Domestically grown asparagus producers face competition due to affordable imported alternatives
In the heart of Lower Austria's asparagus stronghold, the Marchfeld, local farmers are grappling with a daunting challenge: the influx of cheaper asparagus imports from countries like Peru and China.
The high cost burden and fixed costs associated with asparagus cultivation – approximately 15,000 euros per hectare – make it difficult for local farmers to compete on price. This price pressure is becoming a matter of existence for these farmers.
To counteract this, local farmers employ innovative methods such as using special films to heat the soil and speed up the growth of asparagus. However, these efforts may not be enough to match the lower production costs of foreign competitors.
The imported asparagus is sold cheaply compared to local asparagus, often before the local produce is even harvested. This early availability of imports can diminish demand for local asparagus when it is in season.
Werner Magoschitz, chairman of the Marchfeld Asparagus Association, is calling for clear rules and genuine partnership from the trade. He demands that those who advertise regionality should live up to it. Magoschitz himself is an asparagus farmer in the Marchfeld.
High wage levels and environmental standards in Austria contribute to the price pressure on local farmers. If the situation continues, not only the asparagus, but also the future of Austrian agriculture could be at risk.
Moreover, the imported asparagus is flown in climate-damagingly, adding to the concerns about sustainability.
Being on time in the market is crucial for local farmers. Unfortunately, the local asparagus is not yet in the supermarkets, despite the imports being available. The early start of the harvest costs strength, nerves, and money for the local farmers.
Asparagus farmers in Lower Austria are raising the alarm about the situation. The challenges they face highlight the need for consumers to value local origin and for regulations to support local producers. Without this, the future of local asparagus farming in the Marchfeld could be in jeopardy.
- The high cost of asparagus cultivation in Austria and the low prices of imported asparagus from countries like Peru and China are causing financial struggles for local farmers, affecting their very existence.
- To maintain their businesses and uphold their commitment to sustainable practices, local asparagus farmers in Lower Austria are calling for clear regulations, consumer support for local produce, and partnership from the trade, as the future of their lifestyle, including the food-and-drink sector, hangs in the balance.
