FEDERAL OFFICE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD (BLE)
The Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) is a German national authority. It has a staff of roughly 1,400 employees Germany-wide and at sea. BLE carries out a variety of tasks in the areas of agriculture, fishery and food. It is the central implementing authority and service provider within the scope of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), supporting a number of national and international research projects in the areas of agriculture, food and consumer protection. Moreover, it cooperates with different transnational committees and participates in numerous EU initiatives. The rules of the common EU agricultural and fisheries policy and the related organisation of controls shape the work of the BLE, which also acts as EU accredited paying agency. Within their areas of activity, the BLE control services and its fishery protection vessels ensure that statutory rules are complied with.
In many cases the BLE also acts as nationwide accreditation body on behalf of private inspection bodies, for example for the monitoring of organic farms, or for sustainable production of biofuels and bioliquids for generating electricity and heat.
The BLE furthermore collects data and information on prices with regard to topics related to agriculture and food, and which are processed for the BMEL, for providing information, for statistical purposes, and also for political decision making.
As project initiator on behalf of the BMEL, the BLE manages, technically and in terms of organization, numerous national and international projects in the fields of food, agriculture and consumer protection. It also acts as provider of management services to the BMEL and authorities within the scope of business of the BMEL.
The BLE was established with effect from 1 January 1995 by merging the former Federal Agency for Agricultural Market Organization (BALM) and the former Federal Office of Food and Forestry (BEF).
Plant Variety Protection: The BLE is responsible for the administration of plant variety protection in Germany. It grants and manages plant variety rights, which provide intellectual property protection for new plant varieties. This encourages innovation in plant breeding and ensures fair compensation for breeders.
Animal Breeding and Genetics: The BLE plays a role in animal breeding and genetics by supporting programs and initiatives aimed at improving the quality and productivity of livestock. It promotes sustainable breeding practices, genetic diversity, and the welfare of farm animals.
International Trade and Market Access: The BLE contributes to international trade negotiations related to agriculture, ensuring that German agricultural products have fair access to global markets. It works to address trade barriers, facilitates export opportunities, and provides information on export requirements and regulations.
Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Protection: The BLE promotes sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impacts and preserve natural resources. It supports initiatives for organic farming, agroecology, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector.
Consumer Education and Food Awareness: The BLE carries out campaigns and initiatives to raise consumer awareness about food production, sustainability, and healthy eating. It provides educational materials, organizes events, and collaborates with stakeholders to promote informed consumer choices and a better understanding of the food system.
Agricultural Policy Advice: The BLE provides scientific expertise and policy advice to the German government on agricultural issues. It conducts research, studies, and evaluations to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development in areas such as food security, rural development, and agricultural economics.
Animal Welfare: The BLE works to ensure the welfare of animals in agricultural settings. It supports initiatives and regulations aimed at improving animal welfare standards, provides guidance to farmers on animal husbandry practices, and monitors compliance with animal welfare regulations.