What DLG does

DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft), founded in 1885 and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is a German non-profit agricultural society that operates as a platform and network for technical and scientific progress in agriculture and food production. It serves farmers, agricultural machinery manufacturers, food and beverage producers, consultants, and young professionals across Europe, with a footprint extending to international events in Hanover. Its core activities are organized through three wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: DLG TestService GmbH (accredited testing of agricultural machinery, farm inputs, and food products at the DLG-Testzentrum in Groß-Umstadt and the DLG-IPZ crop production center, referencing standards such as DIN 3763 and DIN 7861), DLG Markets GmbH (organization of world-leading trade fairs AGRITECHNICA and EuroTier, plus DLG-Feldtage, and consulting), and DLG-Akademie (professional education and training).

The organization's commercial products center on a portfolio of trusted quality and certification marks (DLG-ANERKANNT, DLG-geprüft, DLG-PowerMix for machinery performance, and DLG-prämiert gold/silver/bronze medals from sensory panels) plus awards programs including the International FoodTec Award, Bundesehrenpreise (Federal Honorary Awards co-administered with BMEL), Women in Ag Award, Agri Influencer Award, DLG Young Talents Award, and the Internationaler DLG-Preis. DLG runs multiple community networks — European Pig Producers (EPP, with national branches in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), European Arable Farmers, European Poultry Club, Female Agri Fellows, and Young DLG — supported through publications (DLG-Merkblätter, DLG-Expertenwissen), the DLG-Podcast series, themed newsletters, agrarticker.de, and a multi-channel social media presence.

The business model is a multi-stream non-profit operation: recurring membership fees (EUR 90/year international personal, EUR 36 student, EUR 285 corporate, EUR 155 EPP individual), transaction-based revenue from trade fair exhibitor fees, booth rentals, and visitor tickets for AGRITECHNICA and EuroTier (both held in Hanover), professional services revenue from DLG TestService testing fees and DLG-prämiert quality awards, and course fees from DLG-Akademie. Pricing is publicly disclosed through the membership portal at mitgliederservice.dlg.org. Distribution is overwhelmingly direct, combining a self-serve online membership channel, enterprise direct sales for testing and trade fair participation, and a regional channel through EPP national branches. The organization is governed by a Managing Director (Dr. Lothar Hövelmann) and President (Hubertus Paetow) with wholly-owned subsidiaries handling specialized operations; no parent company or external investor ownership has been disclosed.

Name

DLG

Legal name

DLG e.V.

Website

https://dlg.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1885

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

DLG is a German non-profit agricultural society (founded 1885) that operates world-leading trade fairs AGRITECHNICA and EuroTier, accredited product testing and certification, and member networks serving farmers, machinery OEMs, and food producers across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Testing and Certification Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Certification Program Administration & Scheme Management (Standard Owners) (AFALACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food Safety Certification Bodies (ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, SQF) (AFALAAAC), Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation (BPADANAD), Trade Compliance, Standards & Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT/SPS) (BPADAMAK)

Keywords

• Agricultural testing
• Agricultural trade fairs
• Food quality certification
• Agricultural professional networks
• Farm input certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfurt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: DLG generates recurring revenue from individual and corporate memberships. International membership fees are published (EUR 90/year personal, EUR 36/year reduced/student, EUR 285/year companies). Membership provides access to the DLG network, publications, newsletters, and free or discounted access to DLG events and trade fairs.
2. Trade Fairs and Events: DLG organizes and hosts major international trade fairs including EuroTier (livestock farming), AGRITECHNICA (agricultural machinery), and DLG-Feldtage (field days), generating revenue through exhibitor fees, booth rentals, visitor tickets, and sponsorship income. Events are hosted in Germany and internationally.
3. Testing and Certification Services: DLG TestService GmbH (DLG subsidiary) conducts independent testing of agricultural technology and farm inputs. Revenue is generated from testing fees charged to manufacturers seeking the DLG-Prüfzeichen and DLG-ANERKANNT certification marks.
4. Food Testing and Quality Awards: DLG conducts sensory testing and awards DLG-prämiert quality marks to food and beverage products. This includes the Bundesehrenpreise (Federal Honorary Awards) and the International FoodTec Award. Revenue comes from testing fees paid by food producers and manufacturers.
5. Professional Education and Training: DLG-Akademie provides professional education, seminars, online events, and training programmes for agricultural professionals, generating revenue through course fees.
6. Publications and Digital Content: DLG publishes expert knowledge papers (DLG-Expertenwissen), guidelines (DLG-Merkblätter), and digital content through its MediaCenter. DLG-Podcast, video content, and specialized databases (e.g., preistraegerdatenbanken) provide ongoing knowledge products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft) is a German agricultural non-profit organization that provides independent testing and certification of agricultural machinery, farm inputs, and food products, organizes the world's leading agricultural trade fairs AGRITECHNICA and EuroTier, and operates professional networks and education programs for farmers, food producers, and agricultural professionals across Europe.

