Southwest Cherry Harvest Underway, Varying Frost Damages Reported
Southwestern regions kick off cherry picking season - Southwestern region's cherry picking season in full swing
Fruit farmers in the Southwest of Germany are initiating the harvest of cherries in certain areas, with markets in and around Offenburg already stocking the fruits.
The traditional fruit-growing regions face some frost damages, as farmers in Baden have noted. However, the extent of this damage varies across the Southwest.
Kathrin Walter-Zeller, managing director of the Southwest Fruit Growers' Association, expresses satisfaction with the cherry harvest so far. She noted that picking typically begins early in the Ortenau region, followed by the Neckar Valley and Lake Constance districts.
Last year's harvest in the Southwest was more successful than in prior years, according to the Statistical Office, with 17,800 tons of sweet cherries gathered—a 30 percent increase over 2023. Sour cherries yielded 3,900 tons, nearly four times the previous year's value.
The weather significantly impacts cherry production, with unfavorable conditions such as frost, heavy rainfall, or drought severely affecting yields. The regions of Ortenau, Neckar Valley, and Lake Constance are known for their climate diversity, making each year's harvest unique.
The current community policy should address potential impacts on local fruit farmers due to weather conditions affecting cherry harvests. A home-and-garden lifestyle guide could offer tips for mitigating frost damage on home cherry trees, educating community members on the intricacies of cherry farming and gardening.
