Chamber of agriculture · Germany · regional
Mandatory levy, no membership
The statutory chamber of agriculture of Lower Saxony, based in Oldenburg. It advises on crops, plant protection, livestock, forestry, horticulture and organic farming, helps with subsidies and farm management, and runs vocational training. It also performs official tasks (fertiliser authority, plant protection service, seed certification). Owners of agricultural and forestry land in the state pay a chamber contribution.
Farmers do not join; they pay a chamber contribution (Kammerbeitrag). It applies to every agricultural and forestry holding in Lower Saxony that is subject to property tax (Grundsteuer A) and not exempt (LwKG § 26). The payer is the property tax debtor as of 1 January — usually the owner. According to the chamber's FAQ, no contribution is charged if the property tax base amount (Grundsteuermessbetrag) is below EUR 6.
Since 2025 the base is the property tax base amount (Grundsteuermessbetrag), previously the unit value. Contribution = Grundsteuermessbetrag × 215% (rate set by the chamber assembly on 8 May 2025). From 2025 the chamber assesses and collects it itself (previously the tax office); notices are sent in August, payment is due on 25 October each year, by direct debit or transfer.
Fee basis: land-value based (collected with tax)
For information only, not legal advice. Mandatory membership is set by local law — each profile lists its source.