Selective Choosing Initiated in Southwest Region - Southwestern cherry crop yielding results
Cherry Harvest Commences in Southwest Germany
Fruit growers in the southwestern region of Germany have begun harvesting cherries, with early pickings reported in the Baden area around Offenburg. Although localized frost damage has been reported, the extent of such incidents varies across different areas.
Kathrin Walter-Zeller, managing director of the Southwest Germany Fruit Growers' Association, expressed satisfaction with this year's cherry harvest. In the coming weeks, harvesting will progress from the Ortenau region, to the Neckar Valley, and then to the Lake Constance area, as per her reports.
Last year's cherry harvest in Southwest Germany yielded better results compared to previous years, according to the Statistical Office. For sweet cherries, 17,800 tons were harvested, marking a significant increase of over 30 percent from 2023. For sour cherries, the amount totaled 3,900 tons, a considerable improvement from the poor harvest of the previous year.
In Offenburg and neighboring regions such as Oberkirch, specific information about this year's cherry harvest compared to the preceding year may be obtained from local agricultural reports or data from farming associations. Speaking with local farmers or concentrating on regional agricultural news could offer further insights.
Climate and weather conditions play a crucial role in cherry harvests, with moderate temperatures, rainfall, and minimal frost ensuring optimal growth.
The community policy in Offenburg and surrounding areas must address the impact of agriculture, specifically cherry farming, on local lifestyle and home-and-garden practices, considering the influx of crop pickers during the harvest season.
Given the positive employment trends demonstrated in the cherry farming industry, it would be prudent for the employment policy to prioritize initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining long-term agricultural workers, ensuring a steady workforce for annual harvests.
