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field of spelt Organic cultivated field of spelt, Source: BLE / Thomas Stephan

Organic Farming in Germany

as of: January 2012

This information pamphlet aims to give a brief overview of organic farming in Germany. It presents statutory rules as well as the development and support of organic farms.

1. What does organic farming mean?

In its various forms, organic farming enjoys a long-standing tradition. Biodynamic farming was introduced in 1924 and the origins of organic-biological or environmentally-adapted farming also date back well into the last century.

The guiding principle of organic farming is management in harmony with nature. Here, the agricultural holding is mainly perceived as an organism comprising the components man, flora, fauna and soil. More than other methods of cultivation, organic farming aims to:

  • achieve a closed nutrient cycle on the farm, if possible. The farm is to establish its own feed and nutrient bases;
  • preserve and enhance soil fertility and
  • keep animals in a manner conducive to their welfare.

In so doing, organic farming focuses on the following measures:

  • no plant protection with synthetically produced chemicals, cultivation of fewer susceptible varieties in suitable crop rotations, using beneficial species, mechanical weed control measures such as hoeing and flame weeding;
  • no utilisation of easily soluble mineral fertilisers, application of organically fixed nitrogen mainly in the form of manure or manure compost; green manuring with nitrogen-fixing plants (leguminosae) and use of slow-acting natural fertilisers;
  • preserving soil fertility through intensive humus management;
  • diverse and long crop rotations with many crop rotation links and intermediate crops;
  • no application of synthetically produced chemical growth regulators;
  • limited, strictly land-related stocking density;
  • feeding animals on farm-grown feed, if possible, few purchased feedstuffs;
  • largely dispensing with the use of antibiotics.

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Organic farming is specifically geared to sustainability.

Organic farming is specifically geared to sustainability. It conserves and protects natural resources to a major extent, whilst having diverse positive effects on the environment, for instance:

  • Soil conservation

Organic farming methods promote humus formation and soil biota. In the fields and meadows of organic farmers there is usually more biomass and increased microbial activities than in conventional farming. Natural soil fertility is also higher. Losses of topsoil caused by erosion are largely avoided.

  • Water conservation

As a rule, organic farming does not pollute ground and surface waters with nutrients like nitrates as much as conventional farming. As it dispenses with synthetically produced chemicals, there is no input of these pesticides into the soil. Since organic animal husbandry is a land-related activity, normally no more nutrients accrue from manure and slurry than can be applied to plants on the farm's own land without any difficulty.

  • species protection

Organic farming promotes the diversity of flora and fauna as it dispenses with synthetically produced chemical pesticides and has a low level of fertilisation. Often, there are more species on organically than on conventionally farmed land.

  • Animal welfare

Welfare-oriented animal husbandry meets the principles of organic farming and is guaranteed. Animals are allowed sufficient open-air access in organic farming. Their housing conditions are reviewed on a regular basis.

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2. Quality of organic food

To determine the quality of a foodstuff, the specific characteristics not only of the product but also of its production and processing must be gauged and proven. Yet, science is still in its infancy when it comes to the objective assessment of products from different production processes. However, in chemical-analytical terms, organic products frequently and demonstrably show better quality features than conventional produce. In several instances they boast equally good features and only in rare cases poorer quality features than conventional produce. As the use of chemical and synthetic fertilisers and pesticides in organic production is banned, there are hardly any residues of these substances in organic products. This is repeatedly confirmed by investigations carried out in the course of official food inspections. Occasionally, however, organic products also contain residues of pesticides, caused for example by drift from neighbouring fields under conventional management, by pollution of the soil with persistent pesticides, or by contamination with environmental pollutants.

An increasing number of consumers are subject to food intolerances. Organic foods often offer this group of consumers a significantly lower allergy potential, as, under the EU legislation governing organic farming, it is only admissible to have a very limited number of ingredients, additives and processing agents in organic products. These are stated specifically in so-called positive lists. With regard to additives alone, only 47 of a total of over 300 are admitted, i.e. approximately only a sixth and these only in a restricted and product-related manner. In comparison to conventional foods, the number of substances which may be contained in the product is many times lower. Some producer associations limit the number of potential additives even further. It is important for consumers that even the smallest quantities of these substances are usually listed individually on the packaging. This means that consumers are able to gain in-depth information and, via their choice of foods, to reduce the possibility of ingesting additives.

