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The amendments to the Naturland Standards of the new version 05/2025

Sara Frings, Naturland e.V.

In May 2025, the Assembly of Delegates decided on the proposed amendments to the new version 05/2025 of the Naturland standards. The following is a summary of the major changes.

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Due to changing conditions and to reflect further developments in various areas, regular changes to the Naturland standards, including modifications, further developments, and expansions, are inevitable. It is a dynamic process with continuous revision and adjustment to practical experience. The aim is to create a framework that leaves room for individual operational situations. Accordingly, for the new version 05/2025 of the Naturland standards, amendments were passed to the standards for production, processing and aquaculture. The following summary addresses major changes in production and aquaculture. 

Production: Amendments in the field of water management

In the chapter "Soil and water conservation" (B.I.9.), the Naturland classification of areas with water risks according to the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas has been expanded. Areas classified as levels 3, 4 and 5 or areas which, according to the Köppen Geiger Climate Classification (indicator BWh), are situated in a desert area, are now considered areas with water risks. Farms in these areas must perform a water analysis according to FAO standards or by employing equivalent methods at least every three years.

Naturland offers training courses in sustainable water management. Farms situated in areas susceptible to water risks are advised to attend at least one training course in sustainable water management. The before-mentioned amendments regarding water management come into force on 1 January 2026.

Production: A broader access to various nutrient sources

Further amendments were made to ensure better nutrient management on Naturland farms for a broader access to various nutrient sources: Naturland farms that work with conventional biogas plants are no longer required to provide plant material from their own farms, although this is still recommended. The document of evidence for the use of biogas digestate remains mandatory (A.II.10).

In the past, liquid farmyard manure from conventional cattle farms and manure of conventional chicken farms were prohibited for the use on Naturland farms. The amendments include an opening for the application of these nutrient sources. To ensure a successful application, the supplying conventional farm must meet requirements that go beyond the existing requirements of the EU Organic Regulation (Appendix 1). A link to the application documents can be found at the end of this article.

Production: More flexibility for legume cultivation

A more flexible approach to legume cultivation has been decided, that still ensures a focus on the proportion of legumes in the crop rotation in plant production. The new version of the Naturland standards on production includes a table with different weighting factors for legume crops. The cultivation of perennial forage legumes plays a significant role and is rewarded with a higher weighting factor. In addition, the proportion of legumes required can now also be achieved via cover crops and intercropping.(B.I.2.).

New requirements regarding the plant material of potatoes

A further amendment concerns the plant material of potatoes. On areas greater than two hectares, 10% of the area used to grow potatoes must be planted with strains which Naturland lists as hardy or resistant to late blight (Phytophthora infestans). An exception applies to

  • growers of early potatoes who cultivate maturity classes 3 and 4 on a maximum area of 0.5 ha, and otherwise only strains of the maturity classes 1 and 2,
  • growers of traditional local strains in the countries where potatoes originated and to
  • growers who do not use copper compounds as per appendix 2 when cultivating potatoes (B.I.5.).

Aquaculture: New submission deadline for the Naturland Operator Profile

Aquaculture farms are required to submit the Naturland operator profile annually. The new version 05/2025 of the Naturland aquaculture standards defines the time limit for the submission of this document as 1 December and no later than 31 March.

Another amendment addresses the regulations for the culture of salmons: The Naturland standards require a fish inspection at least once a month to ensure the health of the population. The amendment extends the group of qualified personnel authorized to carry out these inspections to include fish veterinarians and fish health managers.

When do the amendments come into force?

The above-mentioned amendments are effective immediately following the Assembly of Delegates of May 2025, unless mentioned otherwise. The changed requirements will be checked for the first time by inspection bodies during the annual inspection in 2026. 

Read our in-depth article about the new nutrient guidelines for more details about the culitvation of legumes, nutrient cooperation and the use of manure.

For further information, please refer to 

The December issue 2025 of Organic News will also offer further details about the new guidelines for water management.

Author

Sara Frings is responsible for the coordination of the Naturland standards, especially in the fields of production, aquaculture and insect breeding. In her work as part of the Naturland Standards Team, among other things she prepares standards amendments and takes care of the follow-up work after the amendments have been decided.