Typical cauliflower production systems in Germany

Cauliflower is one of the most intensive vegetable crops in Germany. Production system analysis provides important information for the assessment of innovation potential. In this paper, typical cauliflower production systems in Germany are reviewed. Data collection included 52 interviews with farm managers covering details such as the production area, cultivation program and natural location factors, as well as field operations, technology used, the required labour, and resources. Data on yields, prices, marketing fees and surcharges were collected. The production systems were grouped by size as the most important differentiating factor. Four different production systems were established from small to very large. Results show that larger production systems are equipped with bigger machinery and more advanced technologies. Tillage, fertilisation, plant protection and irrigation were similar. Economies of scale can be observed through mechanisation and labour cost decreased with production volume. High output prices are the main reason for income and the gross margin to increase with production volume.