Local asparagus supply is now increasing week by week. However, price disparities between regions remain significant. In some cities, consumers have to pay high prices: in Munich, white asparagus reaches €31.80 per kilo. In Berlin and Cologne, prices are almost half that: “We charge €17.90 per kilo,” says Christian Fuchs, 46, a grower in Cologne-Rheindorf. On Berlin’s weekly markets, prices start at €18 per kilo.
Lower Saxony: reduced acreage and harvest volumes
The first asparagus has already been harvested in some fields. While demand was moderate in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, interest surged again in 2023. This year, rising minimum wages and energy costs continue to strain farms, leading many to reduce their growing areas.
According to the regional statistics office, Lower Saxony remains Germany’s leading asparagus-producing state in 2024. However, cultivated area and yields are clearly declining. Figures for 2025 are not yet available. Last year, 21,700 tonnes were harvested from 3,900 ha (compared to 22,800 t from 4,400 ha in 2023), marking a 4.8% decrease in volume and 11.6% in area. On the other hand, average yield per hectare improved to 56.2 dt/ha (+7.9% from 2023).
Lower Saxony accounted for about 20.3% of Germany’s total asparagus-growing area in 2024 (around 20,000 ha nationwide), with 223 active farms, including 23 organic ones.
“The big boom during the Covid years is unfortunately behind us. Still, we’ve managed to maintain stable prices, similar to last year,” says Heiko Stolle, a producer in Klein-Bümmerstede (Oldenburg). He notes that persistent drought is a major worry: “We’ve already started irrigating the fields,” he adds.
Schleswig-Holstein: producers remain optimistic
In Schleswig-Holstein, the season was officially launched by Ute Volquardsen, president of the Chamber of Agriculture, along with representatives from the Asparagus Working Group and growers from across the region. Farmer Schümann, based in Hasenmoor, remains optimistic: “Asparagus doesn’t need rain for now—what it needs is warmth,” he explains. His beds are covered with plastic film and ventilated to speed up harvest. Around 450 ha of asparagus are grown by 40 farms in the region.
Hesse: a difficult start due to harsh conditions
On April 3, Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein officially kicked off the season at Steinbrücker Hof in Weiterstadt. His message: “Hessian asparagus is climate protection in action and deserves support!” He also emphasized the sector’s challenges, especially the potential impact of raising the minimum wage to €15, which would affect foreign seasonal workers as well.
This increase, he warned, would seriously undermine the competitiveness of local farms, already grappling with low self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetables. It may force some growers to abandon costly crops like asparagus. The Hessian Farmers’ Association (HBV) is calling for specific wage regulations to help safeguard the region’s agricultural base.
North Rhine-Westphalia: historically low harvest
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the 2024 harvest was the lowest in years. Just 18.5 tonnes were harvested—an 11.1% drop from 2023 and the lowest since 2016, according to the state statistics office.
Cold weather last year is blamed for hampering growth and reducing spear size. This year, harvesting has already begun at several sites. The recent sunny weather is promising. By season’s end, on June 24 (St. John’s Day), around 18,000 tonnes are expected. About 70% of production is sold through short supply chains: directly at farms, markets, or roadside stands.
Thuringia: season starts at the largest farm
Harvesting is starting this week in Thuringia’s main growing region, the Unstrut-Hainich district. In Kutzleben, the state’s largest farm is cultivating 110 ha of asparagus—20 less than last year. The Herbsleben agricultural cooperative maintains its 80 ha, unchanged from 2023.
“The start is going as expected. Mid-April is a usual starting point,” says Jan Niclas Imholze from Kutzleben.
Saxony-Anhalt: slow growth due to cold
In Saxony-Anhalt, the season is starting slowly due to cold nights. “There will be asparagus for Easter,” assures Patrick Wolter, farm manager at the Hohenseeden agricultural cooperative. However, depending on the weather, meeting full demand may be challenging.
In 2023, the region harvested about 1,820 tonnes from 360.7 ha, according to the regional stats office in Halle. This marked a rise from 1,400 t in 2022 and 1,500 t in 2021.
Rhineland-Palatinate: sufficient supply for Easter
Thanks to good sunshine, Rhineland-Palatinate confirms there will be enough asparagus for Easter. “Harvest has started in all growing areas,” says Andreas Köhr from the regional farmers’ and winegrowers’ association.
Brandenburg: early but slow start to the season
According to a spokesperson from Syringshof farm interviewed by BERLIN LIVE, the season began earlier than usual but is progressing slowly—a good sign for quality harvests.
Prices should remain stable compared to 2023, ranging from €9/kg for broken or soup-grade asparagus to €16/kg for top-quality spears.
Austria: slightly lower harvest expected
After a historically early start in 2023, Austrian consumers will have to wait a bit longer this year due to cooler temperatures. According to Josef Moosbrugger, president of the Chamber of Agriculture, the first local asparagus should hit supermarket shelves by mid-April.
Production is centered in the Marchfeld region (Lower Austria). In 2023, 762 ha were planted: 498 for white asparagus and 264 for green/purple. Total output reached 2,723 tonnes. A slight decline is expected this year.
Austria’s annual consumption is estimated at 5,000 tonnes. In 2023, around 3,000 tonnes were imported, mainly from Spain (35%), Italy (31%), Hungary (14%), Germany (8%) and Peru (5%).
Switzerland: cold snap threatens harvest
In Switzerland, night frost is threatening asparagus crops. Farmers are applying protective measures. Cold weather is slowing growth, although the first white Swiss asparagus is already available. Green asparagus, however, is still awaited.
