Brandenburg grain cultivation in a decline: Less wheat and rye 2024
Brandenburg grain cultivation in a decline: Less wheat and rye 2024
In Brandenburg, the cultivation of grain in the current harvest period 2024 has experienced a remarkable decline. The applied area decreased by around 13,600 hectares compared to the previous year, so that a total of 471,300 hectares are now available for grain cultivation. These figures were published on Monday by the Berlin-Brandenburg Statistics Office in Potsdam.
The Brandenburg farmers are faced with the challenge of adapting the growers to the growth of climate and changing market needs. Wheat cultivation is seven percent, rye growing even dropped by nine percent. This development is particularly significant, since so few rye has never been grown in Brandenburg since 1991. Nevertheless, leguminous plants such as peas have an increasing acreage, which indicates an increasing diversity in agriculture.
Despite the decline in wheat and rye, the cultivation of barley has increased slightly, with 111,000 hectares, which reflects the continuation of a diversified agricultural policy. The decision of farmers to rely on barley and corn is aimed at ensuring the supply of animal feed. Fabian Blöchl, a speaker for agriculture at the State Farmers' Association, emphasizes: "Especially in dry years, it was crucial for many farmers to secure their animal husbandry."
The future of grain cultivation in Brandenburg is under a critical star, since climate change could tighten the growing conditions on the sandy soils. However, the increase in the use of wheat use in nutrition continues to challenge farmers to remain flexible in order to meet the market requirements. The influence of international conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, increases uncertainty on the wheat market and leads to the fact that farmers have to evaluate their growing decisions.
While grain production is declining, the potato cultivation remains stable. Potatoes are cultivated on 10,700 hectares, which is partly due to the favorable weather conditions in spring. The good price development for potatoes this year offers farmers a way to benefit from the challenges of other cereal crops.
Overall, the decline in grain areas in Brandenburg shows a significant change, which is due to both climatic and economic factors. Farmers must continue to rely on diverse growing methods in order to be able to operate sustainably despite these challenges.
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