Our History
Key Dates in JPI History
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1985: JPI founded in Woolwine, Virginia on the Courtney Farm
- 1994: Received our 501(c)(3) Non-Profit tax exempt status
- 2013: Moved to an office on Main Street in Floyd, Virginia in June
- 2016: Purchased 25-acre farm in February to provide a permanent base for Biodynamic Preparations in North America
- 2018: Moved office to the JPI Farm
Highlights of Our Beginning
The Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics (JPI) is a non- profit organization dedicated to the memory of Josephine Porter. With single-minded determination, Josephine Porter carried on the work of making biodynamic agricultural preparations in the United States for nearly 30 years. Many farmers and future farmers came to her Cherry Valley, Pennsylvania farm to learn about biodynamic agriculture and preparation making. Hugh Courtney apprenticed with “Josie” each spring and fall season for over seven years.
When Josephine died in 1984, Hugh Courtney decided to carry on her work by creating JPI. In 1985 the Institute was established in Woolwine, Virginia. Since its inception, JPI has been dedicated to making biodynamic preparations of the highest quality, and conducting biodynamic agricultural research and education. JPIs efforts are concentrated in the areas of biodynamic agriculture, horticulture and forestry.
As taught by Josephine Porter, the making of quality biodynamic preparations can only be accomplished by emphasizing the spiritual, as well as the practical, aspects of their production. Those who are new to biodynamic agriculture require a source of quality biodynamic preparations if they are to do their own research and educate themselves about biodynamic agriculture. JPI’s mission is to serve as a reliable source for biodynamic preparations for the beginning or seasoned practitioner; as an education center for all biodynamic practitioners as they begin to make their own preparations; and as a research venue which focuses specifically on the BD preparations.
