Construction of new glasshouses in the Netherlands reached an all-time low last year, according to a new report published by the Dutch Association of Greenhouse Suppliers (AVAG).
Under pressure from a significant fall in demand particularly for fresh vegetables following the global economic downturn, only 91ha of new glasshouses were installed during 2010, compared with 250ha during the previous 12 months.
The figure for 2009 itself was less than half the 509ha of glasshouse production established in 2008.
'To survive, many suppliers of greenhouses to the horticultural sector have reorganised their companies, focusing on new markets and new products,' said a spokesperson for AVAG.
According to the association, demand from overseas has recovered more quickly than within the Netherlands itself, prompting glasshouse providers to focus more on developing exports.
'Demand from abroad was strong in 2010 and some companies therefore did not carry out projects in the Netherlands,' it observed.
AVAG said it was concerned about the current market situation and the potential impact on the Netherlands' fresh produce output.
'Not only is the suspension of investment by growers and suppliers a threat to the Dutch horticultural chain, but this is leading to a rapid decrease in development and working capacity within the sector.'
'Many subcontractors have stopped or switched to other activities,' it added. 'This will undoubtedly lead to capacity problems in terms of setting up new projects as and when the market recovers.'
While AVAG said it saw some potential for a modest recovery in the level of glasshouse development over the coming year, it confirmed that the long-term average for greenhouse newbuilds in the Netherlands – 325ha per annum over the period 1992-2010 – 'will certainly not be met'.
