Denmark’s strawberry farmers are increasingly turning to tunnel farming to combat extreme weather, labor shortages, and rising supermarket demands, marking a significant shift in production methods.
Challenges Facing Strawberry Farmers
The strawberry farming landscape in Denmark has been undergoing considerable change due to a combination of factors including harsher weather conditions, a declining workforce, and increased demands from supermarkets. Over the past decade, the area dedicated to open-field strawberries has halved, paralleled by a similar decrease in the number of strawberry farmers. Dan Christensen, a strawberry and raspberry consultant at HortiAdvice, attributes these challenges largely to the difficulties of being an open-field producer today.
With farmers like Claus Jensen from Sæby losing significant portions of their open-field crops to relentless rain in previous years, many are opting for tunnel farming. Jensen manages around 20 hectares of open-field strawberries and has recently expanded to 3 hectares under cover. “We’ve started noticing a pattern of extreme weather—long periods of dry followed by weeks of cold and rain, even in summer,” Jensen remarks.
This is not just a localized issue; in 2014, Denmark was home to 456 strawberry farmers working 1,455 hectares. By 2024, that number had dropped to 213 farmers, and the area for strawberry production shrank to 757 hectares, revealing a worrying trend that could have profound implications for local agriculture and fruit availability.
The Rise of Tunnel Farming
Tunnel farming, while initially seen as a costly alternative, offers many advantages for strawberry production. Farmers operating under tunnels can better manage their crops and have a significantly longer growing season. We can produce about three times more strawberries per hectare in tunnels than in open fields, explains Christensen, highlighting the efficiency of this method. The increased control over climate conditions results in more consistent quality and shelf life for the strawberries—an essential factor as supermarkets increasingly demand uniformity.
In 2024, Denmark saw only 145 hectares dedicated to covered strawberry growing, a number that has been rising as farmers adapt their techniques. Tunnel-grown strawberries are not only less vulnerable to the elements but are also more appealing to both pickers and consumers. Jensen notes that workers prefer harvesting from tunnels since the berries are easier to pick, and the conditions are more favorable for work.
The Future of Strawberry Farming in Denmark
Despite the challenges facing open-field strawberry growers, there is optimism about the future. The average area dedicated to tunnel strawberry cultivation is increasing, as it provides a buffer against the increasingly unpredictable climate. Farmers like Claus Jensen are optimistic that with continued investment in tunnel structures, they can mitigate the risks associated with unpredictable weather. “We do this to ensure we can deliver fresh strawberries daily through rain or shine,” he asserts.
The trend is clear: the move towards tunnel farming reflects a practical adaptation to a rapidly changing environment. The data reveals that while the number of strawberry farms and open-field production has drastically decreased, experts like Dan Christensen believe we will not entirely bid farewell to open-field strawberries. “There will always be a market for them as consumers appreciate the locally-sourced, traditional farming methods. In Denmark, our heritage of farm shops and fresh produce is deeply ingrained,” he assures.
In conclusion, while the challenges posed by climate change, labor shortages, and market pressures mean that strawberry farming in Denmark is evolving, the resilience of farmers like Claus Jensen illustrates the industry’s adaptability. The continued presence of local strawberries, both in tunnels and open fields, remains a key feature of Denmark’s agricultural landscape.
