The growing demand for inulin worldwide continues. Reason to further expand the acreage of chicory. Sensus is looking for growers to give substance to this. The processor has recently started contracting for 2022 and pays a surcharge on top of the existing conditions.
Sensus is a global player when it comes to inulin. "We produce for demand and we have seen that demand rise sharply for years," says René Schunselaar, agro manager at Sensus. A trend that, according to him, has not yet come to an end, given the increasing demand for plant-based healthy food and the contribution of inulin in that area. "We had anticipated this growth, so we are expanding production capacity. It also means that more chicory has to be produced."
Significant expansion
Sensus tries to fill in the growth of the inulin market as much as possible with the existing acreage. In total there are 500 to 600 growers in the Netherlands and Wallonia associated with Sensus. "We see their average yield increasing. Together we are working on a program to further increase the crop yield. From an average of 7 tons of inulin per hectare in 2014 to 10 tons per hectare in 2025. We will eventually get there, but today we have more growers needed to achieve significant expansion."
As the second largest producer of inulin, Sensus believes it can respond well to the growing market demand. "But together with growers," emphasizes Schunselaar. "Our growers ask for stability, which is why we have focused on stable contract conditions in recent years. The conditions will remain unchanged for 2022, except that growers receive a supplement on top of the three-year agreement. Growers who conclude their contract before 1 November receive a bonus of €10 per ton. After this date it will be €8 per ton."
Resilient growth
In this way, Sensus wants to motivate arable farmers to grow (more) chicory. According to Schunselaar, it is an interesting crop that can be a nice addition to the cultivation plan. Not only because of the nematode-reducing property of the cultivation. "Chicory is known as a healthy crop. It is a very resilient crop that is hardly sensitive to diseases and changing weather conditions. If the emergence is good, then you are almost assured of a good harvest."
Still, according to Schunselaar, chicory is a crop that needs attention. "So you should especially enjoy growing the crop. Extra effort that leads to a higher yield is rewarded. You know in advance what prices will be paid. With chicory you can always earn more money as a grower if you can achieve a higher yield. realizes." An advantage here is that Sensus pays out in the fourth week after delivery. "Growers receive their money quickly."
More information
Arable farmers interested in growing chicory can contact their Agrifirm or CZAV crop advisor. Or contact Sensus directly on tel. 0165 - 582 554 or agro@sensus.nl.