harvesting more with less

Onion cultivation is under pressure. Not because the crop has become less important, but because the conditions under which it is grown are fundamentally changing. Crop protection products are being phased out, fertiliser use is facing increasing regulation, weather patterns are Read more »

umami roasted miso-onions

The onion is a true world traveler. From French soups to Indian curries and Middle Eastern stews, it proves its versatility everywhere. This time, we make a culinary stop in Japan, where the humble onion is transformed into a rich, savory flavor bomb with Read more »

export growth strenghtens

The 2025/2026 export season shows a further strengthening of the recovery that began last year. After two seasons of clear contraction, 2024/2025 already delivered a strong rebound. That upward trend is continuing this season. Up to and including week 19, exports Read more »

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We have known it for more than 2,400 years. The Greek writer Xenophon observed that good farming begins with understanding the soil. The only question is: do we act on that knowledge — or do we merely know it?

What happens beneath our feet determines what grows above it. A handful of healthy soil contains billions of microorganisms — a complete ecosystem that drives structure, nutrient availability and resilience. This is where the real difference is made.

For that reason, Dutch onion growers and researchers continue to invest structurally in soil data and analysis. Through targeted sampling, well before sowing, insights are gained that help guide decisions on onion varieties, precision fertilisation and crop protection. This is not theory, but proven practice within the Dutch onion sector.

That foundation is one we must hold on to. Because a strong sector begins with resilient soil — and every healthy onion begins there.

Gijsbrecht Gunter
president Holland Onion Association