Broadest quality research for onions ever launched

Based on a unique Public-Private Collaboration (PPS) in the entire chain the onion sector has managed to set up a multiple year research programme that promises to take the quality of the Dutch onion to a higher level. Important quality aspects will receive attention primarily to give growers the tools and knowledge with which they are even better able to produce a quality onion. The partners want to strengthen the export position of the Dutch onion for the future.

The Netherlands is the largest onion exporter in the world and exports to around 120 countries all year round. With this the sector is realising a turnover of a half billion Euro per year. This turnover has grown structurally in recent years due to innovations such as new and high produce varieties, professional growers, well equipped storage places and packagers and exporters with an extensive network and an excellent logistical position in the world. To maintain the leading position of the Dutch onion a constant and good quality is crucial.

To safeguard this quality the sector has started a large scale multiple year integral research programme in which the entire chain, from seed producers to exporter, contribute. This is a unique programme in size, content and parties concerned and has never been undertaken before...

The parties concerned believe it is important that the results of of the research are directly and practically applicable. In collaboration with the Topsector Agri & Food a Public-Private Collaboration was set up in which the entire onion sector is participating. They are investing in 3 cornerstones: Seeding materials, Fertiliser and diseases & plagues. Within each cornerstone there are various groups active with specific sub categories. Important topics are controlling diseases such as Fusarium and the risky storage disease head rot. They are also looking at the influence of nutrients, trace elements and harvest time on the quality and tough problems such as bottom tears will get attention. The existing list of varieties will also be continued in this wide research. The sector expects to make the quality of the Dutch onion future proof with this.

The total project costs are around 2 million Euro, of which 650,000 Euro award from the TKI. The research will take three years, but parties have the intention to continue the programme when it proves successful. The first results are expected within a few months. A special work group for communication is focused on the practical translation of the research results towards the growers and other chain partners.

For more information you contact the president of the committee::

Gijsbrecht Gunter (President Comité Ui GroentenFruit Huis President Holland Onion Association)Mob: 06 52 123 146 of ribbens@groentenfruithuis.nl