Celeriac is a relatively small crop in the Netherlands. The most important cultivation area is the southwest of the Netherlands, but there are also growers in, for example, North Holland, Flevoland and Limburg. There is a fairly stable group of growers and the acreage seems to stabilize after years of growth.
Celeriac is a relatively small crop in the Netherlands. The most important cultivation area is the southwest of the Netherlands, but there are also growers in, for example, North Holland, Flevoland and Limburg. There is a fairly stable group of growers and the acreage seems to stabilize after years of growth.
Celeriac is very dependent on export. The main sales markets are Germany and Eastern Europe. In countries such as France and Germany, there is increasing attention for locally produced food. This is a threat to Dutch celeriac cultivation, which is mainly export-oriented. Only a small part remains in the Netherlands.
Average Yield
The growing season went reasonably well in 2020. The start was especially difficult due to drought and cold. After that, conditions improved. Merry estimates that the yields of celeriac on clay are at an average level. This is lower on sand due to the drought and heat. The yield of celeriac looks good all over Europe.
Prices moderate to poor
The prices of celeriac are moderate to poor at the moment. "There is quite a lot of celeriac hanging above the market and that doesn't help the price," says Vrolijk. "In Zeeland, some growers, where the celeriac is still in the ground, are waiting for better prices. If the supply of celeriac from outdoor refrigerated storage dries up, and we switch to mechanical cooling, the price can sometimes pick up and hopefully come closer to cost."
Ted Vaalburg, celeriac grower in Zuidschermer, emphasizes that it is important to think about sales in advance. "Certainly in a year with sufficient supply, it is important that you have thought about sales in advance". Vaalburg sells most of its harvest through the traditional chain. A small part is sold in the region. "The logistics of getting small quantities to the customer is the biggest challenge. Supermarkets prefer to work via the well-known logistics structure."
Vaalburg pays a lot of attention to the promotion of celeriac and the development of the Dutch market. "As a farmer, you are proud of what you produce. For example, we organize a snert event and an open day to promote celeriac. You also involve consumers more in your company and create social support."
Small cultivation
The acreage of celeriac has fluctuated around 4 hectares over the past 1.900 years. Statistics Netherlands data shows that in 2020 the largest area was cultivated with 1.940 hectares. This broke the record of 1.920 hectares in 2017. It should be noted here that the yields per hectare increased sharply during that period, which means that more celeriac is coming onto the market.
Because the cultivation is small, there is only a limited range of chemical agents available. Disease and insect control is generally successful, but weed control is more difficult. Manual weeding is often necessary to get the crop clean. Germany, but also other European customers, apply a strict maximum residue limit (MRL). It is therefore important to take this into account to avoid problems with sales.
The (fresh) market places high demands on celeriac in terms of quality, size selection and MRLs. Sales also have to be in order to make a return on cultivation. The crop therefore requires the necessary knowledge from the farmer and is certainly not for everyone.