German organic farmers form task force to combat drought and feed shortages

German organic farming associations are facing significant challenges due to extreme weather conditions, including heat and drought. Tina Andres, chair of the Federal Association of Organic Food Economy (BÖLW), has called on consumers to remain loyal to regional organic producers as climate change threatens yields for summer cereals, vegetables, and potatoes.

In response to a growing shortage of animal feed caused by the drought, several organic associations—including Bioland, Demeter, Naturland, and Biokreis—have formed a ‘Taskforce Drought’. The group aims to facilitate the nationwide and cross-border distribution of organic feed, connecting farms in drought-stricken regions with available resources in Germany and Italy.

Experts warn that while the feed shortage is currently regional, it has become an existential threat for some individual farms, particularly those in grassland and dairy farming. There are concerns that if extreme weather years become more frequent, winter reserves may be depleted before they can be replenished.