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Southwest region initiates cherry picking season - Southwest region's cherry yielding season in full swing
Cherry Harvest Commences in Southwestern Germany
Fruit growers in southwestern Germany are currently harvesting cherries in certain areas, including the Baden region close to Offenburg. Preliminary reports indicate that these fruits are already being sold.
In this traditional fruit-producing region, some farmers have reported frost damage. However, the extent of these damages varies across the region.
"We are generally pleased with the cherry harvest," stated Kathrin Walter-Zeller, managing director of the Baden-Württemberg Fruit Growers' Association. In the Ortenau region, which typically starts its harvest early, the Neckar Valley and the Lake Constance region will follow, according to the industry representative.
Last year's harvest in the southwest was better than previous years, as per the Statistical Office. For sweet cherries, approximately 17,800 tons were harvested—a substantial increase of over 30% compared to 2023. For sour cherries, the amount was 3,900 tons, more than four times the scant amount from the preceding low yielding year.
Climate and weather conditions have been a concern for cherry growers, with spring frost being a significant impediment to cherry cultivation in some parts of Europe, including Kyustendil. Pollinator declines also pose a threat to ecosystems and food production, which could potentially impact cherry crops and yields. However, local data specific to Offenburg, the Ortenau, Neckar Valley, and Lake Constance regions is not available at present.
[1] Kyustendil, Bulgaria, struggles with spring frost affecting cherry crops (hourly news update, www.eurocherrynews.com).
[2] Potential impact of spring frost and pollinator declines on cherry cultivation in South-Western Germany (Regional Agriculture Report, www.agriland.de).
[3] Pollinator decline: threats to ecosystems and food production (ECOLISE Journal, www.ecolise.eu).
- The community policy could address potential issues related to pollinator declines in the cherry harvest areas of South-Western Germany, aiming to support and sustain local home-and-garden ecosystems.
- Considering the emphasis on employment policies in the cherry-growing regions, it would be beneficial to develop policies that cater specifically to the seasonal employment requirements of the fruit industry, ensuring a stable workforce for the annual cherry harvest.
