In Germany, the cultivation of cucumbers has seen a reduction, with the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture noting a 7% decrease in the cultivated area compared to 2018. The sector, as highlighted by a spokesperson from the Swabian company Hengstenberg, is grappling with challenges such as rising energy costs and increased minimum wages. The national landscape reflects this contraction, with both the number of farms and the cultivated area diminishing. As of 2023, cucumbers were grown on approximately 1,880 hectares, down from 2,020 hectares in 2018, alongside a reduction in the number of farms from 315 to 250.
The cultivation process, involving significant manual labour with workers picking cucumbers by hand, is further complicated by environmental factors. Cucumbers require specific conditions to thrive, needing continuous moisture and warm temperatures without excessive heat. The plant's growth halts at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, with optimal growth occurring at night in temperatures above 15 degrees. Such conditions necessitate intensive irrigation, contributing to the increased costs of cultivation.
Additionally, the sector faces pressures from rising costs, notably in the double-digit range, and competition for seasonal labour. The Spreewald region, known for its pickled cucumber production, echoes these challenges, experiencing stagnant cultivation areas and escalating costs, partly due to the rise in statutory minimum wage. The cumulative effect of these factors renders cucumber farming less appealing and financially viable for German farmers.
Source: aussiedlerbote.de