Bad weather behind asparagus price hike - The Local

The endless winter has left Germany in a bad mood, and now the asparagus lovers among them have another thing to complain about after it emerged the cold weather will raise their price and delay the season.

On a more positive note, German Weather Service the DWD said on Friday that while the extended winter is not over, Sunday's weather should at least be a bit better, as temperatures over 10C in some parts of the country are forecasted.

Meteorologists warned that a ?perfect sunny and warm spring day? might not be in the cards for next week but ?an improvement is in sight.?

Click here for The Local's weather forecast
This should be welcome news for the country?s farmers ? especially those preparing for the upcoming asparagus crop, an annual even in Germany when white asparagus fills shops in April for several weeks.

The delicacy is often served with boiled potatoes and butter and is an annual sign of spring.

But this year consumers can expect the sought-after-vegetable to arrive a bit later and be more expensive than last year, according to Joachim Rukwied, president of the German Farmers Association.

?In principle we are three to four weeks later with our spring work and vegetation,? he said, blaming the delay on the freezing temperatures.

When it comes to asparagus, farmers are having to spend a lot more on keeping the crop warm - and the delicacy will carry a corresponding price tag, he said. He did not specify how much more expensive it might be and added that it is unclear if other field crops will also be more expensive.

The Local/DAPD/mw

Source: http://www.thelocal.de/national/20130406-48963.html

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