In the Netherlands, Aspergekwekerij Gubbels' Walter and Ton Gubbels have been busy with greenhouse asparagus for just over a month now, and the season is going exceptionally well. "Prices are good, and the quality is truly outstanding. Last year's growing season was great, with plenty of sunshine. I hear the quality is exceeding expectations across the board," says Walter. He is more concerned about the open-field crop, though.
"Some open-field growers have already started production with plastic and mini tunnels, but it's a struggle. It's been far too wet everywhere. Some of my plots still have winter foliage. That's obviously not good. Those should've been ready by now." Walter is waiting for better weather. "Some growers have already plowed their plots, but we've decided to wait. The season is starting late anyway," he says.
Ton and Walter Gubbels
"Easter is actually too early for the greenhouse asparagus, and prices will probably be unprecedentedly high. That's nice, but overall, it's only a minimal volume, which doesn't make a true difference. We'd have preferred to have more produce from the mini tunnels. It's much better to have a significant volume available at slightly lower prices across all hectares."
AA asparagus is currently selling at around €12.50. "Remarkably, the market's lower end is also being well paid. That's a sign of the times; it represents a significant portion of the total. Prices should be high this week and will only rise as Easter approaches," says The Greenery affiliated grower.
This year, Aspergekwekerij Gubbels invested heavily in a portal tractor with a high sprayer to keep the paths clean. "We want to keep the weeds at zero. I don't want to switch to organic farming because I want to be able to intervene if genuinely necessary. But we probably won't have to spray anymore. The number of available agents is decreasing, and consumers are becoming more critical. That's why we're focusing on this method of sustainability."
Gubbels also grows green and purple asparagus. "And we'll keep doing so. Many customers visit our store expecting to buy the three colors. We'll thus continue cultivating a few thousand square meters of purple and a few hectares of green asparagus. However, white asparagus is our main crop, where peeling is important, too," Walter concludes.
For more information:
Walter and Ton Gubbels
Aspergekwekerij Gubbels
Nieuwkuykseweg 7b, 5268 LH
Helvoirt, the Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0) 411 641 283
gubbels-asperges@hetnet.nl
www.gubbels-asperges.nl