J. (2021) Subtle Agroecologies, Farming with the Hidden Half of Nature. CRC Press – Taylor & Francis. 384pp: This book is about the invisible or subtle nature of food and farming, and also about the nature of existence. Everything that we know (and do not know) about the physical world has a subtle, animate counterpart which has been scarcely considered in modernist farming practice and research. Bringing together 43 authors from 12 countries and five continents, from the natural and social sciences as well as the arts and humanities, this book introduces the discipline, explaining its relevance and potential contribution to the field of Agroecology and sustainable farming.

FREE Open access PDF: Subtle Agroecologies, Farming with the Hidden Half of Nature.

Reviews of the book:

Paradigm Explorer, Scientific and Medical Network, No.144, 2024-1: 57-58 https://scientificandmedical.net/paradigm-explorer/

Kollebloem Magazine (Ed 2, Summer 2023, p14-15), www.kollebloem.be

Hidden Half of Nature. In: D.I.R.T Calling You to Listen. Spring 2022.

https://www.dirt.charity/campaigns/view-campaign/kdV8-7J4VKqoEAikd99WVM3ZgUdVQrkjl6wSW9X-2IGqsIBGWVW-PbMRhMmf8fjmZP6bIhI9SLwCC4ZnQhpXtqWtzkQ7CBqP

Resurgence Magazine, Issue 331, March/April 2022. https://www.resurgence.org/magazine/issue331-making-change.html

AGROECOL SUST FOOD Journal, Vol 46, 2022 - Issue 4 https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/ZFDFUX4M8RMJPZ2588QI/full?target=10.1080/21683565.2022.2028216

Agroécologies Subtiles – cultiver avec la face invisible de la Nature. In: Biodynamie Recherche, 10 September 2021. https://biodynamie-recherche.org/agroecologies-subtiles-cultiver-avec-la-face-invisible-de-la-nature/

Can Yogic Farming Help Boost Crop Yield? In Modern Farmer Oct 11, 2021 https://modernfarmer.com/2021/10/yogic-farming/

2. Academic /Policy Publications & Conference Proceedings

Wright, J. (2026) Becoming into right relationship in the farming sector: the most important conversation in agriculture? Academic presentation at More-Than-Human-Life (MOTH) Festival of Ideas, London, 14-17 May 2026. NYU Law Center for Human Rights and Global Justice. https://mothfestival.org/overview

Wright, J.; Bojesen Jensen, J.; Dufour, C.; Altobelli, N.; McTiernan, D.; Gosnell, H.; Prescott, S.L.; Legrand, T. (2026) Conscious Food Systems: Supporting Farmers’ Well-Being and Psychological Resilience. Challenges 2026, 17, 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/challe17010003

Faedo, L., Wright. J, Rayns, F., Schmutz, U., Baumgartner, S., Bonamin, L,V., Tournier, A. (2026) Enhancing Wheat Resilience to Hydric Stress with Dynamized Mineral Biostimulants: Greenhouse Trial Insights. Keynote and Conference Proceedings: Agriculture for Life, Life for Agriculture, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USMV) of Bucharest, Romania, 4-7 June 2026.

Faedo, L., Rayns, F., Wright, J., Schmutz, U., Conroy, J., Collins, R., Huggins, T., Southall, C., Bonamin, L. V., Mirzajani, F., Dorman, P., Baumgartner, S. & Tournier, A., (2026), TERRA Project: Advancing Health-Based Solutions for Wheat Cropping Systems with Dynamized High Dilutions. International Journal of High Dilution Research. 27, 1: 7-8 https://highdilution.org/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/1853

Wright, J. (2026) Advancing Biodynamic Agriculture through Postmodern Science, Research and Knowledge Systems. Keynote address at the 3rd International Biodynamic Research Conference: The whole and its parts. Royal Agricultural University, UK, 1-3 September 2025. Conference Proceedings, Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland, p. 6-15 10 p. 1.2 https://irp.cdn-website.com/b0c5a1b3/files/uploaded/Conference+Proceedings.pdf

