To mark the start of the strawberries season the Agriculture Association Berlin-Brandenburg (Gartenbauverband Berlin-Brandenburg) traditionally invites the minister Jörg Vogelsänger to one of its member companies.
Next Wednesday (1 June) minister Jörg Vogelsänger starts the picking at the farm of Frank Wache. And in Brandenburg many strawberry producers offer pick your own. The minister: “Over the next few weeks inhabitants of Brandenburg and Berlin can work on the strawberry fields of Brandenburg. And those who do this job not only get fresh strawberries but also experience spring in Brandenburg. During the first six months of the year this region doesn’t only offer agricultural seasonal openings (strawberries, asparagus) but also plenty of holiday and leisure possibilities. 2016 is the year of nature tourism and especially in Brandenburg nature and landscapes can be experienced intensively."
25 years ago the family business Wache was officially founded by Ruth Wache, but in all fairness the business is a lot older. In 2013 Frank Wache took over managing the company. During the DDR period, from 1961 to 1990, the Wache’s were members of the GPG fruit producers Werder/Havel. The end of the GPG also meant the loss of the farmland for the family. For the following five years other areas in the vicinity were leased. The farm has now 17.92 hectares. On the Wache farm dark and sweet cherries are cultivated on 6.75 hectares. Strawberries grow on 2.18 hectares and the rest is used for plums, apricots, pears, raspberries, vegetables, and potatoes. This provides the livelihood for three family members and during the season for an additional twelve Polish employees.
Strawberry fields in Brandenburg:
This year the German strawberries will be in top form due to the mild winter and warm temperatures in Brandenburg. Until 2012, the area used for strawberry cultivation declined, however since 2013 an increase in the acreage has been recorded.
The three largest fruit cultivation areas are in the district Werderaner, Märkisch-Oderland and in and around Frankfurt (Oder).
The fruit production in Brandenburg is not sufficient for the high regional demand, which is why national and international suppliers pick up the slack.
Opening of the strawberry season:
Date: Wednesday, 1 June
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Frank Wache fruit farm, Groß Kreutz, in the direction Bochow, right side, 500 meters behind the fruit farm Groß Kreutz