In certain countries, member organisations of Demeter-International e. V. certify independently. Demeter-International e. V. is the certifier for single projects/operations in countries without their own Demeter organisation on the basis of the International Demeter Standards .
In order to obtain certification by Demeter, the operator has to sign a contract with Demeter International. All enterprises are inspected at least once a year by qualified, independent inspectors from an accredited inspection agency. IMO is recognized by Demeter to provide this service for farms and processors/exporters and is co-operating with Demeter since many years.
The conversion usually takes three years to achieve Demeter certification. Certification as "In conversion to Demeter" can be attained after farming the whole enterprise Biodynamically according to the International Demeter Standards for at least 12 months. If it can be proven that previous farming methods were organic or extensive, the time to full certification can be shortened. In comparison to the standards for organic agriculture, some additional requirements must be met, such as

• the entire enterprise, including all the fields and animal husbandry must be converted
• cattle or other ruminants must be kept on agricultural farms,
• soil fertility is to be maintained primarily through the use of well rotted compost, which has been prepared with the Biodynamic® compost preparations
• all areas are to be sprayed with the Biodynamic horn dung and horn silica preparations, at least once a year
• no use of copper in vegetables
• use of copper on perennial crops is restricted to max. 3kg/ha/year averaged over 5 years.

Co-operation with an internationally experienced advisor is essential for conscientious conversion planning. Questions concerning fertilisers, plant protection and crop rotations, or about the production and use of the Biodynamic preparations can be discussed in depth. The subsequent process is to educate local people so that in time they can take over and provide support for the farmers.