Farmers' union · Germany · national
Voluntary
MEG Milch Board w. V. is a nationwide milk producers' association (Milcherzeugergemeinschaft), founded in 2007 under the market structure law with state approval; its offices are in Göttingen and Munich. Its aim is for dairy farmers to bundle their milk, negotiate more strongly with dairies and obtain cost-covering prices. Every quarter it publishes the Milch Marker Index (MMI) on milk production costs, and it helps set up new producer associations.
Voluntary. Any natural person, partnership or legal entity that owns a milk-producing farm can join. The application must be sent in writing to the board, which decides at its discretion; applicants must state whether they belong to another dairy cooperative or producer association. New members are exempt from the delivery obligation (statutes § 49) if their milk is marketed by another producer association or cooperative, so dual membership is possible. Supporting membership also exists.
The annual fee depends on the quantity of milk produced (assembly decisions of 2008 and 2018, 2025 fee table): up to 100,000 kg €15 a year, +€15 for each further 100,000 kg, €150 for 900,001–1,000,000 kg; above that +€7.50 a year per started 100,000 kg (table example: 2,000,000 kg = €232.50).
For information only, not legal advice. Mandatory membership is set by local law — each profile lists its source.