Bioland

Germany's largest and second-oldest organic farming association, founded in 1971 by 12 farmers. It has about 9,000 member farms and about 1,300 members from processing, trade and catering; Bioland farms manage almost half of Germany's organic association land. Its own standards are stricter than the EU organic regulation, and compliance is checked yearly by independent inspection bodies. It gives regional advice through nine regional associations.

Voluntary. Organic farms (arable, wine, horticulture, beekeeping, livestock) as well as processors, retailers and caterers can join. Membership starts with a Bioland membership contract; a prerequisite is an inspection contract with a control body. After conversion you receive the Bioland certificate and can then sell your products as Bioland goods.

The organisation does not publish its membership fee — please ask directly.

• Free conversion information (hotline: 0800 1300 400)
• Regional advice from over 100 advisers, advice on funding
• Bioland brand and sales channels (farm shop to retail)
• Over 800 technical events, field trips and conferences a year
• Political representation from EU to regional level, on-farm research

• bioland.de — Der Verband
• bioland.de — Historie
• bioland.de — Mitglied werden
• bioland.de — Impressum
• IFOAM Membership Directory — Bioland e.V.