The Dutch greenhouse industry, renowned for its efficiency and high yields, is facing a steep decline in production. In 2023, the total area dedicated to key greenhouse vegetables—tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and eggplants—amounted to 4,100 hectares, according to data from the CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek). Tomatoes dominated the landscape, accounting for over 43% of this area, followed closely by peppers at 38%. However, the once-expanding greenhouse vegetable sector has been hit hard by the ongoing energy crisis, leading to a reduction in cultivated land and a drop in yields.
Between 2013 and 2023, the area used for growing these four major greenhouse vegetables grew by about 373 hectares. Yet, after peaking in 2021, the past few years have seen a reduction in the cultivated area, with energy costs being a primary culprit. The high cost of energy, crucial for maintaining optimal growing conditions in greenhouses, has driven some growers to shift from energy-intensive crops like tomatoes to more energy-efficient options like cucumbers. This shift resulted in a 7% increase in cucumber production in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Overall, the total yield of greenhouse vegetables in 2023 was 1.63 million tons, nearly identical to the output a decade earlier. This stagnation marks a stark contrast to the growth seen up to 2020, when yields consistently rose. The 2% drop in 2023 compared to the previous year further highlights the energy crisis’ impact, particularly on energy-demanding crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, whose yields have decreased.
The challenges posed by high energy costs are pushing growers to reconsider their crop choices and production methods. Tomato growers, in particular, are opting for alternative crops or scaling back production to mitigate the financial strain. With energy prices projected to remain high in the foreseeable future, the Dutch greenhouse sector is likely to face continued pressure. Innovations in energy efficiency and alternative energy sources will be critical in determining the future trajectory of this vital agricultural sector.
The Dutch greenhouse industry, a global leader in vegetable production, is undergoing a significant transformation due to the ongoing energy crisis. Farmers are being forced to adapt, either by switching to less energy-intensive crops like cucumbers or by scaling back production altogether. As the energy crisis persists, the long-term sustainability of the industry hinges on advances in energy efficiency and the adoption of alternative energy sources. Without these changes, the sector may continue to see declining yields, affecting both domestic and international markets.
