Source: BLE
Agriculture
The German government intends to orient agricultural production more closely than before to the economic, social and environmental principles of sustainability. Important issues in this context are, among other things, organic and sustainable farming, global food security, biodiversity and animal welfare.
Organic and Sustainable Farming
Organic and sustainable farming is a particularly resource-friendly and environmentally compatible form of farming, and which is based on the principle of sustainability. Organic and sustainable farming contributes to preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, protecting the soil, keeping water clean, and minimising the impact on climate. The BLE fulfils, within the context of EU legislation, various tasks with regard to organic and sustainable farming. Read more
Biodiversity
Biodiversity in food and agriculture, agrobiodiversity for short, refers to all components of biodiversity that are of significance in terms of food and agriculture, and the functioning of agri-ecosystems. The Information and Coordination Centre for Biodiversity (IBV) is situated within the BLE and in particular addresses genetic resources relevant for food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Read more
Reporting
Regular reporting on data by entities in the fats, cereal, starch, feedstuffs, milk, and sugar industries are important for market observation and reporting, for improving market transparency, and with respect to the organization of the markets for cereal, fats, milk, and sugar in Germany. The BLE has set up reporting procedures for this purpose.
Plant Protection
The National Action Plan on Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products intends to further reduce the risks which could arise from the use of plant protection products. The BLE supports the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in the development and implementation of the National Action Plan. Read more
Wine
With Regulation No 1308/2013 on the common organisation of the market, a scheme of authorisations for vine plantings has been introduced in the European Union, and which has been in place since 1 January 2016. The BLE is responsible for the implementation of the authorization system for new vine plantings.
Animal Welfare
Animal-friendly husbandry is orientated towards animals’ natural needs, takes into account their natural behaviour, and commits itself to animal welfare. On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, BLE project management manages, technically and in terms of organization, various national and international research projects in the field of animal-friendly husbandry.
Global Food Security
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), currently 805 million people still suffer from hunger or malnutrition. Against the backdrop of a constantly growing global population, depletion of resources, and production risks which are due to climate change, the BLE increases its commitment towards improving the global food security situation. Read more
Industrial Hemp
The BLE is the authority responsible for reports on the production of industrial hemp, for carrying out THC-checks in the growing of industrial hemp, and for import procedures from third countries. For the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the BLE collects statistical data on the cultivation of industrial hemp in Germany.
Seed and Planting Material
Imports of seed and planting material of certain agricultural plant species and vegetable species from third countries require reporting, and must be confirmed by the BLE. The reports on importation serve the purpose of supervision and control, with the aim of providing consumers with suitable and high quality seed and planting material.
