The onion area in Germany will increase significantly again in 2024. In ten years, the area has increased by almost 60%. This year too, seed suppliers expect a significant increase in cultivation area. It is mainly the 'border farmers' along the German-Dutch border who see salvation in the onion.
The onion area remained stable in Germany last year, according to official statistical figures, at 15.084 hectares. Looking at the trend over a longer period, a steady increase is visible. This will amount to no less than 60% in ten years. That amounts to 5.600 hectares more onions. Compared to the Dutch acreage, this is modest, but it is clear that the onion is popular.
7,5 percent growth
Lower Saxony is the state with the largest area of onions. Nearly 30% of all German onions are grown there. The border state saw the area increase by 7,5% last year to 4.333. This is reflected in the yield, which was 15% higher at 216.000 tons. This is evident from statistical figures from the state itself.
Bavaria is at number 2 with 3.000 hectares of onions. This is traditionally the most important onion growing area in Germany. Due to an erratic growing season, growers are struggling with relatively poor onion quality. Official figures speak of an average of 18,7% tare. This brings the net yield to well over 105.000 tons. This is considerably less than in 2022, when 53,8 net tonnes per hectare were cleared, compared to 34,8 tonnes this year.
Yield 15% higher
Number 3 is North Rhine-Westphalia, where more than 2.500 hectares of onions are grown. The border region with the Netherlands is therefore the most important growing area for onions. In total, the German onion harvest last year amounted to 666.320 tons according to Destatis. That is 15% more than in 2022, when 578.180 tons were harvested.
What does an increasing onion area mean for Dutch yields? After Great Britain, our eastern neighbors are the largest buyer of onions, although this varies from year to year. No figures are yet known for 2023, but 2022 tons were exported in 45.500. That was the largest volume since 2009. What that will be like in 2023 remains to be seen. Due to significantly lower availability, that volume is probably lower. If the Germans have enough onions, exports can sometimes decrease considerably.
Area increases significantly
The onion area will increase again in 2024, according to seed companies, based on the orders they have received. Especially with the sharply fallen grain prices, onions offer an attractive alternative. It is mainly potato growers who also dive into onions. They have the ability to irrigate – which is an absolute must – and experience with labor-intensive and risky crops. This despite the good contract prices for potatoes. Here too, a lack of seed potatoes works to the advantage of onions.
The seed companies do not yet dare to state with hard figures how large the growth in area will be. Insiders talk about 7,5% to 10% growth, which means that the area could grow to 16.500 hectares. Compared to the surface area in the Netherlands, this is still small, but it is the largest area ever. Arable farmers have relatively much space for cultivation and a spacious construction plan. There are plenty of opportunities. That is why Dutch arable farmers are increasingly growing onions in Germany.