Germany's Federal Statistical Office (StBA) on Tuesday released data showing a sharp decline in the amount of asparagus harvested in the country for the year 2022. Statisticians calculated that the 2022 harvest of 110,300 tons represented an 8% drop over 2021, adding that the last time the harvest was that low was in 2013 (103,100 tons). The StBA also found that exports saw an even more dramatic drop for the year, falling off 29% to 2,900 tons.
That fact led to Germany importing 19,500 tons of the vegetable, mainly from Spain (34%), though sizable amounts also came from Greece (24%) Italy and Peru (12% each). Most of those imports (87%) came between the months of March and June, when asparagus is naturally harvested.
"The reason for the more meagre asparagus harvest is likely tied to a drop in croplands," said statisticians, who noted a 5% drop in the area dedicated to cultivating asparagus compared to 2021.
Source: dw.com