Overview
- In Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, officials opened the season Wednesday at ceremonial first harvests, with film-covered beds having already enabled early picking in March at some farms.
- Shoppers are paying about €18 to €20 per kilo in top grades, and farm groups say prices should ease later this spring as more fields begin cutting and supply grows.
- A leading growers’ association wants future minimum‑wage increases for seasonal pickers paused after January’s rise to €13.90, a push the agriculture ministry rejects as unlawful and unions challenge over reported work abuses.
- Agricultural chambers forecast larger volumes from late April to mid May, and in Schleswig-Holstein about 90% of spears are sold directly through farm shops, roadside stands and local markets.
- Germany’s domestic season is short and ends on June 24, known as Johannistag, which growers observe to let plants recover for the next year’s crop.