Verdi, R., Faedo, L., Scherr, C., Wright, J., Rayns, F., & Boff, P. (2025). A Bioassay of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings in response to dynamized high dilutions of Calcarea carbonica and Silicea terra. International Journal of High Dilution Research-ISSN 1982-6206, 25(cf), 402-416. https://doi.org/10.51910/ijhdr.v25icf.1719

Faedo, L., Matias, C., Verdi, R., Wright, J., Rayns, F., Kretzschmar, A., & Boff, P. (2024). The use of mineral dynamised high dilutions for natural plant biostimulation; effects on plant growth, crop production, fruit quality, pest and disease incidence in agroecological strawberry cultivation. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture, 40(4), 267–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/01448765.2024.2396894

Verdi, R., Faedo, L., Rayns, F., Boff, P., Scherr C, & Wright J. (2023) A Whole Plant-Based Bioassay with Rice Seedlings to Test Effects of Homeopathic Preparations. Conference: HRI London 2023—Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy: Presentation Abstracts. January 2024 Homeopathy 113(1) DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779809

Legrand, T., Jervoise, A., Wamsler, C., Dufour, C., Bristow, J., Bockler, J., Cooper, K., Corção, T., Negowetti, N., Oliver, T., Schwartz, A., Søvold, L., Steidle, G., Taggart, S., Wright, J. (2022) Cultivating Inner Capacities for Regenerative Food Systems, Rationale for Action. United Nations Development Programme UNDP. https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-09/CoFSA%20Rationale%20Report.pdf

Faedo, L. F., Verdi, R., Pinto, F. A. M. F., Kretszchmar, A. A., & Boff, P. (2022). Use of Trichoderma spp. and high-dynamized dilutions in the control of Botrytis cinerea and strawberry growth. Revista Brasileira de Agroecologia, 17(1), 6-19. https://doi.org/10.33240/rba.v17i1.23488

Faedo, L., Verdi, R., Kretzschmar, A., Wright, J., Rayns, F., & Boff, P. (2022) Ecological Strawberry Production: Promoting Crop Vitality with High-Dynamized Dilutions. International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206, 21(2), 09–09. https://doi.org/10.51910/ijhdr.v21i2.1207

Wright, J. (2022) A revitalisation of European farming and the promise of the biodynamic worldview. Chem. Biol. Technol. Agric. (2022) 9:64 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40538-022-00317-z

Wright, J. (2021) Re-enchanting Agriculture: Farming With the Hidden Half of Nature. Chapter 1. In: Wright, J. (ed) Subtle Agroecologies: Farming With the Hidden Half of Nature. Taylor & Francis, CRC Press. 384pp. www.routledge.com/9781138339811 (p.3-20)

Wright, J. (2021) Biodynamic Farming: an Exception to the Whitewashing of Indigenous Agriculture? Proceedings. 2nd International Conference on Biodynamic Research, Goetheanum, Switzerland. Online. 30 Aug-2 Sep 2021. https://drive.google.com/file/d/13nEn_1Z68sFo8EsIyAoVcdBuQqho1aA0/view

Boff, P., Verdi, R., & Faedo, L. F. (2021). Homeopathy Applied to Agriculture: Theoretical and Practical Considerations with Examples from Brazil. Chapter 13, In Wright, J. (ed) Subtle Agroecologies: Farming With the Hidden Half of Nature. Taylor & Francis, CRC Press. www.routledge.com/9781138339811 (pp.145-154).

