August is still an important month for potatoes, onions and sugar beet to continue growing, before harvesting is usually done in October. But it is already clear that the yield will be disappointing due to the persistent water shortage.
The problems are particularly acute in Zeeland, because there is no irrigation possible due to the salt water. In North Brabant and the south of Gelderland, the situation is “manageable”, says a ZLTO spokesperson about the situation in his area. The government announcement on Wednesday that the Netherlands now officially has a water shortage, according to him, has no direct consequences for farmers.
Disappointing harvest
Zeeland is still one of the most important areas of our country for onions in particular. Years ago, the province was by far the most important. A disappointing harvest in Zeeland could lead to significantly higher prices in the supermarket as early as this autumn. Growers are still tied to contracts, but according to Ten Cate, supermarkets and processors will already take into account a higher purchase price next year due to the drought.
Fruit growers are only slightly affected by the drought, says Ron Mulders, chairman of the Dutch Fruit Growers Organization (NFO). This is also very location and grower dependent for fruit. For example, there are some growers in Limburg who have damage to their fruit due to the heat and the inability to irrigate. In apples, for example, the sun can burn brown spots if they have not been watered, after which they can no longer be sold. Apples may also be smaller this year than usual due to the water shortage, but little is known about that, according to Mulders.
Grassland and maize will also yield less this year due to the drought, according to director Peter van Dijck of the Limburg Agricultural and Horticultural Association (LLTB). As a result, livestock farmers already have to use the winter stocks, he says. In the winter they will have to buy more food.