The confidence Dutch greenhouse growers have in their sector fell by almost seven points in 2023's first quarter. That led to the index dropping below zero again, meaning more growers have no confidence in their companies' future than the other way around.
This drop indicates that, out of all the agricultural and horticultural subsectors, greenhouse horticulture is currently the sector where business owners have the least confidence in their industry. The Agro Confidence Index comprises the mood index and expectations for the next two to three years.
At -4 points, the greenhouse horticulture Agro Confidence Index lies far below the total agriculture and horticulture's seven points. That index is also significantly lower than the greenhouse horticulture long-term 14-points average.
Growers, the researchers know, have little confidence in the economy. Also, they think they will get less for their product in the coming months, and overall production is estimated to be lower. Neither do they believe all possible inputs costs - which have skyrocketed recently - will fall again. Expected sales and profit expectations have, thus, been revised downward.
These numbers are extensively discussed here.