Some studies show a higher content of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and secondary plants substances in crop products from organic farming, some studies show no significant difference between products from organic and conventional farming. No conclusive assessment has been made.

Organic food and organic vegetables, as a rule, contain less nitrate and fewer pesticide residues. Some tests indicate higher dry matter content of organic produce compared with conventional products. In some cases, the lower water content results in higher levels of value-enhancing ingredients in organic produce. Organic plant products often have a higher content of secondary plant substances which are considered valuable by nutritionists.

Welfare-oriented animal husbandry and nutrition play a key role in the quality assessment of animal products from organic farming. Every animal is entitled to space, light and fresh air. Every animal is, therefore, granted access to outdoor runs and pasture land. Fully-slatted floors are prohibited in cattle, pig and sheep farming. Organic eggs were found to have fewer residues of antibiotics and other undesirable substances as well as a higher egg yolk weight than eggs derived from conventionally kept and fed hens. Nor has there been one confirmed case of BSE in cattle born and reared on an organic farm.

No extensive scientific studies to determine whether the regular consumption of organic foods is generally more health-promoting than the consumption of conventional products have been conducted up to now. One principle is clear: food may not jeopardise health in general. A study conducted by the Max Rubner Institute came to the following conclusion:

"There is no clear answer so far to the question whether buyers of organic food eat healthier food, in general. Therefore, 13,000 persons ranging in age from 18 to 80 years have been characterized in a thorough manner on the basis of the data provided by the national food consumption survey II. The results show that there is a connection between the purchase of organic foods and the dietary habits and lifestyle.

Buyers of organic food eat healthier food, are frequently non-smokers and are actively engaged in sports. All in all, they pursue a lifestyle that can be assessed as being better in health terms than that of non-buyers of organic food. When it comes to buying food, aspects of a healthy diet are equally important as altruistic criteria." (see http://www.mri.bund.de)

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3. EU legislation governing organic farming

Council Regulation No 834/2007/EC of 28 June 2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Regulation No 2092/91/EEC and its detailed implementing rules (EU legislation governing organic farming) lays down precisely the production and manufacture requirements for agricultural produce and foods labelled as organic products. It ties in with the basic guidelines of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), encompassing about 750 associations from over 100 countries.

The EU legislation governing organic farming protects consumers from deception and prevents unfair competition Europe-wide. All organic goods produced and sold in the European Union must meet the standards set by this Regulation. The food designations must not be misleading, either.

The rules laid down in the so-called Basic Regulation contain the objectives and principles of organic production as well as permanent import arrangements. The stringent production standards prescribed by organic farming must be complied with. Since 1 July 2010 prepackaged foodstuffs from the EU have to bear the European Union logo for organic/biological production (abbreviated to "EU organic logo") on the packaging. The use of the organic logo is optional for products imported from third countries. The indication of the place of origin in the form of "EU agriculture", "Non-EU agriculture" and "EU/Non-EU agriculture" is required in addition to the EU organic logo. The simultaneous use of state labels such as the familiar Bio-Siegel and the use of private logos such as those of the growers associations continues to be possible. More stringent standards set by associations or trademarks may be used for labelling and advertising. GMO products are prohibited (GMO = genetically modified organisms). Merely the labelling threshold for the unintended presence of authorised GMO, that has generally been set at 0.9 percent, also applies to organic products. The inspection system follows a risk-focused approach.

The EU legislation governing organic farming prescribes exactly how producers and processors have to produce their commodities and which substances they may use in the process. If a substance is not expressly authorised in so-called positive lists, it may not be used. The same applies to the use of ingredients of non-agricultural origin.

