Since the end of last week, OGA/OGV Nordbaden eG in Bruchsal has been offering the first asparagus from covered heated open ground areas from German production, managing director Hans Lehar tells us. "There are only a manageable number of farms nationwide that produce asparagus on heated areas. We currently have goods from Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Quality so far is good, and if the sunshine continues, harvesting should begin in the next few days even at multiple-covered plants in other areas."
The asparagus is currently being marketed in 5-kg cartons to the specialized trade, although food retailers have also expressed interest and could be supplied in small volumes from next week onward. "We hope to be able to offer asparagus from unheated areas in early April and before Easter, depending on the weather. That means as soon as the sun hours increase, harvesting should start very quickly."
Only small area reductions
Despite the poor and very unsatisfactory asparagus year of 2022, he said he knows of no affiliated asparagus farms that will massively reduce their acreage. In certain regions of Germany, however, there are serious changes - especially on large farms. "Rather, farmers are waiting to see how this year's season will go, to then decide what to do. The availability of laborers, the price level that can be achieved and consumer behavior are the decisive factors for the future of German asparagus cultivation this year."
In terms of marketing, he said he hopes consumers will reciprocate: "All farms sell what nature has to offer. Costs have risen extremely in all areas and we also know that supply and demand determine the price. However, we are looking forward to the upcoming season and are convinced that consumers will also enjoy eating asparagus again."
About the cooperation with OGM Oberkirch
As of April 1, OGA/OGV Nordbaden eG will take over the marketing of the entire product range of OGM Obstgroßmarkt Mittelbaden eG in a joint sales team. "We are listed with all retail companies and have an ideal assortment supplement and a higher volume of goods through the cooperation. Particularly in strawberries, soft fruit and stone fruit, we will be an even more interesting partner for food retailers and specialist retailers in the future. The first year will certainly not be easy, but for the future it is the long overdue step for our cooperatives and the affiliated member farms."
Images: OGA / OGV Nordbaden eG
For more information:
Hans Lehar
OGA / OGV Nordbaden eG
Industriestr. 1-3
D-76646 Bruchsal
Tel.: +49 7251 8002-0
Fax: +49 7251 8002-99
mail@oga-bruchsal.de
www.oga-bruchsal.de