Planting and harvesting in the fields with “hygiene extras”: “Running water for regular hand washing is mandatory – and the usual mobile toilet without a water connection is, therefore, taboo,” demands IG Bau. Photo: IG Bau
Wetteraukreis / Vogelsbergkreis (red). What grows in the domestic fields is in-demand goods in the Wetteraukreis and Vogelsbergkreis: “Regional products are already very popular. Besides, fresh fruit and vegetables go well anyway during the corona pandemic – as an alternative to those bought in stock Ravioli cans and bag soups. And as a raw material for the food industry, “says Karl-Otto Waas from the IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt (IG Bau) Gelnhausen-Friedberg.
However, many farmers in the region have a problem that is exacerbated by the corona pandemic: there are no helpers on the farms, according to the agricultural union. Seasonal workers from Romania or Bulgaria may only enter to a limited extent – too few to guarantee a smooth harvest. “Now it’s about discovering a new word: ‘Harvest Solidarity’. If you can grab from both circles, you should do it now. It’s a chance to earn money on the side and invest the time wisely. Asparagus, spinach “Leek – April vegetables don’t wait,” says Waas and Doris Hammes from IG Bau Mittelhessen.
It is not just about the harvest. It was also the time for planting and sowing: carrots, cauliflower, radishes, onions, lettuce, kohlrabi & Co. now had to be in the fields. In May, the work for planting and harvesting helpers will increase significantly again. “Due to the Corona crisis, agriculture is dependent on something that has not existed for a long time: on everyone helping on-site,” emphasizes Waas and Hammes. However, the agricultural union warns that this should not happen at any price: wages and, above all, hygiene standards are important. “Anyone who hires schoolchildren, students or refugees to work in the field must also pay them fairly,” Waas demands. The statutory minimum wage of EUR 9.35 per hour also applies in agriculture. Besides, IG Bau is demanding a hardship allowance for seasonal workers as well as for the regular workforce in agricultural companies. “After all, the employees in the corona pandemic phase also expose themselves to a certain health risk,” Hammes points out.
Farmers in the region should, therefore “let seasonal workers” leave the field with a wage not less than eleven euros per hour “. Many would initially come with no previous knowledge of work in agriculture. “Laypeople will have to learn the professional moves first,” said the trade unionists. Both of them needed some patience here – the helpers, but also the farmers. “Schools, universities of applied sciences and universities that are closed. People working short-time or early retirement who want to earn something extra. Or employees who have already been given notice. And also refugees who see their chance to get a job. The current one The situation must not lead to people being ripped off while harvesting in the fields, “says Waas.
In addition to payment, hygiene at work in the fields is also important. It is important to ensure regular hand washing and disinfection outside. “This means that the toilet at the edge of the field needs a water connection. The usual mobile toilet is not enough here, because without water there is no handwashing”, Hammes makes clear.
If planting and harvesting helpers were accommodated in accommodations, then single rooms would be necessary. “The corona pandemic means that from the usual collective accommodation. Because the same applies there as in the fields: The distance of at least 1.5 meters is mandatory.” Besides, social and sanitary rooms would have to be professionally cleaned every two days. “What is also taboo: the field trip from field to field. Nine-man vans may no longer be used fully occupied,” says Waas. Harvesters should go to the field as independently as possible and with their car, scooter or bicycle. For this, the farmer had to pay them compensation. “The danger of corona lurks everywhere. Plant and harvest helpers must not forget this when they are used outdoors. Employers must set up workplaces and accommodation in such a way that hygiene standards are easy to comply with. Anyone who has questions and problems, should contact IG Bau or the local health department, “says Hammes.
IG Bau has put important hygiene rules for work in agriculture online: www.igbau.de/Ploetzlich-Erntehelfer.html. If you would like to apply as a planting or harvesting assistant from both circles, you can find jobs and further information at www.agrarjobboerse.de. There are also job offers on the portal “The Land Helps” of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture: www.das-land-hilft.de.