Product overview

DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft) is a German agricultural organization structured as a platform and network offering services across three main divisions: DLG TestService (testing and certification for agricultural technology, farm inputs, and food products), DLG Markets (trade fairs including AGRITECHNICA and EuroTier, project work, and consulting), and DLG-Akademie (professional training and education). The organization operates extensive awards programs including the FoodTec Award, Bundesehrenpreise, and various recognition programs for agriculture. DLG maintains international networks including European Pig Producers (EPP), European Arable Farmers (EAF), and European Poultry Club (EPC), as well as specialized networks like Female Agri Fellows. The portfolio includes publications (DLG-Merkblätter, DLG-Expertenwissen), the DLG-Podcast, and sustainability programs for dairy farming and arable production. Major events include DLG-Feldtage, DLG-Unternehmertage, and the internationally organized EPP Congress series.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• European Pig Producers (EPP): International network of pig producers organized under the DLG umbrella, with national branches in multiple European countries.
• EuroTier
• AGRITECHNICA
• DLG-Feldtage

Products and services

• DLG TestService Independent testing and certification services for agricultural machinery, farm inputs, and food products. Provides DLG-ANERKANNT and DLG-Prüfzeichen certification marks to manufacturers. Also conducts food quality testing including allergen management and pet food testing.
• DLG Markets Organizes trade fairs, exhibitions, and project work, and provides consulting services for the agriculture and food sectors. DLG Markets GmbH serves as the commercial arm for DLG's event and market services.
• DLG-Akademie Provides professional training, continuing education, seminars, online events, and qualification programs for the agricultural and food industries. Courses are sold directly to agricultural professionals, corporations, and organizations.
• AGRITECHNICA World's largest trade fair for agricultural technology, organized as a joint venture between DLG and Messe Frankfurt. Held in Hanover, it serves as a flagship event for testing services, awards, and membership acquisition.
• EuroTier World's leading international trade fair for animal production and livestock management, organized by DLG and held in Hanover. Poland is the partner country for EuroTier 2026.
• DLG-Feldtage Field days event showcasing crop production innovations, practical demonstrations, and field trials. DLG-Feldtage 2026 is focused on resilient crop production.
• DLG Membership Individual and corporate memberships for the DLG network. Personal membership is EUR 90/year, reduced/student membership is EUR 36/year, and corporate membership is EUR 285/year. Includes access to events, publications, newsletters, and free or discounted admission to AGRITECHNICA and EuroTier.
• European Pig Producers (EPP) International network for pig producers organized under DLG, hosting annual congresses and facilitating knowledge exchange across European countries. EPP has national branches in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, and United Kingdom.
• DLG-geprüft (DLG-tested) Certification Product testing and certification program for agricultural technology, farm inputs, and food products with the DLG test seal. References DIN standards (e.g., DIN 3763 for cubicle flooring, DIN 7861) and proprietary DLG test criteria.
• International FoodTec Award International award recognizing innovative achievements in food technology, presented at Anuga FoodTec. Gold awards given to companies including Albert Handtmann, Andritz Separation, wattron, Baumer Electric, TOMRA SORTING, and others in 2024.
• Bundesehrenpreise (Federal Honorary Awards) Prestigious German federal honorary awards for excellence in food quality across categories including meat, bakery, beer, milk, spirits, fruit drinks, vegetables/potatoes, and wine. Awarded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) together with DLG.
• DLG-PowerMix Testing A test programme for measuring the power consumption and performance of agricultural machinery under standardized conditions, providing comparative data for farm equipment purchasing decisions.
• DLG-Unternehmertage Annual entrepreneur conference for agriculture and food sector professionals held in Würzburg.
• European Arable Farmers (EAF) Network for arable farmers providing membership and representing interests of European crop producers.
• European Poultry Club (EPC) European network for poultry producers facilitating exchange and representing sector interests.
• Female Agri Fellows Network supporting and connecting women in agriculture through mentorship, events, and knowledge sharing.

