Almost all horticultural businesses in the Netherlands' revenues are above 2019 levels. They are also above their drafted budgets, according to figures released by horticultural specialists at Rabobank. Pot and bedding plant companies and tree farms did particularly well in the first half of the year. Fruit and cut flower businesses (including bulb cultivation) occupy a good middle position. Greenhouse and open-field vegetable and mushroom companies bring up the rear. But most of these still show positive results.
These developments give businesses the chance to build up their reserves. Or they can make investments, including in sustainable business operations. However, there are concerns too. There is disease pressure in tomatoes (ToBRFV). Energy and raw material prices have risen sharply. Growers often cannot pass this along to their customers. And COVID-19 measures are still in place. This complicates things for farmers regarding aspects like labor.
In 2021 Q3, the Rabo horticultural barometer was at its highest in four years.
Source: Rabobank
