"Dry weather leads to lower organic leek volumes and weak prices at season start"

The new organic leek season has started again in Belgium in recent weeks. "We began at the end of July/beginning of August. We always try to have the first leeks ready around this time, because that's when demand from retail picks up and we can start the programs," says organic grower Pieter Vandooren.

"In contrast, the new harvest is a bit smaller this year," the Hooglede-based grower continues. "The first variety, Krypton, suffered some thrips pressure. That's no longer an issue, and Maxton looks much better, but the weight is somewhat disappointing due to the dry weather we've had. They are lighter leeks, which leaves us with about 30 tons."

In the day trade, however, he is not yet satisfied. "We mostly work with contracts, but in day trading, you could normally sell well at this time too. Only now, prices are weak. Is it because of the weather? I hear the Netherlands has excellent yields. That certainly seems to be affecting prices. Hopefully it will improve, but unlike Belgium and France, where drought has resulted in average productions, the Netherlands has better irrigation facilities, so volumes there are unlikely to fall any time soon."

Pieter also acknowledges that it is still early in the season. "For now, there is almost no demand from abroad, but who knows, that may still come. The limited uptake on the domestic market creates export opportunities." Yet the focus of the organic farm is not solely on leeks at the moment. "We currently also have cauliflower, Romanesco, pumpkins, fennel, and from next week we will start with celeriac. All of that looks good. So diversifying pays off this year. It's also something of a necessity because the organic market is much smaller for many products, but now it is also convenient, so we are not entirely dependent on leeks."

For more information:
Pieter Vandooren
Yokkerstraat 6
8830 Hooglede, Belgium
Tel: +32 472292756
[email protected]