Von Diest S.G., Wright J, Samways M.J. and Kieft H. (2020) A Call to Consider Farmer Intuition for improved Management Decision Making. Outlook on Agriculture. 49 (4): 278-285. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0030727020956665

Verdi, R., Verdi, R., Nunes, A., Faedo, L. F., & Boff, P. (2020). Manejo homeopático no cultivo de arroz irrigado/ Homeopathic Management in Irrigated Rice Crop. Brazilian Journal of Development, 6(9), 65540-65549. https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv6n9-110

Wright, J. (2019) A call for the biodynamic movement to come out about spiritual, non-material farming philosophy and practice. In Wahl, V., Hach, A., Sommer, S., Derkzen, P., Brock, C., Fritz, J., Spengler Neff, A., Hurter, U., and Florin, J.-M. (eds.), Evolving Agriculture and Food: Opening up Biodynamic Research. Contributions to the 1st International Conference on Biodynamic Research, Sept 5-8th 2018, Dornach, Switzerland. Dornach: Section for Agriculture, p. 105. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338542165_Evolving_Agriculture_and_Food_-_Opening_up_Biodynamic_Research

Wright, J. (2018) Introducing the Invisible into Agricultural Knowledge Systems, Workshop 4th July, 13th European International Farming Systems Research Symposium, Chania, Crete, Greece, 1-5 July 2018 https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/publications/introducing-the-invisible-into-agricultural-knowledge-systems

Wright J., H. Kieft & S von Diest (2017) “Quantum-Based Agriculture: the Final Frontier?” In: Rahmann G, Andres C, Yadav A K, et al. (2017) Innovative Research for Organic 3.0 - Volume 1: Proceedings of the Scientific Track at the Organic World Congress 2017, November 9-11 in Delhi, India. Braunschweig: Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, 549 p, Thünen Rep 54, Vol. 1 pp 107-111 Link: http://orgprints.org/32350/

3. Research Projects:

Sacred Sites, Shared Futures: Reclaiming Sacred Forests Through Advancing Biocultural Governance in Europe and Globally (SACREDFORESTS) EU Horizon MSCA Fellowship, 2027-2030. This project addresses the urgent need for innovative, participatory approaches to the conservation of Sacred Forests—landscapes with deep spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance. By bridging biocultural governance and spatial planning, the research develops and field-tests an interdisciplinary toolkit that integrates community knowledge, spiritual ecology, and policy co-design in partnership with academic and non-academic organizations across the UK and EU. The objectives are to map and valorise spiritual and ecological values in sacred forests; analyse governance systems using the Values-Rules-Knowledge model; co-design adaptive stewardship tools rooted in traditional ecological knowledge; and integrate biocultural frameworks into mainstream conservation policy.

Agroecology Partnership - European Partnership on accelerating farming systems transition through agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures. 2026-2034. Work Package 7.4: Co-development of inclusion of the more-than-human into key ethical principles of co-creation in agroecology living labs. https://www.agroecologypartnership.eu/en/

Advancing Health-Based Solutions for Agroecological Wheat Production (TERRA). Madeleine et Rolland Conte Fund (FMRC). 2025-26. The objective of the TERRA Project is to develop agronomic trials to test the effects of Dynamised High Dilutions (homeopathy) as an agroecological method to support wheat plants subjected to hydric stress. https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-directories/projects/2025/terra-health-solutions-wheat/

Subtle Agroecology for family farmers – knowledge exchange with University of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. CONFAP – CNPq – THE UK ACADEMIES, June 2023.

Examining the holistic benefits of 4 biodynamic farms: a case study. Partners: Biodynamic Association UK, Royal Agricultural University. 2019-20. (See: Wright J. & Kaye G. (2020))

Quantum-based Agriculture: exploring wisdom techniques for significant benefits to family farming. Newton Fund. Partner: EPAGRI-SC (Agriculture Research and Extension Service Agency of Santa Catarina State/Brazil), LAGES Experimental Station, July 2017.

Intuitive Farming Research. Postdoctoral Fellowship (S. von Diest). Cofunded by Stellenbosch/Coventry Universities, 2017-20.

