Brought to you by Census
Chicory deserves a place in future-oriented building plan
The market situation for inulin from chicory has improved considerably in recent years. The worldwide demand for inulin is rising and as a result there is a solid bottom in the market. For chicory processor Sensus, this offers opportunities to adjust the contracts in favor of the growers.
Compared to previous years, the payout is up to 60% higher. In addition, there are new varieties that give up to 3% higher inulin yields. The gross yield can therefore rise to more than €5.000 per hectare. "This means that chicory deserves a structural place in the cultivation plan of the Dutch arable farmer", says agro manager René Schunselaar of Sensus.
Sensus has expanded its production capacity in view of the increased sales opportunities. As a result, there is room for more chicory cultivation. Under the new contract conditions, the payout price will increase considerably and chicory deserves serious consideration in the building plan. "The basic price goes from about €70 now to €90 per ton for regular growers with an inulin number of 17. There are also surcharges.
Gross balance of above €5.000 feasible
The payout price can exceed €100 via content settlement and surcharges. At the usual yield levels of 45 to 50 tons of carrots per hectare, the gross financial yield then reaches levels of around €5.000. In addition, a very important adjustment is that the transport cost settlement will no longer apply. Where the €70 was a 'gross price', the €90 will be more of a net price," says Schunselaar.
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Cultivation risks manageable
Chicory fits best on light soil (up to 35% siltable). The period of germination and emergence of chicory is challenging. The same applies to weed control. "For successful cultivation, the crop deserves attention and priority during that period," says Schunselaar. "But once the crop is there, the cultivation risks are manageable. Chicory is a robust crop that can take a beating. Too much or too little water is usually not a problem and chicory hardly suffers from fungi and insects."
