Large rise in Dutch tomato acreage, but fewer peppers

In 2013 tomato acreage grew compared to 2012 from 80 acres to 1770 acres. This rise comes from increased area production of plum tomatoes. The area for production of peppers has decreased by 70 acres to 1240 hectare. The total area of vegetables under glass rose in 2013, after a fall in 2012 to around 4890 hectare.

Change in production of greenhouse vegetables 2012-2013*

Increased acreage vegetables under glass, mainly by tomatoes

The increase (+0.4%) in the greenhouse area is mainly due to the large area used for production of TOV and loose tomatoes. The area for cherry tomato has fallen substantially. Next to tomatoes the area for other greenhouse vegetables has increased by only 5% to 430 hectares. Pepper production has fallen to 1240 hectares through splitting the area for red and yellow peppers. The area for green and other pepper varieties stays the same. Also the area of other vegetables under glass, such as aubergine and cucumber stays the same.

"Area development of greenhouse vegetable 2000 – 2013*

Tomato largest increase since 2000

Tomato acreage has risen by 57% in the period 2000 - 2013 showing the fastest growth in greenhouse vegetables. Only 2012 saw a small decrease. Since 2000 the area of greenhouse production has increased. The area production of cucumber has changed little through the years but with 620 hectare the area of cucumber in 2013 was 6% less than in 2000.

Source: Statline CBS