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Erfurt (dpa / th) - The SPD parliamentary group has called for a clear concept for farmers with a view to the upcoming harvest season under Corona conditions.
Rules for the entry and accommodation of harvest workers are necessary, said the agricultural policy spokesman for the parliamentary group, Lutz Liebscher, on Thursday in Erfurt.
It must also be about fair working hours and the health protection of seasonal workers.
In the past year, agricultural businesses had to close due to corona outbreaks.
It is important to prevent this this year, explained Liebscher.
In addition, it must be ensured that the seasonal workers do not pose an additional risk for the spread of the corona virus.
According to the SPD, up to 10,000 seasonal workers will be needed in Thuringia in the coming months, for example for the asparagus and strawberry harvest.
The asparagus harvest begins in April.
The harvest preparations for this will start in March.
Last year Federal Minister Julia Klöckner (CDU) and Federal Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) regulated the entry of seasonal workers at very short notice, but transferred responsibility to the farms.
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Last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, 20,000 foreign seasonal workers worked in agriculture and horticulture.
Foreign seasonal workers are of vital importance, especially for companies that grow vegetable crops, fruit or hops, it said.
They ensured the economic success of regional production.
"We have a duty to ensure good working conditions for seasonal workers," said State Secretary for Agriculture Torsten Weil.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210218-99-498783 / 2