Germany expands onion and carrot cultivation

The 2017 German carrot harvest is at a significantly higher level than in previous years. Nearly 734.000 tons of carrots were harvested, a record. It is also more than 14% more than in 2016 and almost 40% more than in 2015. This volume corresponds to an area of ​​12.500 hectares; compared to 2016 and 2015, this represents an increase of 12% and 30% respectively.

Carrot cultivation is especially popular among our eastern neighbors. Additional demand is expected around Easter, because carrots are often used during Easter meals in Germany. Although the larger domestic harvest affects the export of Dutch carrots to Germany, exports to Germany appear to have stabilized in recent years. The preference of Germans for regional carrot can work to the advantage of Dutch growers.

(Text continues below the chart)After a decline in carrot exports to Germany, they are now more stable.

Onion production
The production of seed onions in 2017 was more than 540.000 tons, with an average yield of 46 tons per hectare (for comparison: in the Netherlands this was 55,7 tons per hectare). In 2012, the total German harvest was 485.000 tons. Almost 12.000 hectares of onions are grown in Germany, an increase compared to 5 years ago. At that time the area was still 9.500 hectares.

An increase in the area is visible, including in the state of Lower Saxony, where 1/3 of all onions are grown. Potato growers in particular have started growing onions. The machinery can often be used for both crops. The increasing domestic production has consequences for the export of Dutch onions to Germany. 

In the Netherlands, despite poor price formation, seed companies also expect an area growth for onions; especially for red onions.Exports to Germany have mainly shown a decline since 2008.