Trade association argues for storage charges
The trade association “Deutsche Speisezwiebel e.V.” campaigns for all matters related to the trade and usage of onions. In the first place they are advising and supporting the German growers and marketers of onions. Andrea Schneider claims, that a storage charge to support the German onion growers could be a solution for the current price problem: “A storage charge to support our growers would be nice. A proper warehouse costs money and our growers have not seen a return on this money.” Despite low prices, Andrea Schneider is not worried about the rest of the season: “Stock-takings have shown that we have stable and good quality stock. Our onions will have no problem selling on the market.”
Import in May and June
The German onion growers strive to provide the market with their products throughout the year. For example through superior storable varieties and special equipped warehouses. But it is still not enough to provide the German market for 365 days. On one hand the biological clock of the onion is responsible for that and on the other, the varying crop cycles. To prevent the lack of German onion supply, Germany imports onions, especially from New Zeeland. Andrea Schneider: “The onions from New Zeeland are generally good. However, the harvest in New Zeeland is much earlier than in Germany. The New Zeeland onion is mature, seasoned and dry. Simply uncomplicated and well prepared for long journeys.” Onions will be imported mainly in the months of May and June.
Russian import ban has no effect on German onion market
A possible reason for the low onion prices could be the Russian import ban on European goods. However, the trade embargo as such, is not responsible for the low prices. The trade association states: “The Russian crisis has no effect on German onion growers. German onion growers just export a lesser amount of their goods.” Especially to Russia. Andrea Schneider: “The export to Russia is just marginal. The Ukraine and Poland are onion growing nations. They support the Russian market with their products. Here in Germany, the import ban is just used as an argument to beat down the price for onions.”
For more information:
Andrea Schneider
Fachverband Deutsche Speisezwiebel e. V.
Weberstraße 9, 55130 Mainz, Germany
Tel: +49 6131 620562
Fax: +49 6131 62059123
andrea.schneider@bwv-rlp.de
www.deutsche-zwiebel.de