German strawberry and asparagus yields drop in 2025

In 2025, German open-field strawberry output decreased to 75,500 tons, marking the lowest yield in three decades and 4% less than 2024 levels. Open-field asparagus production declined to 98,900 tons, the smallest quantity since 2010. The reduction is linked to decreased cultivation areas, with a 4% decrease in strawberry planting and a 6% drop in asparagus fields.

Farmers report that escalating production costs, notably labor expenses, challenge profitability. Karsten Schmal, president of the Hessian Farmers’ Association, stated, « At the end of the day, we’re all businesspeople. If the risk becomes too great, people stop growing these crops. » Some, like Georg Merlau, an asparagus farmer from Darmstadt, highlight that only premium outlets can afford prices that justify production costs.

Germany’s strawberry self-sufficiency has diminished from 68% in 2015 to 50% in 2025, according to the Agricultural Market Information Company (AMI). However, protected cultivation methods like greenhouses or high covers demonstrate resilience, offering prolonged seasons, simplified harvesting, and increased productivity per hectare.

This trend has led to strawberries and asparagus nearing the status of luxury goods. This year, white asparagus averaged €9.63 per kilo, a 4% increase compared to last year. Strawberries maintained an average price of €6.86 per kilo from May to mid-July, a substantial rise from 2015 figures.

The seasonal nature of these crops ensures ongoing demand as they are synonymous with spring and summer enjoyment. Asparagus season, or « Spargelzeit, » remains a cultural highlight in Germany, often celebrated with festivals and the crowning of an Asparagus Queen.

Source: DW