In principle, all ingredients of agricultural origin must be organically grown, for up to 5% strictly limited exemptions are possible. A sufficient volume of ingredients of organic quality is not always available. The EU legislation governing organic farming, therefore, allows the use of some ingredients from conventional agriculture if they are necessary for the production of particular goods and if it can be proven that they can neither be produced in the EU of the requisite organic quality nor imported. This applies, for example, to specific exotic fruits or some spices and oils. Only with an organic percentage of at least 95 percent can the foodstuff be sold as an organic product and be labelled with the German Organic Production Logo “Bio-Siegel”, the EU organic logo or other organic logos. If the organic percentage of ingredients is less than 95 percent, the list of ingredients may refer to the organic ingredients subject to certain conditions. These products may not then be designated as "bio" or "eco". Any form of emphasis is not allowed.

Agricultural products and foods from non-EU countries may only be marketed as organic produce in the EU if these countries have compliant and equivalent regulations regarding production rules and inspection measures. When imported, the competent inspection authorities pay particular attention to the equivalence of and compliance with the rules.

Organic food may not be irradiated and genetically modified organisms or their derivatives may not be used.

The EU-rules contain the following key points:

  • Plant production:

    • conversion provisions concerning farms with plant production;
    • preserving and increasing soil fertility through special soil tillage and
    • multiannual crop rotations;
    • supplementary fertilisers and pesticides only if they are stated in specific positive lists;
    • using organically propagated seed and planting stock, in principle.

  • Animal husbandry:

    • conversion provisions concerning farms and animals of non-organic origin;
    • stockfarming is a land-related activity;
    • a general ban on keeping livestock tethered, upon expiry of transitional periods this ban will apply to all types of animal husbandry except for small holdings;
    • livestock must be fed organically produced feedstuffs;
    • keeping animals healthy mainly by encouraging their natural immunological defence;
    • safeguarding maximum consumer safety through regular controls and certification of origin for organically-produced meat.

Aquaculture products, seaweed and vinification now also fall under the scope of Community legislation. Detailed implementing rules on vinification have not yet been adopted.

The production of marine animals and seaweed is a relatively new line of business in organic farming. It had been developed because the targeted breeding and husbandry of aquatic organisms (aquaculture) has become increasingly important, also with regard to sea fisheries production, which must be distinguished from it. The aim of organic aquaculture is to safeguard the production of prime quality products while minimizing the strain on the aquatic environment. Detailed Community legislation has been in effect since 1 July 2010. As in organic farming in general, welfare-oriented husbandry takes top priority here, too.

Strictly speaking, there has so far only been "Wine made from organically grown grapes". With specific rules for winemaking based on the processing principles adhered to in organic farming, it is intended that selected oenological practices that go beyond grape production should be used in the future. The question is still open as to when a regime such as this will be adopted.

As of 1 July 2010, prepackaged foodstuffs from the EU must bear the European Union logo for organic production (new, EU organic logo for short) on the packaging with a two-year transitional period ending 1 July 2012 applying to the packaging material especially. The use of the organic logo is optional for products imported from third countries.

An indication of origin taking the form "EU Agriculture", "Non-EU Agriculture" or "EU / non-EU Agriculture" is mandatory in addition to the EU organic logo.

If all agricultural raw materials (at least 98%) of which the product is composed have been produced in one country, the name of this country can be indicated instead of, or in addition to, the above-mentioned indication "EU" or "non-EU". For the above-mentioned "EU" or "non-EU" indication, small quantities (in terms of weight) of ingredients may be disregarded, provided that the total quantity of the disregarded ingredients does not exceed 2 % of the total quantity by weight of raw materials of agricultural origin.

National labels (see organic label) or private logos and trademarks may continue to be used alongside the EU organic logo.

Another area with comprehensive rules concerns the implementing provisions for imports from third countries. Their purpose is to make sure that in non-EU countries the production rules and inspection measures for organic products marketed in the EU are equivalent to those in EU countries.

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4. Organic Farming Act

The Organic Farming Act (ÖLG) pools specific executive functions in organic farming in Germany, whilst increasing the effective implementation of the EU legislation governing organic farming. The Organic Farming Act was promulgated in the Federal Law Gazette on 15 July 2002 and was recently adapted to the new EU legislation governing organic farming by means of a new wording that will take effect as from 1 January 2009.

