Asparagus season is better than expected

The sanitary situation in Germany had raised fears of a catastrophic season for the production of asparagus. But the season turns out to be much better than expected.

 

 

 

"Overall, we can say that the asparagus season with COVID-19 conditions went better than expected. It is true that it is estimated that 25 to 30% of the harvest could not be caught up due to lack of manpower and preventive measures which led to higher costs, however the loss of sales due to the closure of the restaurant sector was partially offset by very good demand in the field direct sales, "says Simon Schumacher, spokesperson for the Association of Asparagus and Strawberry Producers in South Germany (VSSE-Vorstandssprecher des Verbands Süddeutscher Spargel- und Erdbeeranbauer eV).

 

 

 

According to the survey conducted by VSSE, between May 12 and May 19, 2020, among asparagus and berry producers 28% of seasonal workers have missed this season. And more than 60% of the producers employed local workers.

 

 

 

The asparagus will still be available until June 24, 2020, but for some growers, the asparagus harvest will end in week 25.