In 1989, a GDR publication put the membership of the VdgB at 632,000 persons.[2] During the Peaceful Revolution, the VdgB suffered because of its extensive connections with the ruling Socialist Unity Party.[3] In February 1990, it changed its name to the Farmers Association of the GDR but was unable to make the transition from East German society to that of a reunified Germany. It was fully liquidated in 1994.
From 1979 to 1990, the VdgB operated the Ringberghaus, a large hotel east of the city of Suhl. The hotel's purpose was to provide accommodation for farmers on holiday in the Thuringian Forest, and a VdgB voucher was required for lodging.