2025 German Asparagus Season Begins Amid Industry Challenges

Early harvests are underway in Baden-Württemberg, but rising labor costs and proposed minimum wage increases threaten the future of asparagus farming in Germany.

• The 2025 asparagus season has officially begun in Baden-Württemberg, with early harvests reported in regions like Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Bruchsal, and Freiburg.
• Early-season asparagus is priced at around 20 euros per kilogram, with supply expected to increase significantly by Easter.
• Experts warn that rising labor costs, driven by proposed minimum wage increases to 15 euros, could make German asparagus farming unsustainable.
• The number of asparagus farms in Baden-Württemberg has steadily declined, with a 21.4% decrease in farms since 2015 due to economic pressures.
• This year’s asparagus is expected to be particularly flavorful, attributed to favorable growing conditions in the previous year.

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