Overview

• Late frost in early May caused up to 50% crop losses in some German regions, particularly affecting outdoor strawberry cultivation.
• Farmers are increasingly using high-bed cultivation and protected methods, such as sun tunnels and greenhouses, to extend the harvest season and reduce pest risks.
• The strawberry cultivation area in Brandenburg has significantly declined since 2017, dropping from 537.2 hectares to around 150 hectares.
• Labor shortages remain a critical issue for strawberry farmers, exacerbating the challenges of rising costs for wages, energy, and other inputs.
• Some farmers are exploring Agri-Photovoltaik-Anlagen, a dual-use solar technology, to shield crops from climate risks and improve sustainability.