Overview

• The 2025 strawberry season in Rheinland-Pfalz has officially started, with prices for 500 g ranging between €3.80 and €7, similar to last year.
• Cultivation has declined from 636 ha in 2019 to 440 ha in 2024, driven by rising costs, though protected polytunnel farming has slightly expanded to improve harvest predictability.
• Approximately 70% of seasonal workers come from Romania, with others from Poland, Bulgaria, and Croatia, highlighting the sector's reliance on migrant labor.
• Proposals for a €15 minimum wage raise concerns about increased production costs and potential shifts in consumer pricing and domestic agricultural viability.
• Locally grown strawberries are promoted for their lower environmental impact compared to imports, including reduced pesticide use and greenhouse gas emissions.