Harvest 2025: Good quality, but farmers fear for their existence!

Harvest 2025: Good quality, but farmers fear for their existence!

The 2025 harvest is causing farmers in Rhineland-Palatinate to sleep restlessly despite good yields. According to a report from SWR The quality of the harvest is good, but the precarious market conditions worry many farmers. Especially in fruit, vegetable and wine growing, sales prices are so low that they do not even cover the production costs. This is leading to growing unease in the industry, as the Rhineland-Nassau Farmers and Winegrowers Association reports.

Farmers are optimistic about the harvest of wheat and winter barley, despite the challenges posed by the weather. However, the situation is tense for some companies, not only because of prices, but also because of rising wages and growing requirements. Viticulture is also struggling with declining sales, anti-alcohol campaigns and customs conflicts with the USA.

Price pressure and tough market environment

The yield range for winter wheat is described as moderate to good. However, the current Federal Statistical Office is also reporting a worrying trend: This could be the worst strawberry harvest in 30 years. Despite the excellent quality of fruit production, including apples, sweet cherries and strawberries, demand remains subdued, which puts additional pressure on the price situation. The Time reports that the decline in sales and the associated price problems are an alarming development for many companies in the south of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Rapeseed yields of over four tons per hectare are occasionally reported, which gives hope that the grain harvest will remain stable. However, the market remains tight and agriculture feels it needs a level playing field. The farmers' association therefore emphasizes the need for targeted political relief.

The mood in the industry

Association President Marco Weber (FDP) draws a sobering conclusion: “The situation in winegrowing is economically tense,” is his assessment. The issues of structural change and loss of space are close to his heart and make it clear that the industry is undergoing profound change. Despite the challenges, there remains optimism that the volumes are right, but the pressure from persistently low producer prices is forcing many farmers to rethink their strategies.

In summary, it can be said that farmers in Rhineland-Palatinate are reaping good harvests, but given the precarious market situation and economic factors, they have to worry for the time being. Clear political steps are needed to give companies the security they need in the future. It will be exciting to see how the situation will develop – the need for fair prices is obvious.