Farmers in Germany Express Wariness Amidst Projected Agricultural Yield Rises Across the Country - Farming Population Growth Trend within the Community
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the grain and oilseed harvest is currently underway, with farmers facing a mix of challenges and promising prospects.
The Raiffeisen Association, a key agricultural organisation in Germany, expects a nationwide grain harvest of just under 22 million tons, a 23 percent increase compared to the previous year. This includes a significant increase of 7 percent to around 3.9 million tons for the oil crop rape harvest.
However, regional differences have been noted. Winter wheat, the most important cereal crop in the northeast, has been most affected by the harvest so far. The state farmers' association in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern estimates the average yield for winter wheat to be below average, with about two-thirds of the crop brought in. The hectare yields for winter barley, on the other hand, are more than originally expected due to the weather, with approximately 75 decitons per hectare.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which accounts for about 9% of Germany's total wheat production, is a significant grain-producing state. The agricultural sector in Germany is increasingly mechanized due to labor shortages, with rapid adoption of precision machinery and smart technology expected to improve efficiency and potentially yields by 2025. While no explicit harvest volume projections by state are found, these trends, combined with subsidies, suggest a potential stable or slightly improved nationwide grain harvest overall, including in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The state farmers' association in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern estimates the average yield for winter rape to be 33 decitons per hectare, with the Raiffeisen Association predicting a slightly better harvest for the state, with 36.5 decitons per hectare. The harvested area for winter rape in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is approximately 185,000 hectares.
Energy and bureaucracy costs have a much greater influence on the price of bread, according to DRA market expert Guido Seedler. For an average loaf of bread, the cost of flour accounts for only about 8 cents. The Raiffeisen Association does not expect this year's grain production to significantly change the bread prices consumers pay at the counter.
The harvest year was very challenging for farmers, particularly in regions with light, sandy soils, due to a very dry spring and subsequent rainy weeks. Despite these challenges, the Raiffeisen Association predicts a significant increase in harvest volume across all grain types, including maize, rye, triticale, and oats, to around 43 million tons in 2025.
Minister-President Manuela Schwesig of SPD has informed herself about the harvest situation and agricultural operations in the state. The harvest in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is expected to continue, with farmers working diligently to bring in the crops and ensure a successful harvest season.
The community policy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, considering the agricultural sector's significant role in the state, should prioritize supporting farmers during challenging weather conditions, such as the dry spring experienced this year. The employment policy, given the labor shortages in the agricultural sector, should focus on attracting and retaining workers, especially during peak harvest seasons.
Despite the low average yield for winter wheat, the hectare yields for winter barley in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern have surpassed expectations due to favorable weather conditions, signifying the potential impact of weather on employment policy decisions in the agricultural sector.
