Existence fear in fruit growing: Minimum lnacly increase endangers seasonal workers!

Existence fear in fruit growing: Minimum lnacly increase endangers seasonal workers!

Niedersachsen, Deutschland - A storm is brewed in Lower Saxony: The planned increase in the statutory minimum wage ensures deep worry lines in the fruit and special culture companies in the region. Claus Schliecker, the chairman of the fruit growing group in the Lower Saxony Land people, expresses significant warnings. According to him, this development could threaten the existence of many domestic fruit growers. According to gabot.de Landvolk Niedersachsen and various industry associations request a special regulation in the minimum wage law especially for seasonal workers.

On June 30th, the minimum wage commission will make a decision that could have far -reaching consequences. From January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase to 13.90 euros, followed by a further increase to 14.60 euros in 2027, as from Winner association reported. These developments in particular could put pressure on companies in agriculture.

The location of the seasonal workers

In the German agricultural sector, seasonal workers are of central importance. According to the 2023 agricultural count, 876,000 people are employed in agriculture, including 243,000 seasonal workers. These seasonal workers make a valuable contribution to domestic food supply. They often come from countries with lower wages, which makes the German wage level attractive to them, such as BMEL.de

With increasing wage costs - in labor -intensive areas such as berry cultivation, these make up to 60% of the total costs - many companies are forced to shift their harvest production abroad. Schliecker emphasizes that some seasonal workers regularly return to the same businesses, which underlines the close bond between employees and companies. Without the required exemption, the desired self -sufficiency with domestic fruit and vegetables could be in danger.

competitiveness at the game

The warnings become louder: The President of the Rhineland-Palatinate Süd farmers and winegrowers' association, Eberhard Hartelt, sees the competitiveness of German agriculture on the brink. He emphasizes that many types of fruit and vegetables could unprotectable due to the higher wage costs. This could not only lead to relocations abroad, but also on operating closures and thus on negative effects on security of supply. Political decision -makers are now required to find solutions that have an eye on both the protection of income and the competitiveness of the industry.

The Situation is serious and needs urgent measures to strengthen German agriculture. In international comparison, German farmers are increasingly under pressure, and the discussions about possible special regulations for seasonal work are gaining.