Strawberry harvest 2024: heavy rain ensures drastic decline in the southwest

Strawberry harvest 2024: heavy rain ensures drastic decline in the southwest

The effects of the weather conditions on the strawberry harvest in Baden-Württemberg: An alarming sign of agriculture

unusual weather conditions influence the harvest

in 2024, Baden-Württemberg is faced with a drastic reduction in strawberry harvest due to extreme weather events. While frosts occurred late, it is above all the strong precipitation and floods that have significantly shaped the agricultural image in the southwest.

statistical forecasts and trends

According to the preliminary data of the State Statistical Office of Baden-Württemberg, the total amount of the total amount is estimated at only 16,700 tons, which represents a significant decline of around 28% compared to the previous year. The figures illustrate the challenges with which farmers are faced with: In the field growing, a yield of only 6.7 tons per hectare can be expected, a decrease of 30% compared to the previous year.

Different yields: Freiland versus protected acreage

In contrast, the harvest remains stable under protected conditions, such as in film tunnels or greenhouses. A yield of about 16.2 tons per hectare is predicted here, which represents a slight improvement. Nevertheless, the total amount in these protected growing regions with 7,700 tons will only be a little above the previous year, which shows that the conditions are widely apart in the field and under protective measure.

harvest losses and their causes

The declining area for strawberry cultivation, which is currently 1,300 hectares and has a decline of 14% compared to the previous year, contributes to the reduced harvest. This situation is not only a problem for farmers, but also represents a potential danger to the regional economic structure, which is strongly dependent on nutritional production.

consequences for other crops and outlook

In addition to the strawberries, the asparagus harvest in Baden-Württemberg is expected to decrease. The estimated harvest of 8,800 tons shows a slight decrease of 2% compared to the previous year. This development is another sign of the challenges that farmers have to master under the current weather conditions.

importance of agricultural statistics

The final harvest numbers are expected to be published in February 2025. However, the preliminary statistics are already a valuable instrument to recognize the effects of weather phenomena on agriculture and to react to it. A deeper understanding of these trends could help users - - from farmers up to political decision -makers - help, adaptation strategies to cushion future harvest losses and to ensure security of supply.

- Nag