4. Doctoral research projects:

Exploring Dynamised High Dilution Preparations as Novel Plant Defence Stimulators for the Phasing-out of Copper in the Brazilian and UK Viticulture Industries. University of Santa Catarina State Brazil/Coventry University UK. Student: Charlotte Southall. 2024-2027

Solving the Challenges of Sustainable Rice Production for Family Farmers in Brazil and Worldwide. University of Santa Catarina State Brazil/Coventry University UK. Dr Rovier Verdi. 2018-2022 https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/publications/manejo-homeop%C3%A1tico-no-cultivo-de-arroz-irrigado/

Exploring Vitality in Sustainable Agriculture: The Effectiveness of a Multi-Method Approach on Strawberry Crop Systems. University of Santa Catarina State, Brazil/Coventry University, UK.Dr Leonardo Faedo 2018-2022

An Exploration of Subtle Agroecological Practices for the Decolonisation of Agriculture. Coventry University. Dr Janus Bojesen Jensen 2017-2021 https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/an-exploration-of-subtle-agroecological-practices-in-the-context-/

Ecological Implications and sustainability of organic and biodynamic farming in comparison to conventional and BT-conventional farming. Coventry University. Student: Dr Christelle LeDroit. 2016-2020 https://pure.coventry.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/81185349/Ledroit2023PhD.pdf

5. Research/Industry/Societal Events & Media

Faedo, L (2026). Vitality-Based Agriculture and Subtle Agroecologies. Faculty of Horticulture, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Romania. 3rd of June 2026. https://horticultura-bucuresti.ro/en/

Faedo, L (2026). Homeopathy, Ecology and Systemic thinking: Health-Based Approach to Agriculture. International Conference Agriculture for Life, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Romania. 4th to 6th of June 2026. https://agricultureforlife.usamv.ro/

Faedo, L (2026). Research on Homeopathic and Biodynamic Preparations: A Biostimulation Strategy. Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceuticals and Medicines, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 11th of May 2026. https://farmacia.ufrj.br/faculdade/farmacos-e-medicamentos/

Wright, J. (2026) Harnessing Subtle Energies to Optimise Farm Performance. Workshop at Groundswell Conference, Hertfordshire, 1st July 2026. Featuring:

Patrick MacManaway, Felix Sagar, Julia Wright. https://www.groundswellag.com/sessions-2026#/seminars/harnessing-subtle-energies-to-optimise-farm-performance

Wright, J. (2026) Subtle Technologies for Agroecological Farms of the Future, Panel session at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, 9 Jan 2026. Featuring: Julia Wright, Patrick MacManaway, Henk Kieft, Aranya Austin and Simon Charter. https://orfc.org.uk/session/subtle-technologies-for-agroecological-farms-of-the-future/

Faedo, L. (2026) Agroecology, Systemic Thinking and the use of Homeopathy in Agriculture. With Whole Health Agriculture. Workshop at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, Jan 2026.

Wright, J. (2025). Building Resilience in Agriculture and Food Systems: Is it Time to Incorporate Nature into the Agricultural Knowledge System? Research Symposium: Resilience of Biodynamic Farms: challenges and opportunities. Juchowo, Poland, 27/28 November 2025 https://www.resilienceinstitute.info/post/106-resilience-in-agriculture-part-3-if-nature-had-a-voice

Wright J. (2025) Working with Subtle Energies of the Land. Panel session at Groundswell Conference, Hertfordshire, 2nd July 2025. Featuring:Patrick MacManaway, Eddie Rixon, Maddy Harland, Julia Wright. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cawr_on-2nd-july-julia-wright-joined-a-panel-of-activity-7370788203101839360-vTj2

Faedo, L (2025). Agrohomeopathy in the Integrated Soil, Pest, and Disease Management Toolkit. Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Italy. 13th of January 2025. https://distal.unibo.it/en

Faedo, L. (2024) Systematic Review on the Use of Homeopathy in Agriculture. International Research Group on Very Low Dose and High Dilution Effects (GIRI), Ljubljana, Slovenia. October 2024.

