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Germany Today

German news in English

Saturday, November 23, 2024

German Farmers Face Disappointing Harvest

Published: 2024-08-22

German farmers are grappling with a significantly poorer grain harvest this year, primarily due to frequent and heavy rains.

The German Farmers' Association reported a drop in yield to 39.3 million tons from 42 million tons in 2023, marking a sobering outcome.

The persistent rainfall not only reduced the quantity but also affected the quality of the crops in several regions.

Farmers' President Joachim Rukwied described the harvest as a nerve-wracking ordeal, exacerbated by a lack of sunshine and rain during the harvest period, which often halted combine harvesters.

This year's below-average harvest highlights the tangible impacts of climate change, prompting calls for the government to eliminate impractical regulations, particularly in plant protection.

Additionally, Rukwied expressed concerns over a severe price drop in grain markets, coupled with high operational costs, making profitable grain farming increasingly challenging in Germany.