Agriculture & Farming

Farmers selling their own produce directly to consumers in Germany (Direktvermarktung) may need a trade registration depending on the degree of processing involved. Selling unprocessed products like fresh fruit, vegetables, or eggs from the farm counts as primary production (Urproduktion) and is exempt from trade registration. However, if you process products further (e.g. making jam, cheese, or sausage), operate a farm shop with purchased goods exceeding about 10% of turnover, or sell at markets away from your farm, a trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) is required.All direct marketers who package their products must register with the Central Packaging Register (LUCID). If you sell food products, you also need food business registration with the local veterinary or food safety authority. Additional rules on labelling, hygiene, and pricing apply under the Food Information Regulation and the Price Indication Ordinance.

Issued by: Veterinary and Food Inspection Office

Farms, food processors, and traders that want to label and sell products as organic (bio/öko) must be certified by an approved control body (Kontrollstelle) under the EU Organic Regulation 2018/848. Without certification, using terms like "bio" or "öko" on products is illegal.You choose one of the state-approved control bodies (identified by their DE-ÖKO code number) and sign a control contract. The control body conducts an initial inspection and then annual inspections covering your production methods, inputs, documentation, and labeling. After passing the initial inspection and a conversion period (typically two years for crops), you receive organic certification and may use the EU organic logo. Certification costs vary by control body and farm size.

Issued by: Approved Organic Control Body

All businesses involved in the production, processing, storage, transport, or sale of animal feed in Germany must register with the competent authority under EU Regulation 183/2005 on feed hygiene. This includes feed manufacturers, importers, traders, and farmers who produce or purchase feed for their livestock. Even online sellers of pet food are covered by this obligation.You register at the local veterinary office (Veterinäramt) by submitting details of your business activities and the types of feed handled. Businesses that work with certain feed additives or former bioproteins need a full approval rather than just registration. The authority may inspect your premises to verify compliance with feed hygiene standards. Registration must be updated whenever your business activities change significantly.

Issued by: Veterinary Office / State Consumer Protection Authority

Anyone who professionally applies, sells, or advises on plant protection products in Germany must hold a competence certificate (Sachkundenachweis) under the Plant Protection Act. This applies to farmers, gardeners, landscapers, forestry workers, and retailers of plant protection products.The certificate is issued as a credit card-format ID (Scheckkarte) by the state plant protection service after you prove your qualification, typically through a relevant vocational training or university degree with documented plant protection content. Once issued, the certificate is valid indefinitely, but you must complete an approved continuing education course every three years to maintain it. If you fail to complete the required training, the authority can withdraw your certificate.

Issued by: State Plant Protection Service

Commercial livestock operations above certain herd size thresholds require a permit under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). The thresholds are defined in the 4th BImSchV and depend on the animal type, for example 15,000 laying hens or 1,500 fattening pigs. Below these thresholds, a building permit is sufficient.For larger operations, the state environmental authority conducts either a simplified procedure (without public participation) or a formal procedure (with public participation), depending on herd size. The review covers emissions (odor, ammonia, dust), noise, animal welfare, and building safety. Smaller livestock operations below the BImSchG thresholds still need permits under building law and must comply with animal welfare regulations. The permit determines the maximum number of animal places based on the facility's capacity.

Issued by: Emission Control Authority / Veterinary Office