Browse Data and Analysis

Public rejection of genetically engineered (GE) plants in Germany is widespread. There is no commercial GE crop production and practically no food labeled as containing “genetically modified organisms” (“GMO”) on the market. Despite this, Germany is home to world-class companies that develop and supply GE seeds globally from facilities outside the European Union. Germany’s livestock industry is a major consumer of imported GE soybeans for use as animal feed.

Germany has more than 83 million of the world’s wealthiest consumers and is by far the biggest market in the European Union. Although halal and kosher food are considered niche markets, the German market offers opportunities for U.S. exporters of such products. This report provides U.S. exporters with background information and suggestions for entering the German market.

The German Federal Cartel Office has imposed a fine for sausage price fixing in July 2014.

The agricultural minister of Lower Saxony has introduced a new protein feed initiative on July 29. The goal of the initiative is to promote the cultivation of peas, beans and lupins.