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Belgian cooperative sees future in leeks

Specialization and scaling up increase growers’ resilience to leek growing challenges

Climate change and the loss of crop protection products are putting pressure on the Belgian leek sector. That is true for REO Veiling, too, where leeks are the second largest product after tomatoes. Despite the challenges, this cooperative sees opportunities by working with growers and responding to changing market conditions. "It is important that we as a cooperative respond to a changing sector together with our growers," said Pieter Declercq and Philiep Willems of the REO Veiling.

The current season has been quite good for leek growers, despite certain weather conditions affecting it. The wet summer delayed planting, so yields were lower in September and October. However, favorable fall conditions did the crop well, boosting quality and yields. There were also relatively few problems with thrips, a common pest in leek cultivation. Nonetheless, climate change brings increasingly extreme weather conditions, likely exacerbating the thrips issue.

Along with climate-related challenges, the market requires increased flexibility. Leek demand remains constant, with strong sales markets in Spain, France, and Poland. Due to the difficulties the Spanish leek crop faces in the summer, Belgian leek imports are rising. The United Kingdom has become an important sales market in recent years, partly due to Belgian authorities' post-Brexit efforts. That offered chances to further promote Belgian leeks.

The way consumers buy leeks is changing too. Demand for processed products, such as shortened leeks and from meal box suppliers is growing. Growers must, thus, be more flexible in sorting and offering leeks by the piece instead of by weight. REO tries to support that through mediation and by demonstrating the advantages of this system. Leeks are also becoming increasingly popular in the summer. That is thanks to the cooperative being able to provide them year-round by extending the season with winter and young summer leeks.

But as leek demand climbs, ensuring adequate supply is essential. The thrips issue, extreme weather conditions, and high grower costs are major concerns. REO responds to this by selling slightly sub-par leeks under their own quality class and by working with growers to develop alternative, more robust packaging, and varieties.

There is confidence in leek cultivation's future, mainly thanks to growers specializing and scaling up. Although Belgium has fewer leek growers, the acreage remains stable. Young growers are increasingly specializing and taking advantage of automation innovations and farming modernization. That ensures they can harvest and have leeks available even in the most challenging conditions.

REO, too, remains sure of the future of leek growing. So much so that, this year, the cooperative will renew its brand to further strengthen grower partnerships and guarantee the organization's clout.

REO Veiling
Oostnieuwkerksesteenweg 101
België – 8800 Roeselare
Tel. +32(0)51 23 12 11
[email protected]
www.reo.be