IN MEMORIAM TO DR. RETO INGOLD, 1961-2024

Our dear friend and colleague Dr. Reto Ingold passed away on July 11th 2024. He dedicated his whole life to biodynamic agriculture. He worked in biodynamic agriculture from 1982 and specialised in training and consultancy after his studies. For many years he was active in the Swiss Biodynamic Vocational Training College and since 1995 he has travelled the world with his own consulting company, offering courses, lectures, individual and group consultations.
Unwavering perseverance, infectious enthusiasm, broad-mindedness, capacity for sincere friendship, temperament, modesty, down-to-earthness, dignity… What an extraordinary honour it was for all of us to share our lives with Reto Ingold.
He was a friend, a colleague, a teacher, a researcher, an advisor, a creator of the accreditation system, a co-creator of the advisory system and platform, a visionary and much more, with the biggest and warmest heart and an enormous capacity for creativity. His dedication to serving humanity through biodynamic agriculture was truly inspiring. His ability to be open and inclusive of all people was one of his greatest qualities.
We know of no one other than Reto who has been involved in the integrative processes in almost every biodynamic and Demeter country in the world. The one who has offered countless initiatives and ideas, who has supported people in their independence, who has met at eye level and who has also been able to step back in a humble way. His legacy lies in his remarkable ability to unite diverse individuals for a common purpose.
Whenever there was a struggle, he was always there to mediate and find the right attitude with his warmth and openness. With this quality he built respectful and friendly relationships around the world. His remarkable flexibility and humility allowed him to seamlessly adapt to diverse cultural backgrounds, earning him immense respect and leaving an indelible mark on the international biodynamic community. Although Swiss, Reto gave the impression of being above all a citizen of the world, seeming at ease in all contexts.
Reto’s greatest passion was nurturing biodynamic agriculture across all types of farms, from the smallest plot to the largest estate. He held immense respect for all farmers, recognising them as the bridge between the earthly and cosmic forces that produce the highest quality food for humanity. This profound connection fuelled his relentless pursuit of converting farms to biodynamics and achieving Demeter certification. His unwavering commitment extended far beyond the initial conversion process. Reto maintained close relationships with farmers, offering ongoing support and encouragement long after certification was achieved. He thrived on continuous improvement, courageously tackled any challenge that arose.
Reto was always willing to generously share his vast knowledge and experience with his countless students. He approached everyone with great care and empathy. His passion extended to inspiring all generations, but particularly young people, to embrace biodynamics. He masterfully translated the complexities of biodynamics into concepts that resonated with each student’s learning style, fostering understanding and acceptance. Notably, Reto championed the potential within his students, investing his energy in nurturing their hidden talents. His unique strength lay in combining scientific principles with practical application in agriculture. This ability, combined with his love, passion, and dedication, truly elevated him to the status of an artist in the field of biodynamic education. This dedication continued until his last days, as evidenced by his tireless efforts to train new advisors. He saw them as torchbearers, ensuring that the knowledge would be passed on and future generations could be empowered. Reto always tried to give everyone self-confidence, to support the best in everyone by respecting their wishes. In this sense, we can say that he was a model farm advisor for the future, one who encouraged the empowerment of each farmer.
Reto carried the whole biodynamic movement in his heart, with a special care to find a place for everyone. Therefore, one of his greatest wishes was that after 100 years of development and building strong, deep and healthy roots, we would work together without prejudice, as one large and harmonious unit. He left us with the hope that people can change the world with their kindness, compassion, understanding of their fellow human beings and of nature. For a better future.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the sparkle in his eyes, which reflected his passion for the whole biodynamic movement, continues to bring light, warmth and harmony to the world. We will miss his humour, his smile, his genuine spirit and keep him in our hearts with the greatest gratitude. His spirit and work will live on with all of us who were privileged to work with and know him.
We have set up a memorial page where you can share your precious memories.

Maja Kolar, Biodynamic Federation Demeter International
Jean-Michel Florin, Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum
Eva Gehr, Wanderschule – Free International Field School for Biodynamic Agriculture
Alfred Schädeli, Association for Biodynamic Agriculture, Switzerland