The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture is showcasing the full diversity from field to fork at Grüne Woche 2025.
How do we eat well and in an environmentally friendly way? What will animal husbandry look like in the future? Why are moors and forests so important for climate protection? What makes organic farms so sustainable? At the Grüne Woche (17 – 26 January 2025), visitors to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Hall 23a will find answers to these and many other questions about agriculture and food.
The BMEL presents the following main topics:
Eating healthily and sustainably
How can we eat healthily and sustainably? There is plenty for all visitors to discover in the BMEL hall. Find out, for example, how food labelling and indications of origin help us to shop more consciously. A four-metre-high talking fridge from the ‘Too good for the bin!’ initiative shows practical tips on how easy it is to avoid food waste in everyday life. You can playfully learn how different the salt content is in similar foods. You can look forward to cooking activities with exciting dishes made from plant-based ingredients. A nutritionist will be on hand to answer any questions, while interactive games will delight the whole family.
Strengthen biodiversity & protect the climate
Biodiversity and climate protection are closely linked in agriculture. In the BMEL hall, these topics can be experienced in a variety of ways. Let us show you how artificial intelligence can distinguish weeds from carrots and try out the system for yourself. Different types of mulch invite you to feel and smell them. You will learn more about their benefits for soil protection. Particularly impressive is the demonstration of drought stress in trees, which makes it clear how the changing climate is affecting our forests. With ‘growth cubes’ you can watch the trees grow and understand the growth of trees better.
Rural regions & regional value creation
Rural regions are the backbone of our country. In the BMEL hall, you can find out how they are being promoted and developed. A wide range of projects show how people are strengthening the local economy and thus ensuring equal living conditions between urban and rural areas. You will be amazed at the power of our country!
Keeping our animals better
The future of animal husbandry is characterised by greater sustainability, animal welfare and transparency. Find out how the government animal husbandry labelling scheme, which will be launched in 2025, will make better husbandry conditions visible. Modern technology plays a major role in future-proof management on the pasture and in the barn: drones help to save fawns or combat African swine fever. A virtual look inside the barn shows how environmental data is recorded and what impact it has on animal welfare and the environment.
The BMEL worldwide
The BMEL is also committed to sustainable food systems worldwide. A particular focus is on deforestation-free supply chains and fair production conditions. In the BMEL hall, you can find out how sustainably certified palm oil finds its way into everyday products from shampoo to margarine and take part in an exciting quiz to find out how much acreage is needed for different products. At the PRO-Planteurs project, you can find out how cocoa farmers in the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) are supported and enjoy Fairtrade chocolate at the same time.
The future of fishing
Fisheries presents a real highlight of the BMEL hall: an innovative concept shows how crabs could be harvested directly in the fishing region. This strengthens regional value creation – benefiting coastal regions and eliminating the need to transport crabs over long distances to be peeled. A crab net model illustrates the topic.
Experience the BMEL up close
How does the Federal Ministry work and what topics does it focus on? At the BMEL Infopoint, you can find out all about the ministry’s diverse tasks: from sustainable agriculture and food policy to animal welfare. If you are interested in a career at the BMEL, you can talk directly to employees and find out more about career opportunities. The Federal Government Commissioner for Animal Welfare will also be on site at times to discuss current animal welfare issues with visitors. Take the opportunity to ask your questions and find out more about the exciting work of the ministry.
