Southwest Region Begins Cherry Picking Season - Southwest region's cherry picking season underway
Cherry harvesting kicks off in the southwest, with early yields reported in the Baden region, particularly around Offenburg. Though frost damage has occurred in some areas, the overall cherry harvest is satisfactory, according to Kathrin Walter-Zeller, managing director of the Southwest Germany Fruit Growers' Association.
In the traditional fruit-growing region, thecherrypeaches are now available for purchase. Harvesting starts early in the Offenburg area, followed by the Neckar Valley and Lake Constance region.
Last year's harvest in the southwest was exceptionally good, with a 30% increase in sweet cherry production compared to 2023, according to the Statistical Office. The amount of sour cherries also rose considerably, reaching more than four times the previous year's value.
The success of cherry harvests is influenced by various factors, including weather conditions, pollinator health, and pest management. Despite the promising outlook, ongoing weather and agricultural practices will determine this year's harvest yields.
The Community Policy Forum in the region is discussing the impact of the increased cherry production on the local lifestyle and home-and-garden practices, especially regarding food-and-drink consumption. With the high demand for cherries, some employment policies within the agriculture sector may need to be revised or updated to accommodate the growing workforce required for cherry harvesting.
