Independent and Reliable:
Why the DLG Quality Seal Matters for Manufacturers
Test engineer on the eligibility of emission-reduction technologies
The Agrarinvestitionsförderungsprogramm Agricultural Investment Support Programme (AFP) promotes investments that improve competitiveness, animal welfare, and environmental and climate protection. Eligible candidates are farmers and agricultural businesses across Germany. Tommy Pfeifer, test engineer at the DLG Test Center for Technology and Farm Inputs, explains which emission‑reducing technologies are eligible for funding and why this should also be of interest to the manufacturers of such equipment.
Mr Pfeifer, there are several emission reducing measures, technologies and systems that are eligible for AFP funding. What is included?
Tommy Pfeifer: From our experience, many improvements and technologies used in livestock housing qualify for subsidies if they improve either emission performance or animal welfare in the housing. However, funding depends very much on the geographical location of the animal housing, as AFP support is defined at federal state level. As test engineers at the DLG Test Center, we inform interested farmers both on our website — where we outline which technologies or systems are eligible — and, of course, in personal consultations. Beyond that, farmers can always contact the responsible funding authorities directly. There are many ways to secure support for technical development and most practitioners are not yet familiar with them. By advising and supporting farmers, we make an important contribution to the competitiveness of both agricultural companies and farms.
Why is it particularly relevant for manufacturers of such technologies or systems to have their products independently tested by DLG?
First, it is important to note that the focus of DLG certification is the assessment and evaluation of emission‑reducing measures for the protection of the environment and the climate. In addition to assessing reliable functionality under defined test conditions, the DLG also examines other criteria that are valuable for users.
For example, we assess occupational safety, durability, documentation options, handling, and user‑friendliness. By recording consumption values (water, energy, etc.) during testing, we can also provide important information on operating costs. Additional aspects can be evaluated on request.
DLG‑tested quality is accepted by many approval authorities in Germany and increasingly abroad. Because legal requirements largely correspond to DLG’s testing framework, DLG test results are often taken into account in approval procedures under the TA Luft regulation (German Technische Anleitung zur Reinhaltung der Luft), the central regulation governing air‑pollution control.
The emission‑reduction performance of such products is acknowledged by many authorities.
What prerequisites do manufacturers need to meet in order to have a system tested by DLG TestService?
In addition to complete technical documentation, it must be possible to demonstrate reliable functionality under normal practical conditions. Electronic records (e.g. via sensors) are particularly useful here. Where this is not possible, documents such as delivery notes, purchase receipts or laboratory analyses may replace electronic recordings. These aspects are also assessed as part of a DLG test.
All tests are normally carried out on a working farm chosen by the manufacturer of the emission‑reducing technology. If no suitable farm is available, DLG can assist in finding one.
![[Translate to English:] Tommy Pfeifer. Foto: DLG](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/3/csm_Pfeifer_Foto_b71e7a6416.webp)
Certifying an individual emission reduction measure, whether an exhaust air treatment system or an integrated measure inside the barn, can be labour intensive and costly. Who pays for this, and how can applicants with limited budgets still obtain certification?
A new certification process is indeed complex, with most of the cost arising from the measurement work. These costs are borne solely by the applicant, which in most cases is the manufacturer of the technology or the particular measure being implemented
However, there are several ways to reduce costs. For example, a product can be tested in combination with other procedures. Joint testing with multiple manufacturers is another option, that significantly reduces overall expenses. For those who find this too complicated, funding can be obtained through research projects, either partially or fully covering certification costs. In addition to certification, further innovative aspects of the emission‑reducing measure, such as animal‑welfare characteristics, can then be examined in detail. We are happy to provide individual advice on this.
What advantages do farmers gain when they choose a DLG tested technology or system compared with other products?
Firstly, farmers can rely on the fact that the tested technology performed reliably under the defined test conditions
and as designed. If the Technical Comittee and DLG are not 100 percent satisfied with the test results, no quality seal is issued.
Secondly, DLG certification provides manufacturers with a recognized basis for approval, as DLG test results are often considered by authorities in the context of the TA Luft regulation. A DLG test mark is also gaining value internationally.
Tests with corresponding certification are accepted by many authorities in Germany and abroad.
A DLG test is a practical performance evaluation that provides a high level of transparency and reliability for manufacturers and users. As part of the five‑year test mark renewal, the product is re‑assessed under defined test conditions. This ensures that the certified performance characteristics can be verified at regular intervals.
