Overview
- First stalks were cut over the weekend in parts of Baden, including areas around Heidelberg, Karlsruhe/Bruchsal and Freiburg, according to the regional growers’ association.
- Producers expect broader volumes before Easter, citing healthy plant reserves after a dry autumn and cold winter.
- Seasonal labor is reported as sufficient, largely from Poland and Romania, and prices are expected to track last year’s levels.
- Current price indications range from sub-€10 per kilo for break or soup asparagus to about €18–20 for top-grade “Sunday” spears.
- Agricultural agencies urge immediate cooling after harvest and home storage near 2°C with quick consumption; Germany harvested about 103,920 tonnes last year, while global output is roughly 8.5 million tonnes led by China.