Faedo, L. (2024). Homeopathy and its Application to Food and Environment. Annual Meeting of the European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH), Bergamo, Italy. 25th to 27th of April 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VvIFuKYhrshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VvIFuKYhrs

Wright, J. (2024) Researching With the Other-Than-Human. International Biodynamic Research Day –commemorating 100 years of the biodynamic movement. Dornach, Switzerland. Feb 2024

Wright, J. (2024) Subtle Agroecologies. At: Biodynamics 100 – Transforming Land, Transforming Lives. A conference to celebrate 100 years of biodynamic agricultural practice. Ruskin Mill Trust, Gloucestershire. 24-26 May 2024

Faedo, L. (2023) Homeopathy in Agriculture. Homeopathy Research Conference, London, June 2023. Homeopathy Research Institute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyMiZb8IXVk

Wright J. (2023) Intuitive Farming and Other Natural Ways of Knowing. Panel session at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, 5 Jan 2023. Featuring: Julia Wright, Miche Fabre Lewin, Flora Gathorne-Hardy, Eleanor Gallia, Jackie Pearce-Dixon.

Wright J. (2023) Subtle Agroecologies. At: Co-FSA Strategic Retreat of the UN Conscious Food Systems Alliance, Schumacher College, Dartington, Devon. April 2023

Wright, J. (2023) Subtle Agroecologies. At: ORFC Dialogue at 42 Acres: Listening to the Land. 42 Acres, Hampshire. Sept 2023

Wright J. (2022) Re-Enchanting Agriculture: The Evidence and Practise of Re-Connection with Nature. Workshop at the Oxford Real Farming Conference. Jan 2022. Featuring: Julia Wright, Melissa Roussopoulos, Janus Bojesen Jensen.

Podcast with the Section for Agriculture, Goetheanum, Switzerland. Living Farms - Biodynamic perspectives worldwide. #3 Biodynamics and Subtle Agroecology 09/06/2022 Podcasts https://www.sektion-landwirtschaft.org/en/arbeitsfelder/living-farms-neu/translate-to-en-podcasts?vgo_ee=xudQmmVlsUD4pv6X3XLrG1WGM0UvcaxkgiIKXBuC3f0%3D&cHash=34a688c7cfb6c4cef155da6f6fe96f06

Wright, J. (2022) Resetting our Relationship with Nature for a Reimagining of Agriculture. At: SONAE Global Advisory Board Meeting, Porto, Portugal. 14-15 November 2022

Wright J. (2021) Is Organic Farming Holistic if it Ignores the Hidden Half of Nature? Culture and Education Forum, IFOAM Organic World Congress, Rennes, France, 6-10 Sep 2021. https://orgprints.org/id/eprint/42449/5/Book%20of%20abstracts-CULTURE%20&%20EDUCATION%20forum_VF-min.pdf

Subtle Agroecologies: Farming with the Hidden Half of Nature. Workshop at the virtual Oxford Real Farming Conference, Jan 2021. Featuring: Julia Wright, Richard Gantlett, Patrick MacManaway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfeN497yhLs&t=558s

Wright J. & Kaye G. (2020) Exploring Sustainability and Viability on Biodynamic Farms in the UK. Star&Furrow, Issue no 133, April 2020: 13-15. https://www.biodynamic.org.uk/four-biodynamic-farm-case-studies-agm20/

Wright, J. (2020) Quantum Agriculture. Medicine Festival, Wasing Estate, Wiltshire.

Wright J. (2019) Agriculture and Spirituality, can farming systems be sustainable if they ignore the hidden half of nature? The Religious Experience Research Centre Conference 2019. Lampeter, UWTSD, 1-3 July 2019.

Guest lectures at the Universities of: UK - Wales Trinity St Davids Lampeter, Royal Agricultural University, Schumacher College University of Plymouth; Romania - University of Agronomic Sciences & Veterinary Medicine; Brazil – Federal University of Rio de Janeiro; Italy – University of Bologna.

Back to CAWR projects list

Back to CAWR page