The Netherlands has 87,000 hectares of vegetables

The outdoor cultivation of vegetables is increasing. On 1 April 2017, almost 87 000 hectare was being used to grow vegetables; 13% more than in 2006. Compared to the year 2000, there is even talk of a 27% increase. This is according to recent figures released by the Statistics Netherlands. Of all vegetables, the area used for curcurbit-type vegetables, such as courgettes and pumpkins, are increasing the most. Since 2006, it has increased by 1 000 hectare to 1 170. This is however, only 1.3% of the total area used for vegetable cultivation. The area used for beetroot has also increased, from 360 hectare in 2006 to 950.

Peas and runner beans losing ground
Most vegetables use a limited portion of land. Of the vegetables with a relatively large area, especially peas have lost ground. The area used for peas has decreased from 5 300 hectare in 2006 to 3 100 hectare this year (-42%). This is half the area compared to their peak year in 2007 (6 030 hectare). Runner beans have also lost ground. The area used for the cultivation of this vegetable has deceased by 38% from 2006 to 2 430 hectare.

Onions: the most grown vegetable in the Netherlands
No other vegetable is grown as much in the Netherlands as the onion. In 2017, the area used for onions is almost 35 000 hectare, 40% of the total area used for outdoor cultivation. In 2006, 32% of agricultural land was being used for onions. This means there has been a 42% increase in the size of the area used for onions. After the onion, carrots have the largest area. The size has increased since 2006 with 9,6% to more than 6 500 hectare.

Source: CBS