The Dutch floriculture sector risks irreparable damage, Royal FloraHolland keeps pointing this out in its energy dossier updates.
In Wednesday's update, they write, "The energy crisis is beginning to take its toll on our sector. Far more growers than before have already indicated that they are going to stop. The reason is always of an economic nature. A considerable number of growers have also decided to temporarily stop this winter."
"Also, there are reports of companies being forced to file for bankruptcy. The situation seems far more serious than during the pandemic, which, too, hit floriculture hard. Plus, many growers are considering selling their energy contracts. After all, that's financially attractive, and as growers, they face a very uncertain future."
The cooperative reiterates that should gas prices remain high for an extended time, the sector's future will be in jeopardy. "Ornamental plant cultivation risks irreparable damage. The high, unpredictable energy price paralyzes entrepreneurs who don't know where they stand."
"If the Netherlands' production capacity shrinks significantly, it will affect the entire chain, from breeders to the knowledge center in Wageningen. For politicians and policymakers, that has not yet hit home. The coming months will be crucial," the update says.
Royal FloraHolland, Glastuinbouw Nederland, and other interest parties are part of the Horticulture Crisis Team, a Greenports Netherlands alliance. Together, these parties are calling on the government to take action. The ornamental plant cultivation and general greenhouse horticulture sectors are demanding things like a predictable gas price. You can read the complete update here.