Thanks to optimal weather conditions and the use of triple-layered foil, the first Bavarian organic asparagus was harvested on March 21st. The season thus started about two weeks earlier than usual, says Peter Nefzger, an organic producer based in Inchenhofen. "In the first weeks of sales, both demand and price levels were high and stable. From the third week of April, the market then experienced a slight stagnation. Currently, marketing is picking up again, although we have a bit less quantity available due to weather conditions." Overall, this year's asparagus prices are about 15 percent above last year's levels, the farmer says upon request.
In the early season, Nefzger produces the varieties Prius and Gijnlim, followed by the mid-season variety Cygnus. The white asparagus range is completed by the late variety Backlim. About 20 percent of the produce is green asparagus of the Xenolim variety. "Similar to the conventional sector, organic green asparagus has established itself in recent years, with an increasing trend. Accordingly, we are planning to expand our cultivation capacities for green asparagus."
Peter and Nina Nefzger.
As one of the few organic asparagus producers in the Free State, Nefzger supplies a wide clientele, including the wholesale market, retail grocery chains, natural food specialty stores, as well as weekly markets, farm shops, and smaller organic specialty stores. "Especially in the latter segment, we observe a high appreciation for organic asparagus from regional cultivation. Generally, prices in retail grocery chains are relatively firmer and more stable compared to the wholesale market. Moreover, retail grocery chains sometimes accept Class II goods, while the wholesale markets predominantly demand Class I."
The asparagus campaign traditionally ends on St. John's Day (June 24). Nefzger: "In recent years, just before the end of the season, meaning from the beginning of June, there were again a few good weeks of sales. This is also due to the fact that availability towards the end of the campaign is not always guaranteed. However, we have been fortunate in the past years to still have sufficient stock available at the end." Overall, Schrobenhausen organic asparagus is trending: "At least with us, there has been no noticeable reluctance to purchase," he concludes.
Schrobenhausen organic asparagus in white, green, and violet.
Images: Nefzger Organic Asparagus
For more information:
Peter Nefzger
Nefzger Organic Asparagus
Augsburger Str. 1
86570 Sainbach
Phone: 0171 3550297
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