The warm, dry weather has resulted in lower onion, carrot, and potato harvests. Those of these products found in the vegetable department are not as attractive as those from previous years. Norwegian farmer, Berit Ullestad, can confirm this. "Consumers must be prepared for smaller, more expensive onions this year. This is because our costs were higher", he told the Norwegian newspaper, Bondebladet.
Growers in this country have agreed on a target price for onions. This target price should preferably not be exceeded. "We are now just about at that level. If the price rises too high, we might have to switch to imports, from other countries, for example, Spain. For the moment, however, it seems that Norwegian consumers will have to pay a little more for local onions this year. These will also be somewhat smaller than usual.
Vegetable grower, Per Odd Gjestvang, estimates a loss of revenue of EUR250,000 for onions. He is, however, not claiming compensation, according to Bondebladet. Gjestvang cultivates various varieties of cabbage, leeks, and onions. Just like other onion farmers, he is losing a lot of money this year. "We irrigated 15 to 20 times and have done everything possible for the onions, Yet, we are losing EUR250,000, and our business operations did not make provision for this. It is looking good for the other vegetables, but this does not compensate for the loss", says Gjestvang.
In order to claim compensation, losses must be at least 30% per category. The categories are broad; for example fruit, vegetables, and potatoes. Carrots and onions fall into the same category. If there is a loss of more than 30% in onions, but carrots are doing well, the farmer cannot claim compensation. He does, however, have to bear the consequences. "If this division does not change many of my peers will also have to suffer the consequences, just like me. I know many other growers who find themselves in the same situation as me", says Gjestvang. He has invested heavily in expansion. "We want to be prepared for the future and invest in the development of new products. Such initiatives are supported by politicians. The compensation regulations have, however, not kept pace."
Support from Bama
The Bama Cooperative has asked consumers to have understanding for the lower harvest. "There is usually somewhat of a variation from year to year when it comes to vegetables' appearance. Prices are, then, adjusted accordingly. This year, some of the vegetables look quite unusual. Considerable understanding is being asked of clients and the end consumer", says Pia Gulbrandsen, PR Director at PR Bama. "The onions are of excellent quality. We are going to try and persuade consumers to pay less attention to how this product looks, and more to how it tastes." She promises Bama will make every effort to market as many vegetables as possible. "We will do our best to help the farmers as much as possible. In the end, we will also be dependent on them in the future."