In view of the intensified shortage of harvest workers this season, the Verband Süddeutscher Spargel- und Erdbeeranbauer eV (VSSE) has carried out a survey of around 1,000 asparagus and berry farms. A total of 354 members of the VSSE, of the association of asparagus and berry growers in Lower Saxony, the asparagus association Westfalen-Lippe and the Verband Ostdeutscher, also took part in the survey. According to the survey, the situation regarding seasonal workers has deteriorated for 90 percent of the asparagus and strawberry growers. For 50 percent of these, it had deteriorated significantly.
"This season the situation has worsened sharply, and a portion of the crops could not even be harvested. This requires urgent action at a political level." It is essential to maintain the 3-month, non-insurance short-term employment option. Efficient visa procedures for workers from the Western Balkans and access to seasonal workers from Ukraine are absolutely necessary for us," says Simon Schumacher, CEO of the Association of Southern German Asparagus and Strawberry Growers Association (VSSE).
Crop failure due to missing and prematurely departing harvesters
According to the survey results, 79 percent of farms were unable to obtain part of their harvest due to a lack of staff. 13 percent say that they could not harvest more than 20 percent of asparagus or berries.
According to the survey results, 79 percent of farms were unable to obtain part of their harvest due to a lack of staff. 13 percent say that they could not harvest more than 20 percent of asparagus or berries.
Eighty-three percent of companies report that workers have left prematurely. Reasons include the early achievement of their wage target and simpler job offers from other industries. More than 12 percent of growers say that more than a fifth of seasonal workers quit their jobs prematurely. 34 percent of the respondents state that 11 to 20 percent left prematurely. For 18 percent of respondents, these numbers were 6 to 10 percent. For almost half of the interviewees, no workers or up to 5 percent of their workforce left prematurely, which is a normal departure rate.
Aggravating things by pending abolition of 3-month/70-days arrangement
In 2019, the 3-month or 70-day arrangement will be scaled back to a 2-month or 50-day scheme for non-statutory short-term employment. With most businesses in need of seasonal workers for three months and the fact that harvest workers prefer to receive wages for three months without social security deductions, staff shortages will become even worse. 73 percent of growers estimate that 16 percent to over 20 percent of seasonal workers will not turn up anymore if they become subject to social insurance arrangements.
Furthermore, harvest workers benefit only slightly from the social security contributions.
Imminent consequences: reduction in acreage, early harvest stops
and quiting altogether
More than half of the respondents say they will reducing their acreage. 35 percent are considering premature harvesting and 23 percent are even considering quitting altogether. More than a quarter of the respondents would like to intensify cultivation on the existing land, a quarter wants to further mechanize. In order to make the hard work easier for the workers, 20 percent of companies intend to implement measures to improve ergonomic working conditions.
Contacts:
Verband Süddeutscher Spargel - und Erdbeeranbauer e.V.
Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 2-6 / Gebäude 5161
76646 Bruchsal
Simon Schumacher
Geschäftsführer / Vorstandssprecher
Tel.: +49 (0)7251 3032080
Fax: +49 (0)7251 3032095
Isabelle Bohnert
Referentin für Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit
Tel.: +49 (0)7251 3032184
Fax: +49 (0)7251 3032095