Total failures in cherries: Werder fights for fruit harvest in 2024

Total failures in cherries: Werder fights for fruit harvest in 2024

The fruit growers in the Werder region (Havel) in the district of Potsdam-Mittelmark are faced with dramatic crop failures this year, especially for cherries. This Situation is due to the extreme weather conditions in spring, which have made many traditional fruit harvest harvest difficult. The problem began with an early flower followed by shocked frost nights in April, which significantly damaged the flowers and young fruits of the trees.

Mathildus van Dam, operator of the van Dams Kirschenhof, experiences an alarming total failure of his harvest. Usually the farm can harvest between 6,000 and 20,000 kilograms of cherries. But this year van Dam reaps absolutely nothing. "The weather was simply too unpredictable, and the frost nights in connection with the already warm weather at the beginning of the year met us strongly," he explains. He has a total of around 4,000 trees, including 3,000 cherry trees.

harvesting conditions and earnings fluctuations

Although many fruit farmers suffer from similar harvesting conditions, there are also bright spots for some companies. Svetlana Riedel von Obstbau Riedel can harvest some cherries thanks to the roofs that she has installed on her plantations. Their pear harvest reaches between 30 and 50 percent, while the cherries only deliver around 50 percent of the possible yield. "The roof was crucial for the protection of the plants," emphasizes Riedel.

• planting and harvesting are heavily dependent on the weather.
• The harvest of apples, plums and cherries was severely affected this year.
• protective measures such as roofing can be crucial for the harvest.

Another important aspect was addressed by Petra Lack, the managing director of the wholesale company Werder Frucht. According to her, the number of harvesting in East Germany has dropped sharply. She reports that many farmers almost have to do without their harvest of sweet cherries and apples, with only ten to 20 percent yield for other types of fruit such as plums and plums. These crop failures are threatening to exist for regional companies.

The bad harvest also has an impact on the entire industry. In contrast, the sea buckthorn system from Dorothee Berger draws a positive balance. Due to a cheaper weather and good fertilization conditions, an average crop increase of 120 to 150 tons await you this year. This is remarkable because you usually start harvesting it late in the season. The trust in the sea buckthorn harvest is in a strong contrast to the difficulties of the cherry harvest.

support measures for affected companies

It was also noted that the exchange between the country and the federal government is continuous. "We know about the difficult times that many companies live through, especially in East Germany," says a spokesman. However, applications for support have not yet been received because the bureaucratic hurdles have to be kept as low as possible to ensure quick help.

The farmers in Werder and the surrounding area not only have to deal with the immediate consequences of the shocking weather changeover 2024, but also with the challenges of the market and the search for sustainable solutions to avoid future crop failures.

sustainable practices in fruit growing

The challenges that the fruit growers experience in Werder also take a look at the need for the need for sustainable practices in agriculture. Many farmers now rely on environmentally friendly growing methods in order not only to secure the yield, but also to protect the environment. These include the use of compost and organic fertilizers as well as the integration of mixed cultures to promote biodiversity.

In the Werder region, it was increasingly being used for integrated plant production. These methods combine chemical and biological approaches to control pests and maximize the harvest yields. Cooperation with local research institutions promotes exchange about innovative techniques and trends in fruit growing.

economic effects of the crop failures

The massive crop failures in the Obdregion Werder not only have an immediate impact on the farmers, but also on the entire economy of the region. The fruit harvest contributes significantly to the income of many families and also supports local companies that rely on the sale of fruit and non-processed products. In particular, the heavily affected companies may have to dismiss their employees or reduce their hours, which further affects the local employment situation.

In addition, the crop failures could also lead to higher prices for fruit products, which could strain more consumers in the entire region, and beyond. According to the Federal Statistical Office A tendency can be seen that price adjustments in the agricultural and food industry often have long-term consequences.

protective measures against weather influences

The fruit growers are forced to develop innovative protective measures due to the changing climate and extreme weather events. This includes the structure of frost protection systems, such as the already mentioned frost protection affection, and the use of special foils, protect the trees from refract from cold. Some companies also consider plant -building diversification by planting less types of weather or relocating their focus on the cultivation of vegetables.

Experts from the Thünen-Institut point out that it is necessary to adapt the cultivation methods to increase resilience against climate change. Long -term investments in sustainable technology could help reduce the susceptibility of the harvest and at the same time address ecological questions.

effects on the fruit market in Germany

As the managing director of Werder Fruit, Petra Lack, not only a local problem in Werder, the crop failures in Werder, they could also have a greater impact on the German fruit market. East Germany is known for its fruit production, and a significant decline could affect the national offer. This applies particularly to products such as cherries and apples that come from this region and are very important to consumers.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) emphasizes the importance of cushioning such crop losses through suitable measures and aid programs in order to support both farmers and consumers. A stable fruit market is crucial for food supply and price control in Germany.