Onion production rose 24% this year but a rain-drenched August means that much of the crop will be unsaleable.
British Onion Producers’ Association figures show total production to have been 490,000 compared with 396,000 in 2003. Brown onion production was 440,000 tonnes, red 50,000.
Bill Rix, chairman of BOPA, said spring sown sets harvested before the rain were of good quality and a size similar to 2003. The rains, however, led to a general downgrading in quality with skin staining and neck rot the main offenders.
The rain also caused late growth, resulting in many crops being 25% too big for packing or processing, he said, adding: “Percentage saleable outturn will be disappointing.”
British Onion Producers’ Association figures show total production to have been 490,000 compared with 396,000 in 2003. Brown onion production was 440,000 tonnes, red 50,000.
Bill Rix, chairman of BOPA, said spring sown sets harvested before the rain were of good quality and a size similar to 2003. The rains, however, led to a general downgrading in quality with skin staining and neck rot the main offenders.
The rain also caused late growth, resulting in many crops being 25% too big for packing or processing, he said, adding: “Percentage saleable outturn will be disappointing.”
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