The family is feeling the sting of the coronavirus crisis in unexpected ways. Only half of the 8.5 hectares of land are cultivated this year. The season currently still yields around 450 kilos of asparagus per day.
According to Ives Hoffmann, a young third generation farmer, the demand for the vegetable has slumped as restaurants and cafeterias remain closed due to the ongoing virus crisis.
The true extent of the financial impact will become apparent in the post-season report on 24 June. Another problem the family faced was that Polish seasonal workers were unable to come to Luxembourg due to the travel restrictions.
The solution was national solidarity: Ives launched an appeal for help and was overwhelmed by the generosity of the population. Many volunteers lent a helping hand during the first two weeks of the harvest. Hoffmann stressed that he can’t thank the motivated helpers enough.
Last Thursday, there was more light on the horizon as Poland reopened its borders. The seasonal workers were tested for the virus and received the required certificates allowing them to enter Luxembourg. Each of them is equipped with work material, gloves, and disinfectant. Social distancing measures are easy enough to respect on the fields.
The seasonal workers will spend three months at the farm. The asparagus harvest will be followed by the strawberry season.
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