The Dutch carrot market is quiet for now. "There is demand from Africa and several of our other regular destinations. Other than that, the export market is quiet," says Kees Heegsma, who is based in Lemmer, the Netherlands.
"European countries have been mostly self-sufficient for about six weeks now. Eastern Europe is never, or hardly ever, on the market. At this time of year, field crops do go to Belgium. Especially from the growers in Zeeland."
This full soil vegetable trader is, however, not complaining. "It also happens that after the holidays, very little is sold. Prices are at around €0.10 or €0.11. That is above average for this time of year. I also do not expect a large harvest this year. Not in the Netherlands, nor in our neighboring countries."
"The dry weather and fungal infections, like downy mildew, have reduced the harvest. Mice eating the crops have also contributed to this. I saw nice crops in Northern Germany. But, in the Rhineland, farmers have had a lot more problems with mice and the dry weather."
"I do not expect this year to become like last year. The 2018 cultivation year will be remembered as exceptional. After a year like that, there is always an increased number of farmers looking for their salvation in this type of cultivation. Carrot growing acreage has expanded. Not only in the Netherlands but overseas as well," Kees continues.
"Yet, we saw the price of carrots drop considerably at the end of last year's storage season. When that happens, other players join in to fill the gap. This just goes to show, once again, that is difficult to plan too far ahead in our business," the trader says.
"However, early carrots from Eastern Europe were being snatched up. This was due to the dry weather. These carrots sold for a decent price."
The trade in organic carrots differs from that of last season. "Last year, the sky seemed to be the limit. There was eager speculation, with plots even being sold per hectare. We see an increased number of farmers switching to this type of cultivation. But, at the moment, the trade sector is buying with caution," concludes Kees.
For more information:
Heegsma BV
Kees Heegsma
74 Straatweg
8531 PZ Lemmer, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 514 569 224
Fax: +31 (0) 514 569 397
Mob: +31 (0) 653 244 828
email: info@heegsmabv.nl
Website: www.heegsmabv.nl