Demeter
This is how the individual organic seals differ
Bioland is one of the largest organic farming associations in Germany; next to the logo is the state German organic seal.
© ddp
Organic products are trendy. But what do the different seals on food stand for? An overview.
More and more people are paying conscious attention to their diet and like to rely on organic products. Those who buy organic usually want to support the goal of organic farming and help create closed cycles between animals, people and plants. In addition, many consumers who choose organic products are reluctant to eat Genetic engineering and chemical-synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are important.
You can now find numerous organic foods in stores – from fresh fruit and vegetables to frozen products. Keeping perspective is not that easy. Finally, there are numerous organic seals and labels. What is the difference between Bioland, Demeter and Co.?
State organic seal
If a product is called “organic” or “eco” it must be marked with at least the EU logo – a sheet of white Euro stars on a light green background. In addition, you often see the hexagonal German organic seal. There is no difference in content between the seals.
Producers whose products bear these seals must comply with the provisions of the EC Organic Regulation and are checked at least once a year. According to this, food must not be genetically modified, synthetic pesticides are taboo, as are easily soluble mineral fertilizers. The seal may only appear on animal products if the animals are kept according to legally established ecological criteria, for example ecologically produced animal feed or more space and exercise. Antibiotics may not be used preventatively, but only for medical purposes.
Stricter guidelines for growing associations
While the EU seal relies more on minimum standards, numerous growing associations go beyond the EU guidelines and also attach importance to sustainability, regionality and social responsibility. Examples are Bioland, Demeter or Naturland. These are associations of organic farms, each with more than 1,000 members. These associations are particularly strict when it comes to animal welfare. The EU allows around 230 laying hens or 14 fattening pigs per hectare (e.g. a square field of 100 x 100 meters), but the farming associations only allow 140 laying hens or ten fattening pigs.
Demeter
Demeter is the oldest farming association in Germany and focuses on circular economy and the development and maintenance of soil fertility. Demeter farmers also use so-called biodynamic preparations. 100 percent of the food for animals here must be organic, and animals are also kept in a species-appropriate manner. Cows on Demeter farms are also allowed to keep their horns.
Bioland
The Bioland association also relies on the circular economy. Nutrients needed for production should be kept naturally in the farm’s cycle. Species-appropriate husbandry is also important: for example, young animals on Bioland farms are allowed to spend more time with their mothers.
Naturland
At Germany’s third largest farming association, Naturland, in addition to ecological guidelines for animal welfare, fair treatment of employees is also important. Naturland operates internationally, stands for the protection of human rights and does not engage in child or forced labor. The association also checks in all regions whether minimum wages and other social benefits are being met.