Funding of expenses for organic certification of out-of-home catering companies within the framework of the Federal Organic Farming Program

Within the framework of the Federal Organic Farming Program, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), through the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), supports the assumption of costs for organic certification and inspection for companies in the out-of-home catering sector. The goal is to remove barriers for small and medium-sized out-of-home catering businesses and to promote the implementation of the "National Strategy for 30% Organic Agriculture and Food Economy by 2030." Up to 80% of eligible expenses for the certification procedure are funded, and in daycare centers and schools even up to 100%, each up to a maximum of €3,500 per certification or inspection phase. The grant is non-repayable and can be claimed for expenses at recognized inspection bodies within a project duration of 24 months. Applications can be submitted until December 1, 2030.

All out-of-home catering companies with a place of business in Germany are eligible, provided they have not been subject to an organic inspection procedure for at least one year and are not undergoing insolvency application or insolvency proceedings at the time of the grant notification. Requirements include compliance with the de minimis aid regulation of €300,000 within a rolling three-year period as well as timely submission of the application two months prior to contract conclusion with the inspection body. Only expenses for certification and inspection fees are eligible; discounts, bonuses, rebates, and input tax are not eligible. Required documentation includes the fully completed grant application, invoices and payment receipts from the inspection body, as well as the de minimis declaration. The decision on the grant is made by the BLE within a single-stage procedure.