Netherlands onion market sees price shifts amid harvest and research updates

The onion market in the Netherlands is experiencing shifts in supply and pricing due to recent weather patterns. Following a heatwave, recent rainfall has facilitated the harvesting process, though it initially delayed progress. While the early harvest is increasing supply, there is a noted scarcity of large-sized onions, as current harvests show a lower percentage of large varieties compared to typical years.

Transaction prices vary significantly by type; yellow seed onions have been reported between €25 and €35 per 100 kg, while red onions range from €26 to €37.50. The start of the seed onion harvest is providing more stability for buyers, allowing sorters, packers, and exporters to resume operations.

In the broader sector, the National Onion Day at Proefboerderij Rusthoeve highlighted ongoing research and sustainability efforts. The Uireka research program, which has evolved from focusing on quality to sustainability over the last decade, is entering a new four-year period. This upcoming phase involves an investment of nearly €6 million to study various pests and diseases, including the onion fly and downy mildew, through collaboration between approximately 80 private companies and various agricultural stakeholders.