Producers and marketers in the field salad sector are currently experiencing major sales difficulties. Due to the higher yields per hectare, there are correspondingly larger quantities that can not be sold. The low demand leads to emergency measures such as temporary storage and a temporary harvest stop. But there is hope: prices will soon rise by one euro.
Currently, the kilo prices for field salad are 2.00 to 2.50 euros. In two weeks, however, they will be back at 3.00 to 3.50 euros, according to Carlos Novo, Sales and Account Manager of the Pfalzmarkt Producer Cooperative. “Sales are currently quite hard. There is more produce than we can market. As a result, we either have to temporarily store the surpluses or we can abstain from harvesting them at all and leave the produce on the fields.”In order to compensate for varying weather conditions, many farmers have grown more than usual this year, so they could be sure to have enough to serve the market and remain competitive. Novo: “In the last few years, growers were faced with a lack of supply because of snow and frost damage. This year the yields per hectare are quite large, which is why more produce is available.” In addition to this, French and Italian field salad is currently quite cheap, with a kilo price of 1.70 to 1.80 euros.
Despite this negative situation, according to Novo the forecasts are not really very bad. “I suspect prices will rise to 3.00 - 3.50 euros around Christmas. The weather in this region gets cold and dry with temperatures of about 0 degrees. This is ideal for field salad.” Up north, however, it will get more problematic. According to the latest weather forecasts, the temperature will soon drop below zero.
Pfalzmarkt
The Pfalzmarkt Producers Cooperative is one of the most important agricultural collectives in southern Germany. Depending on the season, the marketing operation is supplied by about five field salad farmers, with a total available capacity of over 200 hectares of cultivated land. Other vegetables include lettuces, peppers, tomatoes and carrots.
For more information:
Pfalzmarkt für Obst und Gemüse eG
Neustadter Str. 100
67112 Mutterstadt
+49 (0)6231 - 408-0