On the Field Side, SEPTEMBER 2022

Between heat wave and drought, the summer of 2022 is the second hottest after 2003. The extreme temperatures (+2.3° compared to the seasonal average) and the lack of water had important consequences on the crops.

For northern vegetables, beans have been particularly impacted. For root vegetables, consequences are also expected, the question is: to what extent?

At the moment, we cannot say which volumes will be available. We should know more by the end of September 2022 and will keep you informed of developments.

Northern vegetables

Concerning cauliflowers, the 2nd harvest looks will be late. Summer drought and daytime temperatures are still very high in August, resulting in plants that do not grow much with smaller flowers.

Zucchini, campaign was correct but the lack of surfaces initially contracted will lead to a shortage of product. 

For turnips, some plots did not emerge. The availability of this product will be more than reduced, especially in many mixtures.

In spring, the emergence of carrots seedlings was low and late. As a result of the drought, the situation to date is critical. Plant density in the field is light and carrots in the ground are growing poorly and are very small in diameter. Even if the weather situation in the coming weeks improves in terms of rainfall, it will not compensate for the losses in the field.

For green beans : sowing could not be completed (-5% of the plots) and a certain number of plots have not emerged. To date, the plants are suffering from the heat, even on the irrigated plots. The campaign is in progress and will end late in mid-October.

Southern vegetables

In Poland, the pepper season is starting. To date, there are no alerts that would impact future yields. However, it is too early to determine the results of the campaign, we will keep you informed of the progress.

For zucchini and tomatoes from Poland, the harvested volumes are low compared to previous years. Many plots, usually for vegetables, have been used for seeds and cereals. Given the tight market for these products, the quantities available will be sold quickly.

Condiments

The cultural visits of the Polish onions are in progress. The bulbs are small, their growth was quickly interrupted because of the drought and some brutal storms finished to ” put down ” the plants which were not already.

As a result, peeling will be more difficult this year due to the small size of the bulbs.

Concerning shallots, cultivation visits are also ongoing, the situation seems to be unfruitful but more details will be known in a few weeks.

Mushrooms

The chanterelle season is affected by the continuing drought in many parts of the world. The Baltic countries, which are the main producers of chanterelles, are still lacking water and night temperatures are close to zero, risking a prompt end of the campaign.

The lack of rain has still not triggered the growth of ceps in the whole North-East of Europe. They are emerging in Romania in small quantities but the quality is satisfying.

For morels, the season is ending in Canada. The quantities were quite important thanks to a favorable climate which allows us to have dried morels.