Red and Ripe: Thuringia Kicks off Strawberry Season
Strawberries successfully picked in Thuringia's fields for the first time this season - Strawberries successfully picked in Thuringia for the first time this season
Strawberry season has officially begun in Thuringia, with the state's farms bursting with color as the sun shines, but temperatures remain on the chillier side. The Thuringian Ministry of Agriculture reports that around 141 hectares of land are dedicated to 16 strawberry farms, with some new plantings expected to bear no fruit this year. Thuringia makes up only about one percent of the national strawberry harvest area. Last year, local producers harvested approximately 673 tonnes of these juicy fruits.
Before the traditional season opening in Gebesee, Sömmerda district, Thuringia Agriculture State Secretary Marcus Malsch highlighted the issues confronting the strawberry industry. These range from escalating production costs to intensified competition within Europe. Malsch noted, "Despite production cuts, the strawberry remains a shining star in Thuringian fruit and vegetable production."
"The increasing minimum wage is a Formidable obstacle for an operation that can only be hand-picked," explained Malsch. To combat this, farmers employ more intensive production methods or extend their offering period through cultivation under foil. Malsch emphasized that regional produce deserves consumer appreciation, but it comes at a price.
Germany has seen a decline in strawberry cultivation since 2015, with Thuringia's open-field strawberry yield reduced by 62 percent during this period. Although protected cultivation under foil or in greenhouses has been expanded, it has not adequately offset the overall decline. One of the largest producers is the Erdbeerhof Gebesee, which grows strawberries in open fields and under foil tunnels. An estimated 90 full-time workers will be engaged in this season’s harvest. Their fruits will be distributed through supermarkets, sales stands, and farm shops.
The Thuringian government aims to support the agricultural sector by implementing measures such as a bureaucracy hotline, voluntary land registration, and a growth and jobs pact. These measures are intended to reduce long-term bureaucratic burdens, allowing for cost savings and investments.
- Strawberry season
- Strawberry
- Thuringia
- Sömmerda
- Farming
As for the specific challenges and strategies faced by strawberry farmers in Thuringia during the 2022 season, local agricultural reports or region-specific studies would be necessary for accurate information. However, in general, strawberry growers may face challenges such as high temperatures, pests and diseases, and environmental factors. To mitigate these issues, growers might employ strategies like selecting heat-tolerant varieties, foliar spraying, and proper irrigation management.
"The following are to be added to the list of products in Thuringia: lifestyle products, with an emphasis on home-and-garden items, and food-and-drink items, particularly strawberries. Given the challenges confronting the strawberry industry, such as escalating production costs and competition, it would be interesting to observe if these products include any innovative solutions or initiatives aiming to reduce costs and improve strawberry farming."