It contains the following measures:

  1. Reporting duties:

    The Act stipulates that inspection bodies should always be required to notify the competent authority for the respective holding of established irregularities or violations as defined in the EU legislation governing organic farming. This shall also apply to cases where the queried produce originates from another EU Member State. As far as the information requirements in the case of other irregularities are concerned, the Länder (federal states) made their own separate arrangements within their competence for the monitoring of inspection bodies.

    Each inspection body must keep a list of the businesses covered by its checks and publish this list on the Internet for the competent authorities, economic operators and consumers.

    The inspection bodies are not only required to provide the competent authorities with the necessary information, but are also obliged to inform each other as well.

  2. Delegation of tasks from the Länder (federal states) to the private inspection bodies:

    The Länder governments may delegate specific inspection tasks wholly or in part to the inspection bodies operating in the respective Land.

    The Länder governments are also entitled to delegate sovereign tasks to the private inspection bodies by raising loans.

  3. Pooling of executive functions:

    The following executive functions have been pooled at the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food:

    1. approval of the private inspection bodies operating in Germany, including the issue of code numbers and withdrawal of approval,
    2. granting of authorisations for the marketing of organic products imported from third countries and
    3. provisional approval of the use of non-organic ingredients of agricultural origin.
  4. Compulsory checks in away-from-home consumption:

    Community catering establishments such as restaurants, staff canteens and large-scale catering establishments are, if they commercially market organic products, subject to the inspection and labelling provisions of the EU legislation governing organic farming.

  5. Provisions regarding penalties and fines:

    Violations of the EU legislation governing organic farming are liable to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to 30,000 Euro. This applies especially to the fraudulent use of indications referring to organic production methods in the labelling and advertising of organic products.

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5. Inspection

Just like conventional products, organic products must comply with the generally valid provisions under food and feed law. They are examined by the control mechanisms envisaged there.

If products are to be presented as organic products, the inspection scheme and procedure under the EU legislation governing organic farming must also be carried out. In accordance with the EU legislation governing organic farming, it is up to the Member States to decide whether they let government agencies carry out the inspection procedure alone or whether they opt for a state-supervised private system. The latter system operates in Germany.

Due to Germany's federal structure, 16 supervisory authorities of the Länder are responsible for 20 approved inspection bodies currently operating in the market.

The private inspection bodies control and monitor compliance with the EU legislation governing organic farming on the spot. An inspection agreement is concluded between the company or business that is subject to inspection and the inspection body. Companies or businesses thus undertake to adhere to the EU legislation governing organic farming and agree to the standard inspection scheme of the inspection body. The inspection body controls agricultural holdings as well as processors and importers at least once a year and more frequently, if necessary. The inspected holdings must bear the costs of inspection. The inspection is primarily a procedural inspection supplemented by elements of final product inspection in special cases. All the same, soil and plant samples are also taken and residue analyses carried out on a random basis and in all cases where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion.

Article 63 to 92 of the detailed rules implementing the EU legislation governing organic farming set out the minimum inspection requirements for agricultural holdings, processors, stockkeepers, distributors and importers.

Accordingly, producers and processors must specify precisely which areas, which buildings and which facilities are used in production. Holdings are obliged to precisely record and list all inputs and products entering the holdings at all stages of processing. Everything sold by the farm or holding must be recorded in their books, what, how much and to whom. This guarantees the traceability of organic products back to the producer.

In addition to this, since January 2010 the inspection bodies in Germany have been required to observe binding detailed quality assurance measures stipulated in the organic inspection procedure.

Against the backdrop of the particularly strong growth of the organic market Germany has experienced for many years, it is necessary to permanently secure the functioning of the inspection system for organic farming in Germany in line with the existing legislation, in order to guarantee a high consumer protection level and fair competition between the inspection bodies on the basis of a sound inspection quality. Therefore the BMELV has put the detailed criteria already established for the accreditation of private inspection bodies on a federally harmonised legal basis: The Ordinance on the Accreditation of Inspection Bodies pursuant to the Act Concerning Organic Farming (Öko-Landbau-Gesetz-Kontrollstellen-Zulassungsverordnung), which will enter into force following the approval of the Bundesrat (projected for spring).

