Around 1200 seasonal workers are needed in Hamburg each year. That’s the number that keeps Hans-Peter Pohl the CEO of the Hamburg Chamber of Agriculture awake at night. We’re talking about the Ernte the harvest that feeds our city.
The Ernte in Hamburg isn’t just about the fruits and vegetables on our plates. It’s about the people who toil in the fields and orchards. It’s about the Vier- und Marschlande and the Alte Land regions. The largest contiguous fruit-growing area in Europe lies right on our doorstep. Think of the delicious apples the juicy tomatoes the crisp salads all made possible by dedicated hands.
Many farms need help. They need people to plant nurture and harvest. The peak season is intense. From late April onwards the harvest of salads kohlrabi arugula cucumbers and tomatoes begins. Then there are the apples. The apple harvest in the Alte Land requires a large workforce from late August to late October.
Think about the sheer scale. Imagine rows upon rows of plants stretching to the horizon. The sun beats down. The air is thick with the scent of ripening produce. These are the hardworking people who bring Hamburg its food.
There’s a huge need for help. Platforms like “Das Land hilft” help connect volunteers with farmers. People are offering their assistance. They want to help. They want to contribute. They understand the importance of the Ernte.
So next time you bite into a crisp apple or enjoy a fresh salad remember the Ernte. Remember the people who make it possible. Their hard work feeds Hamburg. Their dedication ensures that our tables are full of local delicious produce. They are the heart and soul of the Hamburg Ernte.