Consultation for Out-of-Home Catering Companies on Increased Use of Organic Farming Products

The BMEL funding program targets out-of-home catering (OOH) companies and public bodies in Germany that want to intensify the use of organic food. The goal is to promote the transformation to more sustainable and environmentally friendly economic forms within the food system.

The program funds external consulting services for out-of-home catering companies that want to introduce new organic food or expand their share in the menu. This includes a wide range of topics aimed at healthier and more sustainable menu design, including business and operational adjustments.

The program provides non-repayable grants for external consulting costs. The funding amount varies depending on the type of institution and ranges from a minimum of 1,500 Euros to a maximum of 35,000 Euros, with funding rates of up to 80% or 90% for certain educational institutions. The consultation should be completed within twelve months.

Various conditions must be met for funding, including the commissioning of external, qualified consultants and the timing of the consultation's start. Reporting obligations and compliance with de minimis rules must also be observed, with transparent dissemination of experience expected.

Applications must be submitted in writing or by email to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE), no later than two months before the start of the first consultation. Only specified application forms and documents, complete in German, must be used. Applications must contain detailed information on other aid received.

The funding program is based on the 'Guideline for the Promotion of Consultation for Out-of-Home Catering Companies on the Increased Use of Organic Farming Products'. It is regulated by the Federal Budget Code and the EU De minimis Regulation (EU) No. 2023/2831. The relevant documents are accessible via the Federal Funding Portal.