Organic farmers benefit from the Indian summer
According to the agricultural press agency, Landvolk, the weather during the summer months was a bit disappointing, while the summer temperatures during September positively influenced growth and the consumer demand for vegetables. Data of the Agricultural Market Information Company (AMI) in Bonn showed that the sales of organic vegetables was 12% higher than the previous year. Especially popular were cucumbers, lettuce and sweet peppers. Carrots didn’t handle the warm autumn weather well; it was too dry.
Last year a total of 240,000 metric tons of open field vegetables were harvested in Germany. The vegetables were grown on a total surface of 10,700 hectares, and of this surface 1,400 hectares were situated in Lower-Saxony. In Germany the production of organic vegetables contributes to almost 10% of all vegetable crops, however in Lower Saxony the share of organic agriculture was slightly lower with 7.5% of the total vegetable production.
The range of regional products is now significantly reduced, not only in organic shops but also in conventional supermarkets. The harvest season for vegetables that need warmer weather is coming to an end; only cucumbers or tomatoes cultivated in greenhouses are still available. But pumpkins and gourds are in season, and a wide range of varieties can be found in the stores. Furthermore, root vegetables such as carrots, celery or beetroot enrich the selection. And finally, cabbage vegetables, varying from the well-known traditional winter vegetables, such as red and white cabbage, to broccoli, cauliflower or leeks are reaching the supermarket shelves. At this time of the year customers have to choose imported goods if they find that the regional products don’t offer sufficient variety.
On the 15 November farmers are meeting during the Professionals Day vegetable cultivation, organized by the Northern German Farmers Cooperative and they get information about new trends laws and governmental policies.