OGS Südbaden 
was able to offer the first cherries grown in Baden at the start of week 23, managing director Lorenz Boll tells us. "Usually we receive the first delivery around May 25. However, due to weather conditions, the vegetation has been delayed by about ten days compared to normal years." Despite the weather conditions, he expects an average harvest, he said.
Renaissance of cherry cultivation in southern Baden
"Cherry growing has experienced a renaissance in the South Baden region. There are young producers who produce cherries on a large scale and are coming into yield this year. These quantities could not yet be represented in the statistics of the last five years. Therefore, I expect an average supply volume, just because of the investment in the new cherry plants I mentioned."
In recent years, he said, producers have also approached OGS Südbaden to sell their cherries who are not members of the cooperative. "Producers from other parts of Baden-Württemberg as well as from North Rhine-Westphalia have asked us if they can co-market their cherries through us," the managing director is pleased to inform us. "Since the harvest in NRW usually starts a little later, we can in a natural way, extend the season out back and offer our customers accordingly longer."
He also notes that his food retail customers ask for all products in time and are willing to include all products in their assortment, whether asparagus, strawberries, currants, cherries, gooseberries, plums and subsequent products.
Renunciation of imported goods - High interest in regional goods
In the Freiburg area, there are about 300,000 consumers, some of whom are supplied with the products of OGS Südbaden via weekly markets and farm stores and other forms of marketing. "Regional goods have been advertised more strongly in recent years. Thus, our goods can now be found in all well-known retail chains."
He notes the high interest in regional or German products in this regard, both on the part of retailers and consumers. "This is a great development. Provided there is enough local produce available, there are market players who are doing without imported goods, for example from Spain. With all the customers we supply, we see a stronger interest in the products from our region. After all, we're also in a very rural area here, where people really appreciate produce."
Sustainable, healthy and independent farming
The season 
starts with the fixed variety Bellise, followed by Carmen, Kordia, Regina and others. "There are also new varieties on the market. These are large and hard cherries that will become more popular in the future," Boll said.
The producers of the OGS Südbaden are top trained. The cultivation also takes place with roofing and drip irrigation. "What we would like to see is a better perception of our farmers on the part of politics and society. Because in my opinion, our producers stand for sustainable, healthy, independent agriculture. After all, we could see in the recent past what happens when we are dependent on foreign countries for food, but especially for energy. Because in the end, we all have to pay for it financially."
The existing suppliers are becoming fewer but larger, more professional, more competent and are reliable, Boll said. OGS continues to look forward to more supplier companies from all over the country. "Requests for all items from the fruit range have been received. However, it is also important to us that we do not take anything away from any market participant and that the supply is continuously guaranteed - in good times as well as in bad. As soon as we get better, social and political recognition, there will also be more farmers again."
For more information:
Geschäftsführer Lorenz Boll
OGS Obst- und Gemüsevertrieb Südbaden GmbH
Niederrotweil 80
79235 Vogtsburg
Tel.: +49 (0) 7662 9300 0
Fax: +49 (0) 7662 9300 93
E-Mail: info@ogs-suedbaden.de
Internet: www.ogs-suedbaden.de