Good prices are currently being paid for early carrots. This is the reason that carrots are harvested early and often do not deliver the yield that was achieved last year. It is unique that the early carrot price remains so high for so long. What keeps the price high, and what is the situation with storage carrots?
The main reasons for the high price of early carrots are the drought in the European Union (EU) and the good end to the previous season. The carrot is now often harvested early, because lots are bought up due to the high demand. As a result, the yield per hectare does not reach the 80 to 90 tons that was achieved last year. That means fewer available kilos.
The price of the early carrot also benefits from this high level where last season ended. Trading houses were empty at the start of this season, because there was little good quality available last season. As a result, the earliest carrots from Limburg were purchased well and the early carrots could be used in other areas.
Long-term high prices
Normally the price for early carrots also at a high level, but according to several traders it is unique that the price remains so high for so long. A price of €25 to €30 per 100 kilos is still paid ex field for the early carrots.
The fact that the price remains so high means that overseas exports have not started. In those countries, carrots from the Netherlands are still considered too expensive. Most Dutch carrots (about 85%) go to Belgium, Germany and other fresh markets. There is also slightly more demand for carrots from France and the Czech Republic, according to traders from Belgium.
Different storage carrot situation
The situation in the storage carrot, on the other hand, is very different. The most important growth months are yet to come. Yet the drought in Europe does have an impact, claims Robert Schilder, sales manager at Bejo. "In the Netherlands, the storage carrots are generally in good condition, although we must not forget that there are also areas where irrigation is not possible. This is also the case in parts of Zeeland and Groningen. However, I also expect that in Wallonia there will be less yield and uniformity."
It should be noted that carrots can generally withstand the heat better than, for example, potatoes and onions. In addition, the carrot may start to look for moisture (due to the current drought) and therefore become extra long.
England and Germany
Lower carrot yields are also expected in the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany. The British Carrot Growers Association expects a decrease of 25%, while others even expect a reduction of 30% to 40%. "We expect the lowest yields in decades and also think that a lot of carrots will have to be imported," says Rodger Hobson, chairman of the association.
Normally the UK is almost completely self-sufficient. There is an additional problem: the sown area has decreased. This also applies to the Netherlands, where a smaller area of storage carrots has also been sown. 6.290 hectares have been sown in the Netherlands, approximately 190 hectares less than last year.
Mildew and carrot fly
Regarding the health of the root crops, Schilder indicates that more problems with mildew are expected. "The pressure of the carrot fly is also relatively high. We expect one more flight (in September/October) compared to other years."