Asparagus harvest in Brandenburg: Could the popular classic be in short supply?

Asparagus harvest in Brandenburg: Could the popular classic be in short supply?

In Brandenburg, the asparagus season is active until June 24th, with the seasonal harvest officially beginning on April 10th. May was cooler than usual this year, with the lack of weather and rain raising concerns that the harvest could be tighter. Jürgen Jakobs, chairman of the Beelitz Asparagus Association, expressed his concerns about a reduced supply of asparagus. However, demand for local asparagus at stalls and in restaurants is encouragingly good. The price for Beelitz asparagus is currently 10 to 12 euros per kilo, which is cheaper than at the same time last year, during the 2024 harvest season.

A survey shows that one in four adults in Germany does not like freshly cooked white asparagus. Asparagus apparently no longer has the same popularity as before, especially among the younger generation under 24 years old. At the same time, demand for already peeled and packaged asparagus and green asparagus is increasing, indicating a change in consumer preferences.

Challenges and outlook for the industry

The cultivated area around Beelitz has decreased by a third to around 1,200 hectares since 2018. Jakobs considers this decline to be worrying, although he does not expect any further reduction in acreage. The industry is also critical of the possible increase in the minimum wage for seasonal workers, as this could entail additional costs for farmers.

Last year, a harvest of 20,200 tons of asparagus was recorded in Brandenburg, which was 2,000 tons less than the previous year. In contrast, asparagus farmers in Brandenburg are currently experiencing a more positive season compared to the business losses last year. Jakobs is optimistic and says that the high demand for local vegetables has led to a good season. At the beginning of April, farmers were still cautiously optimistic, but now, at the end of the asparagus season, confidence prevails.

Beelitz and the important growing regions

Beelitz (Potsdam-Mittelmark) remains the largest growing area in Brandenburg with an area of ​​around 1,500 hectares. At the best of times, the cultivated area was around 2,000 hectares. In addition to Beelitz, the districts of Oderhavel, Spree-Neiße and Havelland also play a role in asparagus cultivation. Brandenburg is therefore not only East Germany's largest, but also one of the most important asparagus growing areas in Germany.