This means that lines on the regional stock exchanges were also trending downwards this week. Goes decreased by an average of half a euro for both coarse gradings. Middenmeer, like Emmeloord, has set the bottom at 5,00 euros and in Emmeloord the price of the coarse grade of yellow onions fell and there was a dull mood.
New signals of increased demand for onions do not seem to reach the Dutch onion market. As time goes by, the Dutch onion market feels calmer. The order books for the coming week are less full than this week and everyone is waiting to see what movement the onion market will make. It is hoped that some price stabilization will occur.
Because the quality of Dutch onions is good on average this year, there was also a large sorting capacity. If the order volume then shrinks, work is quickly sought that is not available at the moment. This process is reinforced by the fact that surrounding countries are also looking for sales areas, which makes it somewhat of a tail-biting situation for the onion-selling countries.
Yet there is no reason to panic. The month of February is usually quiet due to the switch to other markets. There is more diversity in prices, especially at the bale price level. The availability of the coarse sizes is certainly more difficult due to less exports, because a large part of the batch (the finer sizes) has to be temporarily stored in crates at the sorter.
The latest reports from Brussels regarding the authorization of the germ-inhibiting agent maleic hydrazide (MH) seem to be taking a positive turn. The majority of the 28 Member States appear to be against a ban on MH on condition that the hydrazide content is reduced. The coming period will be used for research. It is hoped that the time that permit holders have lost in this regard will be granted to them. This positive movement does not mean that all signals are green, but it does mean that important steps have been taken. Moreover, the recognition of the importance of MH is a boost for the onion sector.