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Goodvalley Agro S.A.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Goodvalley, one of Poland's three largest pig producers, was featured as a model case study at the EPP Congress 2026 organized by DLG. The company presented its circular production model (own arable farming, feed production, pig farming, biogas from manure, organic fertilization) demonstrating sustainable pig production practices.
• AGROINTEGRACJA (Wojciech Styburski farm)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026AGROINTEGRACJA is a modern agricultural organization in Kuklinów, Wielkopolska, integrating farmers through producer groups and providing agricultural advisory, legal, financial services and EU/national funding support. A farm visit was organized for EPP Congress 2026 delegates.
• Bogusław Prałat farmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Modern pig farm in Nowa Wieś, Wielkopolska with ~100 hectares and nearly 300 sows in a closed production cycle, featuring a biogas plant. Hosted EPP Congress 2026 farm visit as a practical example of sustainable pig production.
• TERRAEXIM AGROIMPEXminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Livestock barn equipment supplier providing consultation, technical planning, installation and service for ventilation systems, feeding systems, manure handling, slatted floors, farrowing crates, and silos. Featured as an industry visit during EPP Congress 2026.
• Poznan Agricultural University of Life SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026The university's Animal Welfare and Health Center is a modern research facility for animal welfare science, veterinary research, and sustainable livestock practices. Hosted as an excursion destination during EPP Congress 2026, including lung anatomopathology workshops.
• POLPIG (Polish Pig Breeders and Producers Association)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2026Polish pig breeders' association whose President Aleksander Dargiewicz presented on structural changes in the Polish pig sector at EPP Congress 2026. POLPIG collaborates with DLG/EPP in organizing the congress and facilitating cross-border pig sector exchange.
• AGRITECHNICA (DLG/Messe Frankfurt joint venture)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAGRITECHNICA is the world's largest trade fair for agricultural machinery, organized as a joint venture between DLG and Messe Frankfurt. It serves as a flagship event for DLG's testing services, awards, and membership acquisition. Held in Hanover.
• EuroTier (DLG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuroTier is the world's leading trade fair for livestock farming, organized by DLG in Hanover. It is a key platform for DLG's EPP network, pig and poultry clubs, testing services, and dairy farming programmes. Poland is partner country for EuroTier 2026. The EPP organizes its International Pig Event at EuroTier.
• DLG International DLG Crop Production Center (DLG-IPZ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLG-IPZ (Internationales DLG-Pflanzenbauzentrum) is a DLG research and crop production center that supports international research partnerships and serves as a hub for sustainable arable farming knowledge and demonstration.
• Fokus TierwohlminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFokus Tierwohl is a programme focused on animal welfare that collaborates with DLG's dairy farming programme. DLG-Programm Milchviehhaltung and DLG-Nachhaltige Landwirtschaft Ackerbau are also partner programmes supporting sustainable and welfare-focused livestock practices.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Bureau Veritas: Bureau Veritas is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, providing certification marks across food, agriculture, and industry. It overlaps with DLG's testing and certification business on ag-input and food quality validation services.
• Messe Frankfurt: Messe Frankfurt is DLG's joint venture partner for AGRITECHNICA and one of the world's largest trade fair organizers. Both operate flagship global trade fairs and commercial exhibition services across multiple industries, making it the closest structural comparable for DLG's Markets division.
• SGS SA: SGS is the world's largest testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) company. It competes with DLG TestService on independent product and food quality testing/certification services for agricultural inputs and food products across global markets.
• Messe München: Messe München is a major German trade fair organizer hosting flagship events across multiple industries. It is structurally comparable to DLG Markets as a venue-operator and trade fair commercialization business, including ag-adjacent events.

Direct peers

• Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE): RASE is a UK-based agricultural society promoting scientific progress in farming through awards, events, and publications. It is highly comparable to DLG in mission, multi-century history, and combined knowledge, awards, and event model.
• Deutscher Bauernverband (German Farmers' Association): DBV is Germany's leading agricultural membership and lobbying organization serving farmer interests nationwide. It overlaps DLG on membership networks, policy advocacy, and farmer community engagement across the German agricultural sector.
• Copa-Cogeca: Copa-Cogeca is the combined voice of EU farmers and agricultural cooperatives, representing European farming interests to EU institutions. It is comparable to DLG on cross-border agricultural network representation and EU policy engagement.
• DLG Verlag (Deutscher Landwirtschaftsverlag): DLV is a major German agricultural publishing house producing farmer magazines, trade publications, and digital content. It is directly comparable to DLG on agricultural knowledge dissemination, publications, and digital content monetization.

Regional players

• FNSEA (Fédération Nationale des Syndicats d'Exploitants Agricoles): FNSEA is France's leading farmers' union and agricultural representative body. It operates as a regional counterpart to DLG with member services, policy advocacy, and event programming targeted at French farmers.

Emerging players

• VDMA Landtechnik: VDMA's agricultural machinery division represents German and European farm equipment manufacturers and is a leading exhibitor and partner at AGRITECHNICA. It operates in the same ag-machinery ecosystem that DLG's trade fairs and testing services support.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dlg-deutsche-landwirtschafts-gesellschaft
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/DLGev
• Xx.com/DLGeV
• Facebookfacebook.com/DLGeV

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DLG