'Area of ​​chicory will increase again in 2019'

"The acreage of chicory will grow in 2019", says René Schunselaar, agro manager at Sensus. In addition, the most recent Sensus campaign had a low average yield.

"Except extension among the permanent growers, there are also new growers who are going to grow for us," reports Schunselaar. "The acreage of chicory showed a slight decrease in 2017 and 2018, mainly because production then increased faster than sales. In addition, the market for inulin shows an annual growth, which means that production can grow again in 2019." Exact acreage figures are not yet known.

Interest from growers
There is sufficient interest among growers. An important factor in this regard is the stable contract conditions (base price of €73,50 per tonne). A second factor is Sensus's program to improve crop yields. "The goal is an average yield of 10 tons by 2023."

Last campaign, that average was not achieved. "The average yield in that campaign was 8 tons. However, there were also growers with a yield of 5 tons and growers with a yield of 12 tons, so big differences. The inulin content was good and exceeded 17% As a result, the growers are paid a supplement", Schunselaar describes the campaign.

Growing market
"The growth in the global inulin market has everything to do with the increasing focus on healthier food. In Europe there is a lot of attention for reducing the number of added sugars, so that there is enough growth potential." Sensus plays an important role in this market, because there are only 3 suppliers of inulin from chicory in the world.

Schunselaar looks back with satisfaction on the introduction of cultivation, 25 years ago now. "The cultivation is great. We produce for a free world market, although inulin is not a bulk product. The arable sector in the Netherlands can be proud of it."

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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