With 944 hectares of broccoli and 694 hectares of Brussels sprouts, these vegetables represent about two-thirds of Oxin Growers’ outdoor vegetable acreage. The broccoli season is now over and has gone satisfactorily. The opposite is true for Brussels sprouts: several hectares are currently being milled, as cultivation is not profitable at current prices. Commercial Director Ruud den Boer provides a seasonal update.

“2025 has been one of the better years for our broccoli growers. Both in terms of volume and price, we look back on a good season. There are always fluctuations, but overall, we have seen a very stable and strong season,” says Ruud. “Quality-wise, there were no major concerns, and the product reached our marketing partners smoothly.”

© Telerscoöperatie Oxin Growers U.A.

“The situation is very different for Brussels sprouts. Production is certainly 20 per cent higher than last year, when growers faced a very challenging season due to wet conditions. This year, however, marketing is much more difficult, even leading to the milling of several hectares. Still, in the coming weeks, with lower supply and the approaching holiday season, we expect a positive effect on consumption and thus increasing demand from our marketing partners.”

Looking ahead to next year, Ruud says the situation remains very uncertain for both crops. “We know that the crop protection product Movento will disappear from the market in 2026, and it’s very uncertain how that will unfold. Growing traditionally without Movento is really a gamble; it will be very challenging!”

“At Oxin Growers, we are focusing on regenerative agriculture, but that is a completely different way of growing. With that approach, you essentially start from scratch. You can’t make that transition overnight: it takes a lot of time, energy, and money, while the grower receives no extra compensation for this method of cultivation. It’s a broad social issue, but the risk lies with the grower,” Ruud continues.

He does not yet expect changes in the cooperative’s broccoli acreage for the coming year despite the uncertainties. “But we are very concerned. We are doing everything we can to bring this to the attention of our marketing partners, because once product availability comes under pressure, you’re talking about a societal problem.”

“For now, we don’t get the impression that the entire chain is aligned, and there is still a lack of awareness about the possible consequences of banning crop protection products. On top of the necessary cultivation investments that have to be made in this context, we also see sharply rising costs for labour and planting material. So for next season, we will need to add 4 to 5 per cent to the current contract prices to cover the rising costs and ensure that our growers can continue to invest in the future,” Ruud concludes.

For more information:
Oxin Growers
Tel: +31 (0) 180 203 203
[email protected]
www.oxin-growers.nl