Beet Campaign 2024 in the Netherlands has come to an end
On January 21, the beet campaign in the Netherlands was completed. The Dutch sugar yield for the past campaign was well below the 5-year average. With a yield of 12.2 tons of sugar per hectare, it is more than 10% below this average. Due to the extreme rainfall since the autumn of 2023, many fields were sown very late. As a result, the yield potential was lower. Due to the abundant rain, the soil structure was moderate to (very) poor. This had a negative effect on plant resilience during the growing season.
The beet year 2024 in the Netherlands is characterized by large yield differences at regional and even local levels. In addition to the generally late sowing date and extreme wetness, leaf fungi also played a role in the disappointing yield. Due to the combination of high moisture and relatively warm conditions, there was a high fungal pressure, particularly from Cercospora. The southern part of the Netherlands was especially affected by this. For many growers, beet cultivation in 2024 was therefore disappointing. In general, we see the same picture in the entire Benelux, France, and western Germany. Further east in Europe, yields increase. For example, record yields have been achieved in various regions in northern and eastern Germany and Poland. Across the entire EU-27, the average sugar yield per hectare is almost at the same level as last year.
Area Reduction in 2025
For the 2025 growing season, a significant area reduction for sugar beets is expected in the EU-27. Due to lower sugar prices, sugar producers are drastically reducing the beet price. Additionally, contract areas have been reduced in many countries. Area reductions of up to 15% have been announced. For the entire EU-27, an overall area reduction of between 4% and 8% is expected. A similar reduction is also expected in the Netherlands. An exact indication cannot yet be given. Ultimately, weather conditions in the spring will also be a determining factor for sowing intentions and the final area. As spring progresses, the picture of the precise area reduction will become clearer.