Uncertain Future and Regulatory Pressures Threaten Chicory Cultivation
Belgian chicory growers face significant challenges as they look towards the autumn and beyond. While chicory continues to be a popular ingredient in summer salads, concerns over supply and regulatory pressures are growing among industry stakeholders.
Charles Cattoir of Primalof highlights the current market dynamics: “Marketing is going well at the moment, but it has been very difficult on the supply side. Also, in the future, there will be more and more pressure on chicory cultivation.”
Current Market Conditions
At present, the chicory market is stable, with a strong start to the year followed by a leveling off of sales. However, Cattoir points out that this stability is due in part to a 30% reduction in volume across Europe. This reduced supply could complicate the situation in the coming months, as existing stocks are depleted and new roots are not expected until late October or early November.
The delayed sowing season has exacerbated the supply issues. “Everyone wanted to sow early, but that has not worked out well anywhere. There has only been full sowing in Belgium from mid-May, because conditions have been difficult. We can only harvest the new roots in late October/early November, and they need another month in the cold,” Cattoir explains. This delay means that the supply side will face difficulties in the coming months.
Future Concerns
Looking ahead, Cattoir expresses concerns about the long-term viability of chicory cultivation. “The future is very uncertain. The three main crop protection products have disappeared or will soon disappear, and there is no alternative. Certainly not a ready-made alternative, anyway,” he warns. This regulatory environment is changing rapidly, forcing growers to seek new solutions that are not always affordable or practical.
Belgian growers face particularly high weed pressure compared to their Dutch counterparts, adding to their challenges. While mechanical solutions like a combination of mechanical hoes and spot sprayers exist, they are often prohibitively expensive for many growers.
Economic Pressures
The economic pressures on chicory growers are also mounting. Since Cattoir entered the industry five years ago, the purchase price of chicory roots has nearly doubled, driven by rising costs in labor and other inputs. These increased costs will eventually need to be passed on to consumers, but there is resistance to higher prices. “You still have to keep cultivation profitable,” Cattoir notes. “Where does the price rise stop?”
Call for Industry Support
Cattoir calls for more support and a realistic approach to regulatory changes. “We are all in favor of making our cultivation more sustainable. If there are processes that are better for nature, we will use them. But these will disappear overnight. Let us look for a solution together instead of banning everything right away.”
He emphasizes the need for a framework that allows for sustainable chicory cultivation while maintaining profitability. “There are plenty of players in our sector who want to move forward, but a framework must be created for future-proofing chicory cultivation. We can’t all go organic. There is a market for that, but it won’t feed the world. We need to talk about the possibilities and the future of chicory growing. Otherwise, it will disappear. We should focus on increased consultation and realism.”
