Initial data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) shows that the country’s greenhouse sector continues to lose growers, although the rate of decline in 2023 is slower than the previous year.
By the end of 2023, the organisation says that a further 50 companies will have left the sector, leaving 1,110 active producers. This compares with the 79 companies which ceased trading in 2022. In addition, a further nine greenhouse fruit growers have quit (more than in 2022), leaving 102 producers in this sector.
The total Dutch greenhouse area now stands at 10,305 ha, of which just over half is vegetable production. Tomato growing now accounts for 1,763.9 ha (down 51.3 ha), peppers for 1,501.2 ha (down 146.6 ha), and cucumbers for 675.5 ha (a rise of 33.4 ha on last year). Strawberry production accounts for 562.8 ha, while other fruit production saw a massive increase of 122.6 ha to a total of 141.4 ha.
Ornamental production has also decreased, both in terms of growers and area. There are now 1768 flower growers and 570 nurseries growing trees and perennial plants under glass.