Who we are
Food for Biodiversity is the cross-industry initiative placing biodiversity at the heart of the food sector.
In our unique alliance, leading companies from production, retail, standard-setting bodies, and environmental organizations are driving meaningful change — with practical solutions and measurable impact.
Our goal: a food industry that actively contributes to the preservation and promotion of biological diversity.
We advance biodiversity management across supply chains, help shape standards, foster dialogue between business and civil society — and develop hands-on pathways toward a more sustainable future.
What Sets Us Apart
Food for Biodiversity is more than a network — we’re a platform for practical business solutions, robust standards, and cross-sector collaboration.
Proven experience in coordination and industry processes
We know how to build and manage multi-stakeholder initiatives. With clear structures, active working groups, and transparent decision-making, we enable focused collaboration — on topics such as reporting, policy engagement, and implementing biodiversity measures across supply chains.
Hands-on tools — with the Biodiversity Criteria Set at the core
Our Biodiversity Criteria Set provides companies with a solid, science-based framework to integrate biodiversity into standards, procurement practices, and operational processes — especially in agricultural production. It supports risk identification, action planning, and compliance with regulatory requirements such as supply chain due diligence laws.
Strong partnerships with standard-setting organizations
We support leading standard bodies in systematically strengthening biodiversity-related requirements — combining practical experience, technical expertise, and collaborative development.
Expert-driven formats for knowledge exchange and innovation
Through international conferences, webinars, and tailored expert sessions, we promote knowledge-sharing, networking, and the joint development of forward-looking solutions — across the industry and beyond.
Become a Member – Drive Impact
Food for Biodiversity brings together key stakeholders, provides the right tools, and ensures that biodiversity in the food sector is not just discussed — but put into practice.
Members gain access to practical tools, free training opportunities, pilot projects, and professional exchange in dedicated working groups.
Conferences and networking formats create opportunities for knowledge sharing and visibility within the industry.
Membership connects individual responsibility with collective impact.
Our members
Companies in the food sector
- ALDI SÜD
- BEHR AG
- EDEKA ZENTRALE Stiftung & Co. KG
- Hochland SE
- Kaufland Stiftung & Co. KG
- Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG
- Nestlé Deutschland AG
- REWE Group
- Zentis Fruchtwelt GmbH & Co. KG
Environmental associations
- Global Nature Fund (GNF)
- Lake Constance Foundation
- NABU – Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V.
- Netzwerk Blühende Landschaft
- WWF Austria
- WWF Germany
Standard organisations
- 4C Services GmbH
- BioDiversityGrow
- Biokreis e.V. – Verband für ökologischen Landbau und gesunde Ernährung
- Bioland e.V.
- Donau Soja
- Ecoland – Verband für Ökologische und Klimaresiliente Land- und Ernährungswirtschaft e.V.
- ECOVIN Bundesverband Ökologischer Weinbau e.V.
- Fairtrade Germany
- International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, ISCC e.V.
- Naturland – Verband für ökologischen Landbau e.V.
- Rainforest Alliance
Scientific institutions
- Crop Trust
- FiBL – Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau
Supporting members
- Assoziation ökologischer Lebensmittelhersteller (AöL)
- ‘Biodiversity in Good Company’ Initiative e.V.
- Bundesverband des Deutschen Lebensmittelhandels e.V. (BVLH)
- GLOBALG.A.P.
Companies and institutions form the following ares of the food sector can become members
- Public sector (A)
- Associations and companies in food production and processing (B)
- Associations and companies in food retail (C)
- Standard-setting organizations in the food industry and certification bodies (D)
- Civil society: Non-governmental organizations; agricultural associations; institutions from science and education (E)
Organization
The board of Food for Biodiversity e.V. is composed of experienced representatives from the food industry, environmental and nature conservation, science and agriculture, and shapes the strategic direction of the association. The association is supported by three employees.
Our Board:
Peter Zens
Chair - Board member of the Biodiversity in Good Company Initiative
Andrea Schwalber
Vice Chairperson - Sustainability Manager of Nestlé Germany AG
Nadja Kasperczyk
Associate - Representative of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, FiBL
Marion Hammerl
Treasurer and President of the Global Nature Fund
Foundation
On UN World Wildlife Day on 3 March 2021, representatives from business and society founded the association “Food for Biodiversity”. Thirteen companies, associations and standard organisations from the food industry as well as environmental associations and a research institute want to contribute to stopping the loss of species and habitats. The founding members of “Food for Biodiversity” include the food sector companies REWE Group, Kaufland, Lidl and Nestlé, the standard organisations Fairtrade Germany, Rainforest Alliance and Naturland, the environmental associations Global Nature Fund, NABU – Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union Germany, Lake Constance Foundation and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), as well as the business associations Association of Organic Food Producers (AöL) and the “Biodiversity in Good Company” initiative as supporting members.