Dutch onion acreage is not yet at its top

The sowing onion area in the Netherlands reached a record of 2017 hectares in 26.679. CBS figures show this. It represents an increase of 6,38% compared to the previous year. This increase is relatively significant. The 5-year average is 1,67%. The increase in 2017 was the second largest in 1 years.

Late order
Inquiries from seed companies, growers and insiders show that growth is once again being focused on in 2018. It is indicated that the feeling often points in the other direction. This is mainly due to the low market prices and the published results of the various national onion pools.

The seed companies indicate that it is still very early to make statements. Sales are on schedule, or just below. Orders started coming relatively late; only at the start of this year. This is based on a combination of factors. At least the surface area remains the same, that is the general idea.

A growth of a few percent is considered possible. The question, however, is whether this tends towards the average or whether it again exceeds 5%. In any case, a significant reduction in area is not considered plausible by insiders. During the Onion Theme Day in Dronten, Wim Waterman of Waterman Onions already said that the area must be increased sustainable to keep up with exports.

Growth in perspective
Despite the fact that the traditional cultivation areas are considered full, space also appeared to be available in 2017. Flevoland was the only one that barely grew. For 2018, growers and (seed) companies expect the greatest growth to take place in the new areas; Drenthe, Overijssel and Groningen in particular are earmarked. In 2017, growth here was 45%, 41% and 26% respectively.

The percentage growth deserves some nuance. Drenthe, the largest grower, comprises 3% of the total area. In addition, 1% growth in Flevoland is equivalent to almost 12% in Drenthe (when we look at the surface area). There are growth opportunities. For example, the total area of ​​grains in the province of Drenthe is 12.663 hectares. Furthermore, almost 23.000 hectares of starch potatoes and 12.600 hectares of sugar beets are grown in this province. The grains in particular are in sharp decline. Spring barley alone fell by 13% in 2017. Long-term low grain prices stimulate onion cultivation.

Growth ambition
In the northeastern cultivation areas, relatively many seed onions are sold in a polar context. This often involves ex-land delivery or short-term storage. Cultivation is becoming more professional, which emphasizes the growth ambition of arable farmers. Product quality is also increasing.

As onion cultivation becomes more professional, the sales methodology also changes. On the online trading platform onion trade.com parties from Overijssel and Drenthe are offered, among others. As cultivation expands, more thought is being given to risk spreading and covering it. Inquiries among growers show that there is an ambition to organize sales differently next season. Yet there are also plenty of arable farmers who continue to feel at home in an onion pool.

Variety Selection
Last harvest was challenging for many onion growers; especially in the Northern Netherlands. In addition to the low tare percentages, the onions are also called 'falling bald'. They have less skin due to the growing season. When selecting varieties, skin strength will be taken into account more closely for the coming season. The ripening also deserves attention. An early onion may produce less yield, but it will be ready for harvest sooner. A shorter growing season reduces risk.

To have more options in the shed, a robust onion is also required. You are more likely to put the heaters on there without fear of losing a skin. Boxes with serious storage problems have often been cleaned up. February is traditionally remembered as quiet. That also characterizes the current mood: wait and pay attention. This also applies to the planning for next season.