Exceptional weather conditions this spring, with severe temperatures and excessive rain have greatly affected the outdoor cultivation of Belgian vegetables. Even if the longer term forecasts are better, the impact of the weather over the past month and a half cannot be denied. For some crops, the damage is irreversible, and will lead to major supply problems for Belgian frozen vegetable companies.
A brief overview:
" Spinach: virtually nothing has been sown since April 25. The frozen vegetable companies therefore expect little supply of raw material between June 5 and 20. This gap cannot be filled with another crop. Furthermore, many spinach plots were hit by hail on May 15, which may harm quality.
" Peas: the same problem occurred during sowing. A greatly reduced supply is expected between July 10 and the end of that month. In view of the delayed pea sowing, the sector is obliged to likewise delay sowing beans by some two weeks. However the end date for the sowing cannot be moved up. As a result, planting for carrots, which follow pea production, must be postponed. The short supply of peas is also causing gaps in the companies' production schedule, since peas cannot be replaced by another product.
" Cauliflower: only 40 to 45% was planted before May 15. It is very doubtful how the old plants will react to this overdue planting, which had been planned for a month earlier.Little production is expected between July 1 and 20, while the later production will perhaps be at the expense of the young carrots. Yields are difficult to estimate as a result of all these shifts.
" Large carrots, carrots for slicing, celeriac and Brussels sprouts: as a result of the delay incurred, top yields are not expected for these vegetables either.
