"Netherlands: "Autumn crop schemes become too expensive"

For the past decade, brothers Hans and Theo Polman have been cultivating their cucumbers (17 million a year) and tomatoes (half a million kilos a year) in the Dutch community of Erica. The Speedella tomatoes (on 4 hectares) are grown in the fall, mostly in an attempt to keep disease pressure low and to prolong the season. However, Hans Polman now sees autumn revenues declining.

“The CHP allowed us to keep up cultivation through November and December,” he says. “That was really the main reason: the low energy costs in the winter months. In recent years though, energy expenses are increasing, causing the autumn crop to become progressively expensive. We are going to have to reconsider our actions this fall."

Meeting market demand
Last autumn was the first time Hans and his brother worked with the Speedella tomato. Hans: "The experiences of fellow growers were good. Our crop advisor agreed with our choice, especially because Speedella is coarser and tear-resistant. Speedella is better in quality and gives gorgeous fruits of around 160 grams, which are currently in high demand. The market also calls for lighter tomatoes. Unfortunately, most consumers aren’t willing to pay a little more."

Learning curve
With the tomato having only been introduced last fall, Hans and Theo are still in a learning curve, discovering how to grow the plant with maximum yield. “Pruning is still something of a challenge," says Hans, "as is suspending the plants on wire. The lower vines demand slightly different treatment than the upper ones. All of these things are lessons for the next crop."