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6. Organic farms in Germany

At the end of 2010, there were 21,942 organic-production holdings in Germany farming 990,702 hectares of land organically in accordance with the EU legislation governing organic farming. They account for 7,3 % of all holdings, farming around 5.9 % of the total utilised agricultural area (see table 1 and table 2).

Table 3: Organic Farming in Germany
Developments in farmland over the last few years
YearHectaresShare in total farmland
1996354,1712.1
1997389,6932.3
1998416,5182.4
1999452,3272.6
2000546,0233.2
2001634,9983.7
2002696,9784.1
2003*734,0274.3
2004767,8914.5
2005807,4064.7
2006825,5384.9
2007865,3365.1
2008907,7865.4
2009947,1155.6
2010990,7025.9

* Due to a change in coverage in Thuringia not fully comparable with previous years

Table 4: Organic Farming in Germany
Developments in the number of holdings over the last few years
YearNumber of holdingsShare in total number of agricultural holdings
19967,3531.3
19978,1841.5
19989,2131.7
199910,4252.2
200012,7402.8
200114,7023.3
200215,6263.6
2003*16,4763.9
200416,6034.1
200517,0204.2
200617,5574.6
200718,7035.0
200819,8135.3
200921,0475.7
201021,9427.3

* Due to a change in coverage in Thuringia not fully comparable with previous years

Most organic farms in Germany have joined associations. In addition to the Bioland and Demeter associations (the largest and oldest organic associations), there are also other associations such as Naturland, Biokreis, Bundesverband Ökologischer Weinbau (Federation for Organic Viticulture, ECOVIN), Gäa, Ecoland and Biopark.

Representatives from organic farming associations, organic food processors and organic trade founded the "Bund Ökologischer Lebensmittelwirtschaft" (BÖLW, Organic Food Industry Federation) in 2002 as the umbrella organisation of the entire organic sector.

Some of the guidelines of German organic farming associations are stricter than those laid down in the EU legislation governing organic farming.

For example, pursuant to the EU legislation governing organic farming, a holding may under certain circumstances only partially convert to organic farming, whereas the organic farming associations always prescribe the total conversion of a holding.

The conversion of the entire holding is a prerequisite for support in Germany.

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7. Income situation

The accounting results of 363 organic full-time farms were evaluated for the 2010/2011 marketing year. Compared to the previous year, the profits of these farms decreased by an average of 29.9 percent to 60,736 (see fig. 1).

Please visit the website http://berichte.bmelv-statistik.de/BFT-1310001-2010.pdf and the homepage of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (www.vti.bund.de) for comprehensive information on the analysis of the economic situation of organic farms (only in German).

Development of profits plus labour costs per MWU in organic farms and in comparable conventional farms in Germany Figure 1: Development of profits plus labour costs per MWU in organic farms and in comparable conventional farms in Germany (click to enlarge), Source: =Institute of Farm Economics of vTI, calculations based on German Farm Accountany Data Network, years 1995/1996-2010/2011

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8. Support for organic farming

The production of organic products is very environmentally sound, conserves resources and safeguards jobs, especially in rural areas.

However, it also necessitates a great management input in farming and also a greater labour intensity for the processing sectors. That is why organic products are more expensive than conventional foods.

It is especially difficult for holdings to start organic farming as they may only sell organic produce after a conversion period of two to three years. Only after at least twelve months of conversion may products of plant origin be sold as conversion produce. New organic farms frequently have to find new marketing channels for their produce.

Germany has, therefore, promoted the introduction of organic farming with public funds since 1989. Up to 1992, organic farming had been promoted by a variant of the EU extensification scheme that banned the use of synthetically produced chemical fertilisers and pesticides on the entire farm. In addition, animal husbandry had to adhere to basic rules of organic farming.

