It is forbidden to convert permanent grassland and permanent grassland fallow in agricultural use. It is possible to apply for an exemption under nature conservation law to the competent authority.
Three cases of conversion of permanent grassland are distinguished:
1) Conversion of permanent grassland into arable land or permanent crops.
In the case of conversion of permanent grassland to another form of agricultural use (arable land, permanent crops), converted permanent grassland area must be replaced with equal value (reseeding on arable land or permanent grassland area). The valuation is carried out by the lower nature conservation authority. For areas that already had no reseeding obligation (new permanent grassland created after 2015), an exemption from the conversion ban (and thus the replacement area reseeding) is possible.
2) Conversion of permanent grassland for grassland renewal.
The renewal of grassland does not fall under the prohibition of conversion under nature conservation law, with the exception of biotopes protected by law, which also includes "species- and structure-rich permanent grassland".
3) Conversion of permanent grassland to non-agricultural land (usually for construction projects or afforestation).
If "environmentally sensitive permanent grassland" is involved, the removal of the "environmentally sensitive" provision must be requested.
Competent authorities
- Conversion of permanent grassland to arable land or permanent crops
- Farm subject to greening: exemption under nature conservation law as well as approval under subsidy law is required. You have to apply for this at the responsible office for food, agriculture and forestry.
- Farm exempted from greening (organic farms, small producers): Exemption under nature conservation law is required. It must be applied for at the responsible lower nature conservation authority.
- Conversion of permanent grassland for grassland renewal: Provided that no legally protected biotopes are affected, the requirement for approval under funding law remains. You must apply for the permit at the responsible Office for Food, Agriculture and Forestry.