Strawberry and asparagus harvests in Germany at historic lows!

Strawberry and asparagus harvests in Germany at historic lows!

The harvest figures for strawberries and asparagus in Germany in 2023 are alarmingly low. Agricultural businesses are reporting a drastic decline, which is not only below the previous year's values, but also well behind the long-term averages. This emerges from current statistics from the Federal Statistical Office. The expected outdoor strawberry harvest is reported at just 75,500 tonnes, which is the lowest volume in 30 years, as reported Borken newspaper reported.

With a decline of four percent compared to the previous year and around 25 percent short of the five-year average of 99,900 tons, a worrying harvest year is on the horizon. The decline in cultivated areas, which now amounts to 8,100 hectares, is the smallest availability since 1995, at a loss of four percent, according to additional information from star.

Causes of the declines

The reasons for these poor harvest forecasts are varied. First, farmers report sharply rising production costs, which are driving up production costs for strawberries and asparagus. In addition, farmers are experiencing a decline in demand, making it difficult for many to continue to operate economically. The high personnel burden is also viewed critically, as seasonal workers from abroad are often only employed at the minimum wage.

The area under asparagus cultivation also shows a significant decline. Here the area was reduced by six percent to 18,600 hectares. The expected harvest of 98,900 tons is nine percent below the previous year's value and represents the lowest amount since 2010. The long-term average of 116,300 tons is missed by around 15 percent.

Impact on the market

Another point raised concerns the regional crop failures, which were exacerbated by severe drought in the spring. This situation could lead to a relocation of fruit and vegetable production abroad, as farmers' president Joachim Rukwied warns. This could result in higher prices for fruit and vegetables produced in Germany, which would put additional strain on consumers.

The farmers' association recently called for an exception to the minimum wage for seasonal work. However, this demand was unsuccessful and the uncertain economic situation of farmers remains. An outlook for the 2024 strawberry harvest shows that production could probably be four percent below the already low level of the previous year.