For Saxony's asparagus farmers, the season went well this year despite a late start. "The weather played along, demand was good and the quality was very good," summarized Jürgen Schulze from the Association of East German Asparagus and Berry Growers (Vosba). Although it started a little later than last year, the harvest was generally okay. It is not yet possible to say anything about the harvest volume.
"We started a week later than usual, which was relatively untypical," said René Heidig from Nieschützer Spargelhof in the Elbe Valley (district of Meißen). But then the weather ensured good quality with consistently cool nights and sunny days. The result: "vigorous asparagus with a good taste".
Kilo price from 9.90 euros
The demand in direct marketing was also good. Customers are prepared to dig a little deeper into their wallets for good quality from regional cultivation than for cheaper goods from abroad. According to Heidig, slight price adjustments were necessary due to increased costs, especially for wages. Prices in Nieschütz started at 9.90 euros per kilo, at peak times and for the best quality it was 18.10 euros.
After the delayed start, Heidig plans to extend the season a few days beyond the traditional end of the season on St. John's Day on June 24. He wants to supply his customers with fresh asparagus until next Friday.
The asparagus region of Saxony
The Free State is one of the smallest German growing regions. According to the State Statistical Office, asparagus has been grown on an average of 141 hectares in Saxony over the past five years - with an average yield of around 344 kilograms per hectare. Last year, 23 farms were involved in the cultivation.
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