Since 1994, the Länder (federal states) have carried out agri-environmental programmes to support the introduction and maintenance of organic farming. Since 01.01.2007, the current legal basis for support has comprised Article 36 a) iv) in conjunction with Article 39 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 of 20.09.2005 in its current version on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The Act on a Joint Task for the Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection (Gesetz über eine Gemeinschaftsaufgabe "Verbesserung der Agrarstruktur und des Küstenschutzes" - GAKG) forms the national legal basis for support under the joint task in accordance with the “principles governing the promotion of market- and site-adapted land management”, with financial participation by the Federal Government.

The support is as a rule financed by the Federal Government and the Laender at a ratio of 60:40. EU co-financing funds can be claimed for this support – as they also can for federal state programmes – at a rate of 55 percent of public expenditure eligible for support (in the old Federal States) or 80 percent (in the new Laender and the former government district of Lüneburg).

In 2009, the production of agricultural produce from organic farming received around Euro 137 million in public funds in Germany. Under the 2010 to 2013 framework plan of GAK, the promotion of organic cultivation methods takes the following shape under the principles governing the promotion of market- and site-adapted land management (MSL):

Table 5: 2010 GAK framework plan

Type of culture

Aids for the introduction of organic farming methods
per hectare

Aids for the retention of organic farming methods
per hectare

Vegetable growing480 Euro300 Euro
Arable land210 Euro170 Euro
Grassland210 Euro170 Euro
Land under permanent crops or nursery crops900 Euro720 Euro

Under GAK, € 210 per hectare of arable land and grassland has been earmarked for holdings embarking on organic farming; holdings that maintain organic farming qualify for € 170 per hectare respectively. Holdings submitting to the control discipline under the EU legislation governing organic farming may receive € 35 per hectare, in addition, up to a maximum of € 530 per farm. The Länder may increase the amounts listed in Table 6 by up to 20 percent or reduce them by up to 30 percent.

The respective federal states set the premiums and the GAK provides the framework in this respect. The premiums set out in the support guidelines of the Länder are decisive at any rate, they can be accessed on www.oekolandbau.de; individual data under the heading "Erzeuger" (producer) under "Ökonomie" (economy) and there under "Förderübersicht" (overview of support).

GAK promotes the processing and marketing of quality products, also including organic products. Support funds totalling over € 30 million were allocated between 1993 and 2010. The following received support: start-up expenses for producer groups, the elaboration and implementation of marketing concepts as well as investments by producer groups or processing and marketing businesses that co-operate with them or with individual organic farmers on a contractual basis.

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9. Bio-Siegel (German organic production logo)

The Bio-Siegel constitutes an important step in the development of the organic market. The label may be used on a voluntary basis. The underlying standard set by the EU legislation governing organic farming as well as the waiving of further procedural steps such as the award or licensing procedures permit broad use of the label for products from other EU states and third countries as well. Community law does not allow a state label that goes beyond the standard set by the EU legislation governing organic farming.

This label can be used to mark any unprocessed agricultural products or any agricultural products processed for human consumption that are subject to the EU legislation governing organic farming as long as the prerequisites regarding the indications referring to organic production methods under Article 23 of the EU Basic Regulation on Organic Farming have been met. This basically means that the products are manufactured and controlled in accordance with the requirements of the EU legislation governing organic farming.

As the Bio-Siegel is based on the EU legislation governing organic farming, it is fully subject to its inspection provisions. The implementation of inspections falls within the competence of the Länder.

On 15 December 2001, an Eco-labelling Act took effect to legally protect the Bio-Siegel. The Eco-labelling Ordinance, which is based on the Eco-labelling Act, entered into force on 16 February 2002. It lays down detailed rules regarding the design and use of the Bio-Siegel. The Eco-labelling Ordinance also expressly permits the option of affixing national or regional indications of origin in the immediate environment of the Bio-Siegel (e.g. the "Biozeichen" of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and Rhoen). The Eco-labelling Act was adapted to the new EU legislation governing organic farming with effect from 1 January 2009.

The Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung; BLE) in 53168 Bonn provides information for interested market operators.

