Elizabeth Candelario is the Co-Director of Demeter USA, the non-profit certifier of Biodynamic® farms and products in the United States. She also serves as Board President for NOP accredited organic certifier Stellar Certification Services. Elizabeth joined Demeter in 2008 following a 25-year career in marketing, business development, and non-profit management. Elizabeth first became interested in Biodynamic agriculture while Marketing Director at Quivira Vineyards, when the wine estate transitioned from conventional to Biodynamic farming. Her exposure to Biodynamic farming through the wine industry is not unique: Demeter’s certified membership has been growing every year, largely due to the tremendous growth in winery certification.
In addition to her work at Quivira, Elizabeth held winery management positions including Director of Consumer Sales and Marketing for Chateau Montelena and V.P. Sales and Marketing for Pezzi King Vineyards. Her brand marketing and sales strategies included environmental, cause marketing and cultural campaigns.
Demeter USA is part of Demeter International, which is a worldwide assembly of Demeter member country organizations. Demeter was founded in Europe in 1928, and now operates in 52 countries around the world.
Biodynamic agriculture is a holistic and regenerative farming system that represents the highest paradigm of sustainability. The intention behind the product processing standards (there are fifteen in all, including wine) is to allow the integrity of the Biodynamic agricultural ingredients to define the finished product. Demeter remains the oldest ecological certification organization in the world.