Last spring's cooler, darker weather led to rather disappointing fruit & vegetable production in the Netherlands. That resulted in favorable pricing, especially for bell peppers. However, after a summer dip, all these products rebounded last week, notes Ton van Dalen, Oxin Growers' commercial director.
"Luckily, prices of just about all greenhouse vegetables improved last week. Cucumbers had had a tough time, but day trade prices are now at around €0.65 for the 40'ers and €0.55 for the 35 grades. TOVs go for about a euro, and loose tomatoes for roughly €0.90. Red bell peppers are back to approximately €1.70, green ones sell for €1.25, with yellow and orange peppers reaching around €2.20 and €2.40, respectively. Eggplants are priced at about €1.70. That's as much as 28% higher than last year," says Ton.
"Vacations are reaching their end in some areas, which often benefits prices. I, thus, hope this upward trend will hold. Tomato production has caught up nicely. Bell pepper production is, however, still lagging considerably, and it's doubtful whether it will catch up."
Currently, much thought is again being given to whether to use lights in the fall, especially by tomato and cucumber growers. "Growers are seriously considering this, but they want certain price guarantees. Nobody dares leave prices to the day trade; they understandably want some security. There's much discussion about that now," explains Ton.
He adds that disease and pest pressure remain a concern. "Last year, many bell pepper growers had aphids; now root problems are the main problem. Because of this, these growers are thinking about putting in a fall crop of tomatoes. There, the tomato virus is still an issue. Although resistant varieties are being grown, in many cases, production lags behind that of non-resistant varieties. Those resistant varieties also aren't as hardy. Everyone's very curious to see how the resistant varieties will continue developing."
Oxin Growers' acreage expanded considerably last year, with as much as 65 hectares for bell peppers. For next year, Ton expects less drastic changes. "Most greenhouse growers have chosen their association, with limited swapping. There aren't many free growers anymore, and most of those who are free have chosen their path. But we're, naturally, happy to engage with growers who are still orientating themselves," he concludes.
For more information:
Ton van Dalen
Oxin Growers
Tel.: +31 (0) 180 203 202
Email: [email protected]
www.oxin-growers.nl
