Through its representation in relevant Bundestag committees and its influence on political parties, specifically the CDU, the DBV controls the design of agricultural, food and environmental policy in Germany.

According to NGO "Lobby Control", the DBV has repeatedly prevented or diluted government initiatives to protect consumers, animals and the environment.

In Germany, the Federal Ministry of Finance is providing subsidies (tax breaks and financial aid) of around 2.65 billion euros for the 2023 budget.

[citation needed] German agriculture contributes around 65 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents to 7.5 percent of total emissions according to WWF.

[14] Certain members of the group threatened politicians with violence, and on social media, they took part in inciting nation-wide farmers' protests in December 2023.