How are the onions in Europe doing?

The south of Europe has been experiencing extremely dry weather for months. In countries such as Spain and Italy, this results in a significantly smaller (onion) harvest. It is the domestic markets that are most affected by this. Strangely enough, a smaller yield does not have direct consequences for the price everywhere. Italy and Spain, for example, have a difficult onion market despite lower yields.

German grower prefers red to yellow
The areas of onions in Europe have remained stable or decreased slightly this year. A clear peak was noticeable in 2021, which has now leveled off. In the Netherlands this decrease of 8% is quite large. In Germany too, the decrease in cultivation is 8%, the Fachverband Deutsche Speisezwiebel reports based on its own research. This means about 1.100 hectares fewer onions in our eastern neighbors, which amounts to 12.678 hectares of sowing onions. The shrinkage for yellow seed onions is even greater at 12%, the FDS says. 5% growth is noticeable in red onions. This is also comparable to our country, where red is also gaining more and more of a foothold.

The effect of the heat and drought on the main harvest in Germany is still unclear. Growers mainly complain about a smaller selection. The quality is good, they note. Irrigated plots are noticeably better, but regional irrigation bans mean that this is no longer possible everywhere. The first yellow and red seed onions are now offered on the market, while batches of winter onions and onion sets can also be found. The market demand – especially for red onions – is very good.

Poland: more onions, or not?
The spring was colder and drier than average in many European countries. In Poland, sowing was delayed because a lot of rain fell in March and April. However, the crops were able to recover later. The irrigated crops in particular are in better shape. The statistics agency GUS has now estimated the yield. This amounts to 650.000 tons this year compared to 618.000 tons last year.

This does not entirely correspond with what insiders report. There are also many onion plots in Poland that are not looking very flourishing at all. The south, south-west and center of Poland has been very dry for months. In the north, the growing conditions for all crops are much better.

France: heat and insect damage deal a heavy blow
The onion crops in France have perhaps been hit hardest by the summer, which has been causing problems there for months. In the south of France this not only results in low yields and a small size selection, growers also have to deal with a lot of damage from cicadas. As a result, yields are between 20% and 80% lower. In extreme cases, the onions no longer need to be harvested at all. Irrigated plots clearly have a significant advantage in both yield and quality.

Belgium
Onion cultivation in Belgium is modest. This year there has been a significant decrease in area of ​​16%. The surface area drops from 4.137 to 3.477 hectares. A decrease of 20% is even noticeable for vegetable cultivation as a whole. Farmers are choosing grains and corn this year over growing peas, carrots and beans. The focus of Flemish cultivation is in West Flanders, along the North Sea coast. That is the driest part of the country with a major rainfall deficit. There is no question of an irrigation ban yet and, according to the Flemish government, this is not expected in the short term. However, the current weather also has consequences for the (onion) crops there, although this is still unclear for the main harvest.

England: disastrous consequences for yield
The cultivation of onions is clustered on professional farms in the east of England. That region in particular has the dubious honor of being the driest area in England. July has never seen such little precipitation since measurements began in 1884. The mercury has also never risen above 40 degrees. After an excellent winter onion harvest, there are now major concerns about the main harvest. The companies can almost always irrigate and there is usually still sufficient water available. The British Growers Association expects a 50% lower yield this season, especially in areas where irrigation is now banned or where irrigation is not possible. Importing products is an additional problem for the British due to lengthy queues at customs in Dover.

Netherlands: big differences between south and north
Just like with potatoes, the differences between south and north are enormous this year, roughly the area below Utrecht and above. In Zeeland, South Holland and Brabant it was possible to sow on time in March, while northern colleagues often waited for the rain. The very early plots often have a better crop condition, although insiders admit that plots with a grade of 9 or 10 are hard to find this year. There is also a difference now that the onions are entering their final growth phase. In the south, most plots have been completely cleared and the time for harvesting is fast approaching. In the north, ironing is only just beginning. Yellow points in the foliage after the extreme heat are clearly visible everywhere.

The weather also poses an obstacle to the harvest, such as onion sets that are now rapidly disappearing from the land. Plots must be irrigated before harvesting and that is not possible everywhere. Charging at temperatures above 30 degrees is also not recommended. In the northern provinces, growers still irrigate mainly for yield, although there is disagreement about irrigating a spreading crop.

Rain a danger?
The yields of onion sets are average to good. This probably works out differently for sowing onions, especially in places where it is persistently dry. A shower front that has been announced for the medium term may be pleasant for the harvest, but not with a view to quality or possible regrowth. This spring, many large batches were expected due to a thin stand. The weather means that these expectations may have to be adjusted. Plots with potential may still benefit from the rain, although it is becoming increasingly clear that the yield will be 'ordinary'.