Agricultural workers express concerns over noticeably diminished crop yields.
Many German farmers are displeased with this year's wheat harvest, as it's significantly less than the previous year's amount. The German Farmers' Association has reported an estimated yield of 39.3 million tonnes, compared to 42 million tonnes in 2023. This is quite a "dismal report card". In certain regions, yields and even grain quality have taken a hit due to the persistent and sometimes heavy rainfall.
German Farmers' Association President Joachim Rukwied referred to this year's wheat harvest as another stressful situation that ended in major disappointment. He attributed the poor weather from autumn till early summer and the limited sunshine as contributing factors. Furthermore, the rain during the harvest often slowed down the combine harvesters. The significantly lower wheat yield once again highlights the clear impact of climate change.
Rukwied also criticized the "misguided governmental guidelines" for the industry's low yield. He urged politics to eliminate "theoretical and unworkable guidelines" for farmers. It's frustrating that while there's a high demand for premium wheat, farmers are only able to produce feed wheat due to ongoing regulations, such as those concerning fertilization.
Sugar beets, corn, and potatoes thrive in rainy conditions
However, the ever-increasing restrictions on pesticides are contributing to the decrease in yields and quality of wheat and rapeseed, according to Rukwied. He emphasized the importance of being able to safeguard plants in seasons with particularly high infection rates of fungal diseases, and urged for "immediate correction in the pesticide policy".
The rain mostly had a positive impact on sugar beets, corn, potatoes, and vegetables. However, potatoes were significantly affected by leaf and tuber rot. In sugar beets, new diseases have become more prevalent.
In fruit farming, there have been "significant losses" mainly due to late frosts. "Here, restrictions on pesticides and the minimum wage create a challenging overall situation," the association noted. In vineyards, below-average yields are expected across all growing areas. The German Farmers' Association's harvest report is an estimate and is based on reports from the 18 state farmers' associations about actual harvested areas and yields.
Despite the challenges faced by German wheat farmers, the economy might still benefit from other crops that thrive in rainy conditions, such as sugar beets, corn, and potatoes. However, the German Farmsters' Association President Joachim Rukwied highlights the negative impact of the ever-increasing restrictions on pesticides on wheat and rapeseed yields and quality.
