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Mainz (dpa / lrs) - This year's asparagus harvest has begun in southern Rhineland-Palatinate.
In the Palatinate, the stalks have been harvested for a few days, "in Rheinhessen the farms are starting these days," said Andreas Köhr, spokesman for the farmers and winegrowers' association of Rhineland-Palatinate South, at the request of the German Press Agency: "At Easter there is Asparagus."
This year, due to the weather, they are a little later than last year.
Initially, smaller quantities would be harvested, but if the “weather is right”, the quantities in the entire southern Rhineland-Palatinate skyrocketed.
The asparagus therefore initially comes from protected cultivation under foil cover or a large tunnel.
It will take a while with the asparagus in the open, said Köhr.
Due to the initially lower quantity, the prices are still very high at the beginning of the season, according to the information.
"But the price goes down as the supply increases."
The harvest will now take place until the official end of the asparagus season on June 26th.
During this time, the farms tried to ensure that there was always asparagus, said Köhr.
"The warmer and sunnier it is, the better."
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Again under pandemic conditions, the companies are working again with the hygiene plans from last year, according to the association.
"The companies are well prepared."
For example, there must be a test before seasonal workers enter the country.
"That also leads to high costs," said Koehr.
Workers are currently available.
Nevertheless, according to the association spokesman, there is still a certain amount of uncertainty.
"We hope that there will be no chaos like last year."
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210329-99-08103 / 2
Farmers and Vintners Association Rhineland-Palatinate South