Fruit growers expect a good strawberry season

The strawberries in Saxony are ripe for the picking. At the official start of the strawberry season, the fruit growers' association expressed its optimism. "We grow 175 hectares of strawberries in the association's area and expect a good harvest with good qualities of around 1400 tons," said association head Jörg Geitel in Zittau. "Things are really getting going now." We have a good feeling.

Cold nights in April caused only minor damage

Geitel admitted that the frosty nights at the end of April led to slight frost damage. Although this will have a slight effect on the yield, it will not have a major impact. Sales of strawberries in the trade have been good so far. "So far, there has been little German produce on the market. There is little competitive pressure from European neighbors in the farm stores." Pressure is mainly coming from competition from Poland and Spain in the food retail sector.

Fruit growers want to keep strawberry production in Germany

Geitel also commented on the future of strawberry cultivation in Germany. They want to maintain strawberry production in Germany. However, this is becoming increasingly difficult given the current conditions. The head of the association referred in particular to the approval of available pesticides, the cost of inputs and labor costs. Wage costs account for 50 to 60 percent of the costs for farms.

Association wants faster approval of plant protection products

"We need a reliable approval policy, especially in order to be competitive, including with our European neighbors," said Geitel. The approval processes need to be streamlined in order to obtain approval more quickly.

In 2024, frost damage in April severely reduced the strawberry harvest. It was only around 40 percent of the normal level.