Agricultural producer prices in Germany experienced a moderate increase of 2.2 percent in September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This follows a similar increase in August 2025, contrasting with a slight decrease observed in July 2025. However, a notable decline of 1.5 percent was recorded for September 2025 compared to the preceding month.
The divergence in price trends continued between plant-based and animal-derived products. Prices for agricultural produce from plant cultivation decreased significantly, falling by 10.5 percent year-on-year, while prices for livestock and animal products rose by 9.9 percent. This uneven performance highlights potential structural issues within the agricultural sector and raises questions about the sustainability of current farming practices.
The sharp decline in plant-based product prices is largely attributed to a substantial decrease in potato prices, which plummeted 44.0 percent compared to September 2024. This volatility in potato prices, following even steeper declines in the previous months, reflects broader market dynamics and potential oversupply issues impacting the potato market. Further decreases were registered across various vegetable categories, including cucumbers, iceberg lettuce and various leafy greens, while the price of cultivated mushrooms saw a less expected increase.
Fruit prices, in contrast, registered a slight decrease of 0.6 percent compared to the prior year, marking the first year-on-year decline since April 2023. This may be indicative of changing consumer preferences or the impact of climate conditions on yields. Strawberries experienced a noticeable price drop, while Tafeläpfel, or table apples, saw a price increase.
Grain prices recorded a 11.5 percent decrease compared to the previous year, alongside a broader 12.3 percent drop for commercial crops. Rapeseed emerged as an exception to this trend, experiencing a price increase of 1.5 percent. The decline in prices for feed crops, down 9.3 percent year-on-year, points to potential challenges in the livestock feed supply chain. Wine prices, however, defied this general downward trend with a 2.1 percent increase.
Prices for livestock saw a substantial rise of 11.5 percent year-on-year, primarily fueled by a 42.1 percent surge in cattle prices. Slaughter pigs, however, bucked this trend with a price decrease of 4.6 percent. Poultry prices increased significantly, particularly for ‘other’ poultry (ducks and turkeys) and chicken. The discrepancy in livestock pricing necessitates a deeper investigation into market factors, potential disease outbreaks and the management of livestock production.
The price of milk increased by 8.2 percent compared to September 2024, despite a decrease compared to August 2025. Egg prices also saw an increase of 9.7 percent within the same period.
The diverging trends in agricultural prices are prompting policymakers to re-evaluate agricultural subsidies and support mechanisms, considering the potential long-term implications for food security and the economic viability of farming communities.
