TY - THES A1 - Weinrich, Johannes T1 - Effects of the Agricultural Minimum Wage Increase on the Special Crop Sector in Germany N2 - This thesis explores the impact of rising labor costs, driven by minimum wage increases, on Germany's specialty crop sector, with a focus on strawberries and asparagus. The thesis investigates how these cost pressures affect farm operations, particularly in light of labor shortages and substantial wage expenses. Combining market data, government statistics, and industry reports, the research highlights significant trends in production, cultivation practices, and market dynamics between 2015 and 2023. Through analysis of data, this work finds a notable reduction in the number of farms and cultivated areas for both strawberries and asparagus, alongside fluctuations in yield and production volumes. The results suggest that while mechanization offers some relief from rising labor costs, its adoption is limited by high initial investment requirements, technical complexity, and the need for crop-specific solutions. This effect is moderated by significant regional differences, and farm size. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of how minimum wage policies affect the German specialty crop sector, providing insights that are crucial for stakeholders aiming to navigate the evolving agricultural landscape. Y1 - 2024 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-20925 ER -