Biodiversity for food and agriculture includes both all organisms that can be used in agriculture, forestry or fisheries and those that are associated to agro-ecosystems. It is also referred to as "agrobiodiversity" and encompasses intraspecific diversity as well as diversity of species and the diversity of agroecosystems.

The information portals give information on the different sectors of crops and wild plants, trees and shrubs, livestock, fish as well as on microorganisms and invertebrates.

The information portal "Agrobiodiversity" gives information about the Strategy for Agrobiodiversity of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food (BMEL) and the Scientific Advisory Board for Biodiversity and Genetic Resources at the BMEL. Also to be found are the general indicators that are important in assessing the state of agrobiodiversity in Germany.

Issues that affect the diversity of habitats and are directly linked to agrobiodiversity overlap with other areas such as nature protection, environment and resource conservation.

Agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food industry are facing major challenges such as climate change and a growing world population. As a basis for food production, the conservation, sustainable use and development of this diversity is essential for the sustainability of human supply.

In Germany, 51.6% of the area is used for agriculture, forest covers 30.6% of the area (DESTATIS 2016). It is obvious that agriculture and forestry have a special responsibility for the conservation of biodiversity in our cultural landscapes. In addition to the role of genetic resources as an immediate source of production, "environmental services" such as pollination and soil fertility are essential for production systems. Furthermore, agricultural, grassland and forest ecosystems are important habitats for flora and fauna in Germany. Active support for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in agriculture and nutrition is therefore an important but complex task.