Agricultural producer prices in Germany experienced an overall decline of 7.0% in August 2026 compared with the corresponding month of the previous year, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office, known as Destatis. This downward trajectory followed similar year-on-year decreases recorded in previous months, with the change rate standing at -13.7% in July 2026 and -13.9% in June 2026. However, on a month-on-month basis, total agricultural producer prices rose by 5.5% between July 2026 and August 2026. Destatis noted that this represented the most significant monthly increase since March 2022, when rates jumped 13.1% following the outbreak of the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, which caused spikes in items such as grain.
A stark divergence characterized the year-on-year price movements between plant-based output and animal-based products. Prices for crop products advanced by 12.3% in August 2026 relative to August 2025, marking the first annual increase recorded since July 2024, when prices rose 3.7% compared to July 2023. Conversely, prices for animals and animal products dropped by 16.6% over the same twelve-month period. When compared sequentially with July 2026, price levels advanced across both major divisions in August 2026, with crop products rising 11.1% and animals and animal products increasing by 2.0%.
The 12.3% annual increase in crop prices was driven heavily by notable gains in table potatoes. Potato prices surged 61.5% in August 2026 compared to August 2025, constituting the first year-on-year increase since July 2024, when prices gained 16.0% over July 2023. The annual variation for potatoes had previously registered at -45.4% in July 2026 and -35.9% in June 2026. Furthermore, table potato prices nearly doubled, climbing 93.0% against the preceding month of July 2026. Vegetable prices climbed 14.3% over the year, highlighted by increases for iceberg lettuce up 72.4%, tomatoes higher by 27.8%, and cucumbers advancing 15.4%. In contrast, cauliflower and cabbage varieties saw price drops of 14.7% and 6.4% respectively over the year.
Additional crop categories showed mixed results. Grain prices increased 11.5% in August 2026 compared to August 2025, and rose 4.1% against July 2026. Commercial crops overall traded 7.9% higher annually, with rapeseed prices advancing 13.6%. Fodder plants recorded a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year, while wine prices edged up 0.6%. Meanwhile, fruit prices declined by 20.4% year-on-year, driven down by reductions including table apples at -32.9% and strawberries at -6.4%.
Within the animal sector, the 16.6% annual decrease was heavily influenced by lower milk prices. Milk prices stood 23.9% lower in August 2026 than in August 2025, though they managed a 1.5% increase compared with July 2026. Egg prices moved in the opposite direction, registering a 7.9% annual increase. Animal livestock prices overall were down 13.4% year-on-year in August 2026. This decline was anchored by a 19.0% drop in slaughter pig prices and a 12.9% decrease for cattle. Poultry prices fell 2.5% over the twelve-month period, influenced primarily by a 4.6% reduction in chicken prices, while other poultry categories including ducks and turkeys experienced a 0.6% price increase.
The index compiled by Destatis tracks selling prices within domestic agriculture, excluding value-added tax, to reflect pricing developments at the initial stage of commercial activity.
