On the fields worldwide as...
…we support and accompany organic and bidynamic agricultural projects. We offer consultancy services to stakeholders along the agricultural value chain in all the relevant processes of production, processing, and distribution of agricultural produce.
A strong focus lies on supporting our clients and partners to implement biodynamic production techniques and improve the sustainabilityof the agricultural production process.
Our consulting offers include developing and implementing training courses for clients and their employees. For many years mds has been carrying out project consultancy and project development worldwide. Extensive experience in the development of innovative project approaches and the application for funding distinguish mds.
Klaus Merckens has over 40 years of experience in the field of biodynamic agriculture. As a farmer, agricultural advisor, project developer and project facilitator, he gained a lot of professional experience in different countries. His focus has always been on biodynamic agriculture with special focus on tropical crops in developing countries.
Klaus Merckens is a graduate engineer specialised in tropical crop production and has an MBA degree in Rural Development.
Further memberships:
- AWS Credentialed Specialist
- Demeter Recognized Advisor
- Agro Cultura Con Respeto, Board of Directors
- ABDE Spain
- ABD USA
- ABDR Dominican Republic, Founding Member
Natàlia Sant Funk is a biologist and international expert in organic and biodynamic agriculture, with more than fifteen years of experience in certification, auditing, training and advisory services across Europe, Africa and Latin America.
Holding a PhD in Ecology from the University of Barcelona and a degree in Biology from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, she combines a strong scientific background with extensive practical experience in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and environmental management.
Over the years, Natàlia has conducted organic and biodynamic certification audits worldwide and has trained auditors, advisors and farmers on organic and Demeter standards. She has also contributed to the development of training programmes and educational materials for international projects.
Natàlia has collaborated with merckens development support (mds) for many years in a wide range of international initiatives, including the CaBBio project and biodynamic training programmes in Tunisia and Mozambique. At mds, she supports the implementation of international projects at the moment focusing on ReMedi, training activities, certification-related assignments and stakeholder engagement processes.
Juan David Zambrano Borja has many years of experience working in projects related to permaculture, agroecology and organic farming in Colombia, the United States, Germany and South Africa. From an early age, he developed a strong passion for working alongside farmers and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Drawing on his multicultural background and his commitment to regenerative food systems, he aims to contribute to the transformation of agriculture through practical, people-centred and environmentally responsible approaches.
Juan David holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the National University of Colombia and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Organic Agriculture and Food Systems from the University of Hohenheim, Germany.
At merckens development support (mds), he supports the coordination and implementation of international projects, particularly those funded by PRIMA and the European Union, with a focus on sustainable agriculture, capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
Sophia Barriga has many years of expecience in the development and implementation of international projects. At merckens development support, she is responsible for the application and coordination of projects funded by the ERASMUS+ programme of the EU and develoPPP projects funded by the BMZ.
Previously, she studied international relations in Dresden and agricultural economics at the University of Hohenheim.
She is a qualified EU fundraiser.
Associated staff:
Aquilino Franco Rodriguez, Biodinamic Advisor
Esteban Acosta Perreira, Demeter Recognized Advisor
Eduardo Sanchez, Demeter Recognized Advisor
Francis Peralta, Project Assistant