Poland: negative trend in cauliflower and broccoli production

Production of cauliflowers and broccoli has a negative trend in Poland and France. The total worldwide production of broccoli and cauliflowers is much smaller than cabbage and is estimated at 16 million MT (cabbage – around 40 million MT). Between 2000 and 2005 the average yearly drop in cauliflower and broccoli production in Poland amounted 2,6 thousand MT, and even more in France - 10 thousand MT.

Both broccoli and cauliflower require a good soil condition and irrigation. Warm and dry summers are not favourable for those vegetables. In 2006, the summer season in Poland was very dry and warm. Therefore not only yields were low, but also the quality of produce, because of high temperature and water deficit.

Only growers with good irrigation systems achieved better yields (even 40% higher comparing with unirrigated plantations), but the number of vegetables farms with good irrigation systems in Poland is relatively low. This is the main reason of low average cauliflower and broccoli crop in Poland. According to Central Statistical Office of Poland, the total cauliflower crop in 2005 was 204 thousand MT. In 2006 this was only 182 thousand MT. The total acreage of Polish cauliflower plantations in 2005 was estimated at 10,5 thousand hectares (compared with 4500 hectares of broccoli plantations), and the average crop at 17,8 MT. Only 17% of Polish cauliflowers is processed (mainly used for freezing), and the rest is sold as fresh produce. The opposite can be seen in the broccoli market, where 70% is destined to be processed.

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