The acreage used for growing strawberries amounted to 1630 hectare on 1 April of this year. In the peak year of 2012, it was still 1780 hectare. Cultivation in greenhouses and accessible plastic tunnels has increased since 2006 from 250 to 400 hectare. Of the strawberries grown in the Netherlands, 76% are now grown in open fields, compared to 85% in 2006.
Almost half as many strawberries farmers
The decrease in the area used to grow strawberries goes hand-in-hand with a much sharper decrease in the number of growers. In 2017, 450 businesses were involved in the production of strawberries. This is 380 less than in 2006 (-46 percent). The decrease of the number of open field growers was almost as high as greenhouse cultivators.
The decrease in the area used to grow strawberries goes hand-in-hand with a much sharper decrease in the number of growers. In 2017, 450 businesses were involved in the production of strawberries. This is 380 less than in 2006 (-46 percent). The decrease of the number of open field growers was almost as high as greenhouse cultivators.
Strawberry production increases
More strawberries are being produced on less agricultural land. The strawberry yield increased by 47%, from 39,2 million kg in 2006 to 57,5 million kg in 2016. Compared to other countries within the European Union, the Netherlands has a high production with a small area. Within the EU, the Netherlands, was ranked 7th in the largest producers' ranking and 11th in the countries with the largest agricultural area.
Strawberries exported to Belgium in particular
In 2015, more than 32 million kg of Dutch produced strawberries were sent over the border. This is 60% more than in 2010. The export to particularly, Belgium, has increased since 2010, from more than 8,9 million kg to 13,1 million kg. Most Dutch strawberries exported in 2015 went to Belgium (40,7 percent), the United Kingdom (15,5 percent) and Germany (14,6 percent).
Source: CBS
Click here to see Annet Kalter of De Telegraaf's reaction and here for that of the Van Meer family's at the NOS
In 2015, more than 32 million kg of Dutch produced strawberries were sent over the border. This is 60% more than in 2010. The export to particularly, Belgium, has increased since 2010, from more than 8,9 million kg to 13,1 million kg. Most Dutch strawberries exported in 2015 went to Belgium (40,7 percent), the United Kingdom (15,5 percent) and Germany (14,6 percent).
Source: CBS
Click here to see Annet Kalter of De Telegraaf's reaction and here for that of the Van Meer family's at the NOS