The sales market for inulin shows stable growth worldwide. In order to be able to meet the increasing demand, new chicory growers are being sought. "Chicory can ensure a good spread of risk within the construction plan," says René Schunselaar, agro manager at Sensus.
Chicory processor Sensus, part of Royal Cosun, has seen the demand for inulin growing for a number of years. "That will be confirmed again next year," says René Schunselaar. "Customers in the food industry see the potential of inulin as a healthy ingredient. Given the structural growth, we are working on a program to increase the cultivation yield. From an average of 7 tons per hectare in 2014 to 10 tons per hectare in 2025."
Annual growth
That means 3 to 4% growth per year, which partly meets the increasing demand for inulin. But the market is growing faster, Schunselaar notes. "On the one hand, we try to fill that in with our regular growers. We also see room for newcomers."
Currently, about 500 arable farmers in the Netherlands and Wallonia are affiliated with Sensus. According to Schunselaar, it is not possible to say exactly how many growers can still add. "Of course there is always a bit of natural attrition, but let's assume about 10% expansion."
Unique features
It is expected that the intended area expansion will be successful. "Chicory cultivation has a number of unique properties. First of all, it is a very well-organized chain. Due to the close cooperation, targeted efforts are made to increase the yield." In addition, according to Schunselaar, Sensus is a reliable buyer for growers. "We work with fixed contract prices and conditions. The more tons you deliver, the more you get paid."
Finally, chicory cultivation fits well in the cropping plan with a view to spreading risk. Provided you have a good turnout, the crop also ensures a reasonably simple and robust cultivation. Weather conditions, diseases and pests barely get a hold of it. Only the weed control is one of the points of attention.
Prioritize cultivation
In theory, chicory can be interesting for every arable farmer, says Schunselaar. "The condition is that you pay time and attention to the cultivation when it is needed. You have to be on top of it, especially during the sowing period, germination and emergence. You also have to be able to prioritize weed control. If you have any doubts, don't start."
Chicory can take place in any growing region. However, the costs for transport are paid by the grower, which is settled with the settlement. In practice this means: the closer you are to the factory in Roosendaal, the lower the costs. Sensus' chicory payout amounts to approximately €0,50 per kilogram of inulin. "There are more and more growers who are already structurally realizing a yield of 10 tons per hectare. Then you are at €5.000 per hectare. This yield is of course dependent on weather conditions, but also on the efforts you make as a grower and the priority who gives you the crop."
Oversowing leniency arrangement
New in 2021 in the contract conditions is the leniency scheme for overseeding. "In principle, weather risks are the grower's responsibility. At the same time, we notice that the start of the crop in chicory is crucial for the yield. A good seed bed and a fast, uniform emergence are essential. It seems that the weather risks in the spring We have therefore decided, also in view of the great importance of good germination and emergence, to make some concessions to the growers. , we will pay - under certain conditions - half of the seed costs."
Arable farmers interested in chicory cultivation can contact a cultivation advisor of Agrifirm or CZAV. Or directly with Sensus via agro@sensus.nl or tel. 0165 - 582 554.