Members of the Dutch vegetable cooperative ZON have reportedly expressed their dissatisfaction at the prospect of a possible merger with another Netherlands-based cooperative, Fruitmasters.
It was reported in February that the two cooperatives were investigating the possibility of a merger during discussions focused primarily on increasing cooperation between the groups.
According to reports, ZON members have also called on the cooperative to approve a special dividend designed to help growers affected by the recent economic downturn.
The need for ongoing discussions regarding the dividend payment means ZON has been obliged to delay publication of its annual accounts.
The total value of horticultural production in the Netherlands fell by 9 per cent year-on-year to €700m in 2009, with even sharper declines for fresh fruit and vegetable production in the country, according to figures published recently by industry association Productschap Tuinbouw.
In its report, the organisation revealed that Dutch fruit vegetable sales for the year fell by 17 per cent compared with 2008 to €390m, while annual turnover for vegetables was also down, by 18 per cent on the previous 12 months at €330m.
Meanwhile, Dutch banking group Rabobank says many fresh fruit and vegetable producers in the Netherlands have been hit hard by the recent economic downturn, with apple growers particularly badly affected.
According to the organisation, as many as 25 Dutch apple growers could be forced out of business this year, mainly in central Netherlands.
Further meetings about the ZON-Fruitmasters merger proposal are expected to be held in due course.
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