Vegetable Production and Energy

Across northern and western Europe, vegetable producers are intending to halt their activities because of the economic hit from Europe's energy crisis, further threatening food supplies. European farm and food groups said soaring energy prices could lead to scarcity of fruit and vegetables, as high utility bills force more companies to curb production. 

An increase in power and gas prices will affect crops grown through the winter in warmed greenhouses such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, and those that need to be placed in a cold storehouse, such as apples, onions, and endives. 

Endives are particularly energy-hungry. After the bulbs are harvested in the autumn, they are stored in below-frosty conditions and then later replanted in temperature-controlled containers to allow for year-round yielding. 

Across Europe, agriculturalists and food companies are reducing production as they struggle with rising energy costs. Montalbano said his electricity bill is about five times what it was this time last year.

The prospect of seasonal food scarcity has evoked industry warnings for authority support at a time when Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has cut gas supplies in response to Western sanctions. As stated by the Greenhouse industry group Glastuinbouw Nederland, up to 40 percent of its 3,000 members are suffering financially. Farmers are not just contending with spiraling inflation and energy prices. The fares of fertilizer, packaging, and transport are all on the rise which leads to threatening margins. 

The EU is considering talking over the proposal to cap energy prices for occupations and everyday households, but also to impose reductions in consumption that could hit farmers. Using energy-saving devices that can reduce energy consumption such as ‘FORCE’ could very well tip the scales in our favour.