Since the announcement of the Bio-Siegel on 5 September 2001, 4.009 users of the label have notified the information centre of the labelling of 63,803 products.

Businesses from the processing and trade sectors in particular use the Bio-Siegel. The Bio-Siegel establishes transparency and reliable guidance for consumers in the maze of trademarks in the organic sector.

The producers benefit from the resulting demand pull. There are enormous growth opportunities in the German organic market which should be seized.

Last but not least, the processing and trade sectors now have an uncomplicated label that does not interfere with competition and that contributes to the reliable supply of a sufficient volume all year round.

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10. Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)

The existing Federal Organic Farming Scheme was extended to include other forms of sustainable agriculture under a resolution adopted by the German Bundestag on 26 November 2010. The revision of the scheme has almost been completed. The BMELV innovation programme for research and development was also opened to organic farming in return for the extension of the Federal Organic Farming Scheme by other forms of sustainable farming.

The Federal Organic Farming Scheme was set up in 2002 to improve conditions for organic farming. It is intended to supplement existing support measures in contributing to sustainable growth based in the medium term on a well-balanced expansion of supply and demand.

Building on the identification of problems and development potential, the Scheme envisages support measures where growth can be efficiently boosted by closing gaps in support.

A range of different measures for all areas of the production chain are included under this general aim: from agricultural production, data collection, and processing to trade, marketing and consumers.

Since the start of the programme, a total of more than 700 research projects were supported.In addition, more than 40 measures were devised and implemented, and under three support guidelines more than 300 presences at trade fairs, more than 50 information and sales promotion projects as well as more than 200 establishments going organic or planning to go organic received funding. Both the composition of this complementary package of measures and the concepts of the individual measures have been continually adapted to take account of experiences and the changing conditions.

In 2006, in view of the market development which was emerging, the programme concentrated on central activities to strengthen the competitive position of German producers and processors.

The programme was provided with 34,8 million € for 2002, approximately 36 million € for 2003, 20 million € annually for 2004 to 2006, and 16 million € respectively for 2007 until 2011. 16 million € are again available for 2012. The programme’s financial resources are to be maintained at this level in the medium term.

The Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food was charged with the implementation and execution of the Scheme. The Office for the Federal Organic Farming Scheme was set up there for this purpose.

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11. Research

The Institute for Organic Farming, is, as part of the new research concept, now one of 15 institutes affiliated to the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute. It is located at the Trenthorst site in Schleswig-Holstein.

The institute’s tasks include subjects relating to organic farming and to the processing, safety and quality of organic products. In future a large number of the research institutes affiliated to the BMELV will deal with these subjects. The research is organised on an interdisciplinary basis and to this extent meaningfully interlinked with research activities related to the conventional agricultural and food industries.

Under the Federal Organic Farming Scheme, part of the funds will be used to support practice-orientated research and development projects.

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12. Promotional award for organic farming

The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection intends to confer the promotional award for services rendered by organic farms in specific areas that contribute specifically to improving organic farming, its production techniques as well as environmental and consumer friendliness.

The award comes with prize money of € 22,500 in total. Information on eligibility as well as application forms can be accessed on the Internet on: www.foerderpreis-oekologischer-landbau.de.

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13. Outlook

Germany has by far the greatest demand for organic products in the EU and is second only to the USA at global level.

The share of sales of organic foods in the total turnover of foods in Germany increased from € 1.48 billion in 1997 to approx. € 5.9 billion in 2010 (excluding beverages, tobacco and away-from-home catering). This accounted for 3.4 percent of the food market. Experts believe that organic farming still has considerable growth potential.

Organic production and regional products from welfare-oriented animal husbandry play an important role in agricultural policy. Organic farming is an element of Germany’s national sustainability strategy. What is more, the organic products and transparent production processes truly reflect the wishes of many consumers.

More initiatives by economic stakeholders, especially in the marketing sector, are needed to further increase sales of organic products. Larger consumer groups must also be reached.

In the final instance, the development of organic farming is up to the consumers. They are the ones who must be prepared to pay higher prices for organic produce and, in this way, to reward the special ecological contribution and quality features of organic farmers.

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