The Market News Network (RMN) has declared cucumbers to be in crisis. Prices in January and February were a lot higher than the average but began to decrease in March. The Minister of Agriculture explains that “In April, the prices continued to decrease with the increase in all production basins as well as more European competition.”
The weather as of mid-April was also less favourable to consumption and cucumbers were declared in crisis on the 20th April. Prices in April 2017 are actually close to those of April 2016 (-0.5%). They are within the five year average. Overall, since the start of the season, imports and exports have decreased leading to an 8% reduction in trade.
Acreage is stable this year, reaching 570 hectares, which is a 2% increase compared to the 2012-2016 average. Acreage in heated greenhouses has increased by 1% whilst unheated greenhouses see a slight decrease. Open air acreage remains small.
French production is expected to reach 127,100 tons, a 2% increase over the year and 3% higher than the five year average. The Centre West is France’s main production basin and production has increased by 9% over the year with a 2% increase in acreage. Harvest in the South East will be stable over the year but plummet by 7% compared to the five year average.