Plant production

Plant production is at the beginning of the agricultural value chain. The regulations on good agricultural practice make an important contribution to ensuring sustainable production. Plant production in Germany is diverse, ranging from arable farming, horticulture and fruit growing to the cultivation of wine and hops.

In all areas, competitive agriculture is dependent on high and consistent yields. Successful plant breeding, fertilisation, plant protection and the maintenance of soil fertility are crucial factors. The application of green genetic engineering is also becoming increasingly important in plant production worldwide. Here, a balance must be struck between safety and profitability.

Overview of topics

Protein Crop Strategy

Expanding crop rotations in Germany and Europe to include more plants, in particular legumes (known as pulses), is an important part of making agriculture more sustainable.

Fertilisation

Plants need a well-balanced supply of nutrients to ensure optimal growth. Fertilisation in line with good professional practice provides plants with the necessary plant nutrients and maintains and promotes soil fertility. In order to further strengthen the "polluter pays" principle in fertiliser legislation, the BMEL is working on various changes to fertiliser legislation.

National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products

The objective of the National Action Plan on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products (NAP) is to further reduce the risks associated with the use of pesticides. The NAP is being further developed in line with the commitments made in the coalition agreement.

2035 Arable Farming Strategy

In the face of climate change, the BMEL’s Arable Farming Strategy is intended to outline ways and means to make arable farming more sustainable – i.e. more environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable – which is also necessary to achieve greater societal acceptance. Environmental balance and economic incentives should go hand in hand.

Social media accounts of the Ministry