Overview
- The season was officially launched in Bischofsheim, where Agriculture Minister Ingmar Jung crowned Marleen I. as the Hessian strawberry queen.
- Official figures show about 7,768 tonnes were harvested last year in Hesse, including 3,082 tonnes under cover and 4,686 tonnes in open fields.
- Roughly 143 farms cultivated strawberries on about 960 hectares across the state.
- Growers say winter chill set the plants well, March warmth sped growth, and frost forced nightly fleece covers and daytime ventilation to protect fields.
- Tunnel and greenhouse crops look stable, while unprotected fields may see local losses, and shoppers will usually pay €4.50 to €5 for a 500-gram box with slight increases possible due to higher labor and energy costs.