Acreage of winter carrots and celeriac decreased in 2018

The acreage of winter carrots and celeriac decreased in 2018 compared to 2017. In the longer term, however, the picture is completely different. This is evident from new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

The acreage of winter carrots decreased to 2018 hectares in 6.183, a decrease of almost 5% compared to 2017 (6.479 hectares). In 2018 there were approximately 850 arable farmers growing carrots. The lower yield and the smaller acreage resulted in a higher carrot price.

Decrease in acreage of celeriac
In addition, the acreage of celeriac decreased (-2,4% to 1.875 hectares) and the number of growers growing celeriac decreased (281 heads). The decrease in acreage is mainly due to the large acreage increase in 2017. At the time, the acreage increased by almost 12%.

In combination with the good yield, it meant for many growers that they turned a loss† This season the yield is a bit lower and the acreage is smaller, so there is hope that the price will be better.

Long-term increase
Incidentally, the acreage of winter carrots and celeriac has increased over the longer term. The acreage of celeriac has increased by more than 10% in 40 years, while the acreage of winter carrots has grown by 17% in that period.

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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