Association
memberships
Political influence, shaping the future food system, guaranteeing holistic product quality, setting limit values for foodstuffs, research into ‘environmentally friendly packaging’, contributing to consumer-friendly food labelling, joint communication in support of the ‘organic’ cause, and exchanges amongst friends… We achieve this through our active participation in organic associations. Here, we help shape the future, make a tangible difference, gain new insights, discuss key issues and simply exchange ideas.
We would like to introduce our most important association partners to you here.
We would like to introduce our most important association partners to you here.
What do
‘organic’ and ‘eco’ mean?
‘Organic’ and ‘eco’ are legally regulated terms for products from organic production and can be used interchangeably. Basic requirements for organic products include, amongst other things, more animal-friendly husbandry, a ban on genetic engineering, and the exclusion of pesticides and nearly 300 different additives.
Organic is now firmly established in society. The desire for a more conscious, socially responsible, healthier and more regionally focused diet—with the shortest possible supply chains and locally produced food cycles—is growing, and this comes as little surprise. In the end, everyone benefits from organic food production: soil, water, climate, plants, animals and people.
Organic is now firmly established in society. The desire for a more conscious, socially responsible, healthier and more regionally focused diet—with the shortest possible supply chains and locally produced food cycles—is growing, and this comes as little surprise. In the end, everyone benefits from organic food production: soil, water, climate, plants, animals and people.
What makes organic
different?
Organic farming has evolved—and continues to evolve—from a variety of worldviews and agricultural policy motivations. Alongside dietary trends, values such as regionality, environmental and resource conservation, fairness, responsibility, care and animal welfare have played a key role in the organic sector from the very beginning.
There are differences between conventional products, organic food and those bearing an organic certification body’s seal, both in agriculture and in animal husbandry. These relate to the protection of natural, animals, species and consumers. Products labeled “organic” comply with the EU Organic Regulation and display (at least) the EU organic logo. Farming associations such as Naturland, Bioland and Demeter are founded on similar principles but often set even stricter standards.
There are differences between conventional products, organic food and those bearing an organic certification body’s seal, both in agriculture and in animal husbandry. These relate to the protection of natural, animals, species and consumers. Products labeled “organic” comply with the EU Organic Regulation and display (at least) the EU organic logo. Farming associations such as Naturland, Bioland and Demeter are founded on similar principles but often set even stricter standards.
Agricultural production associations
We guarantee a holistic enjoyment experience when consuming our cheeses through 100% organic quality. In addition to the ‘European’ organic standard, the seals of the farming associations – with their stricter criteria – are particularly important to us. We’ll briefly introduce them to you below:
EU Organic
Standards: 1992
The EU Organic Regulation introduced, for the first time in 1992, Europe-wide control regulations for organic farms, processing companies and traders. The EU Organic Regulation is regarded as the statutory minimum requirement for organic farms and is, in many respects, less stringent than the standards set by organic farming associations.
ÖMA Inspection Certificate 2026
ÖMA Documentary Evidence 2026 (English)
Standards: 1992
The EU Organic Regulation introduced, for the first time in 1992, Europe-wide control regulations for organic farms, processing companies and traders. The EU Organic Regulation is regarded as the statutory minimum requirement for organic farms and is, in many respects, less stringent than the standards set by organic farming associations.
ÖMA Inspection Certificate 2026
ÖMA Documentary Evidence 2026 (English)
Biokreis
was founded in 1979
and emerged from a consumer initiative in Passau, Lower Bavaria. The association’s objective is to promote small-scale farming based on organic agriculture, as well as trusting and committed market partnerships within the region.
ÖMA ‘Biokreis’ certificate 2026
was founded in 1979
and emerged from a consumer initiative in Passau, Lower Bavaria. The association’s objective is to promote small-scale farming based on organic agriculture, as well as trusting and committed market partnerships within the region.
ÖMA ‘Biokreis’ certificate 2026
Founded in 1971
, ÖMA is certified by Bioland, Germany’s largest organic farming association, representing both the number of farms and cultivated area. Its farming methods are based on a circular economy that excludes artificial fertilisers and pesticides. The Bioland Foundation is particularly committed to soil conservation and ecological diversity.
ÖMA ‘Bioland’ certificate 2026
Demeter
Founded in 1924
, Demeter is the oldest organic association in Germany and is represented as an international brand on every continent. Due to its biodynamic approach, Demeter farming is regarded as a highly sustainable form of land management. The association has been active in organic farming research for many decades through its own institutions.
ÖMA “Demeter” certificate 2026
Founded in 1924
, Demeter is the oldest organic association in Germany and is represented as an international brand on every continent. Due to its biodynamic approach, Demeter farming is regarded as a highly sustainable form of land management. The association has been active in organic farming research for many decades through its own institutions.
ÖMA “Demeter” certificate 2026
Founded in 1982
, Naturland promotes organic farming worldwide and operates internationally. The association has carried out pioneering work in the fields of organic aquaculture, sustainable fisheries and organic forestry. With its ‘Naturland Fair’ certification, Naturland has combined organic farming practices and fair trade under a single label since 2010.
ÖMA ‘Naturland’ certificate 2026
Organic trade associations for
production and
retail, and interest
groups
As a single company, we do not have a sufficiently strong voice to set the agenda beyond our region and reach as many people as possible. For this reason, we are involved in various associations, enabling us to address a wide range of issues and speak with a ‘strong’ voice.
Association of Organic Food Producers (AöL)
The Association of Organic Food Producers is an association of food processing companies that produce organic food.
The Association of Organic Food Producers is an association of food processing companies that produce organic food.
Bundesverband Nachhaltige Wirtschaft (BNW)
The Bundesverband Nachhaltige Wirtschaft is an ecological trade association founded on the conviction that ecology, social responsibility and economic viability are not mutually exclusive.
The Bundesverband Nachhaltige Wirtschaft is an ecological trade association founded on the conviction that ecology, social responsibility and economic viability are not mutually exclusive.
Federal Association for Organic Food and Natural Products (BNN)
The Federal Association for Organic Food and Natural Products – Production and Trade e.V. represents the interests of the organic food sector at a political and economic level.
The Federal Association for Organic Food and Natural Products – Production and Trade e.V. represents the interests of the organic food sector at a political and economic level.
Slow Food
Deutschland e.V.
Slow Food is a global movement that advocates for a socially and environmentally responsible food system that protects biocultural diversity and animal welfare.
Deutschland e.V.
Slow Food is a global movement that advocates for a socially and environmentally responsible food system that protects biocultural diversity and animal welfare.
Naturkost Süd e.V.
Naturkost Süd e.V. is an association of independent organic food retailers in southern Germany.
Naturkost Süd e.V. is an association of independent organic food retailers in southern Germany.
Alliance for Agriculture
Fit for Our Grandchildren Numerous organic producers, health-food retailers and civil society organisations have joined forces in this alliance to bring about a fundamental shift in farming practices and food production.
Fit for Our Grandchildren Numerous organic producers, health-food retailers and civil society organisations have joined forces in this alliance to bring about a fundamental shift in farming practices and food production.
Allgäu GmbH
The official umbrella organisation for tourism, branding and the region brings together the development and marketing of the Allgäu as a tourism and business destination, as well as the Allgäu brand, centrally under one roof.
The official umbrella organisation for tourism, branding and the region brings together the development and marketing of the Allgäu as a tourism and business destination, as well as the Allgäu brand, centrally under one roof.
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