The record seed onion production in the Netherlands is smaller than predicted. Many expected a total harvest of 1,8 million tons. According to the preliminary harvest estimate from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the harvest will amount to 1,73 million tons.
Judging from preliminary speculation, the onion market can manage for the time being with the forecast published today. Prior to the publication, market participants predicted yields of 50 to 55 tons per hectare, with most estimates being close to 55 tons.
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) estimates a gross yield of 52,1 tons per hectare for the total seed onion area. This is 11% higher than last year. Combined with the larger area, this results in a harvest that is larger than ever before, at 1,7 million tons. Compared to last year, this represents a 17% increase.
On average, it was a favorable season for seed onions, with an early start and good growth. "A larger acreage and plenty of sunshine also resulted in high yields for this crop. However, quality may be lower due to common soil-borne diseases, which can lead to higher losses," Statistics Netherlands (CBS) concludes in an explanation of the figures.
The increase in the area of seed onions is due to the red variety. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) maintains that this area is 35% larger, despite some doubts about this in practice. The area of yellow seed onions is almost 2% smaller than last year.
Gross production of yellow seed onions in the Netherlands is increasing to 1,4 million tons due to higher yields per hectare. This quantity is 13% higher than last year. This means that the availability of yellow seed onions is approximately 160.000 tons higher this year than a year ago. This is in terms of gross kilograms. Late fusarium infection is expected to cause slightly more losses, resulting in slightly lower net production than initially appears.
This doesn't mean there isn't a larger quantity available for export this season. That's not a problem in itself, as exports are booming. In the first fourteen weeks of this season, exports exceeded 400.000 tons for the first time, giving exports a 90.000-ton lead over last year.
The gross yield of red seed onions is estimated at 290.000 tons (+45%). Last year, 200.000 tons of red onions were harvested.