Production of broccoli and cauliflower in Poland

Temperatures in Poland in July and August were very high, reaching 25-30 degrees. As a result, the quality of summer broccoli was very poor. In autumn, problems arose due to low temperatures, which delayed the harvest of broccoli by 3-4 weeks. This led to a lower yield, with many fields unharvested. Brassicas Today talked to Mr. Leszek Klimczak, Syngenta product manager in Eastern Europe, about the results of the last season and the production of broccoli in Poland. 

According to Mr. Klimczak, the unfavourable weather in summer and autumn led to a shortage of broccoli in the market and prices were higher than usual. Growers failed to make a profit, so now they want to increase acreage. Traders and processors could not buy enough broccoli, so their aim is to extend their network of contacts for the next season to ensure that they will be able to receive what they plan to sell. Furthermore, processors plan to increase early production – harvested in June – to fill their cold storage facilities. 

                                                                                                     Production of broccoli in Poland

Despite this poor broccoli harvest, in general terms production for the fresh market is developing well, due to an increase in demand from supermarkets, growing consumption of fresh products and rising exports to other European countries. “Supported by the new investments in cooling facilities and storage, Polish growers intend to enter the fresh product market in Western and Southern Europe and deliver a high quality broccoli product from May to the end of October,” Mr. Klimczak observed. 

Furthermore, Poland’s membership of the EC benefits growers, because distant markets are now more accessible than they were in the past. “Production of broccoli in Poland is gaining in importance within the context of Europe. Poland has become one of the key producers for the European processing industry,” the brassica expert explained. 

                                                                                                       Syngenta and Polish broccoli

“Syngenta is the main supplier of broccoli seeds to the Polish market, with a range that is perfectly suited to the needs of this market,” Mr. Klimczak commented. For early production, Polish growers use the Montop variety. In summer, they favour the Bay Meadows variety, which is resistant to high temperatures. In autumn, a popular choice is the Monaco variety, which offers a good yield and reliability under a variety of conditions. “Its quality in the autumn season is unique in the market,” the expert declared.

“Every year, Syngenta conducts trials with many new varieties with the specific conditions of Poland in mind. After three years, Syngenta Trial Officers and Product Managers have chosen three promising varieties, SGD40352R, SGD50887R and RBR323, which will complement our portfolio for both the processing industry and the fresh market, while consolidating Syngenta’s position in the Polish broccoli sector,” Mr. Klimczak told Brassicas Today. 

S&G Brassicas Today – January 2011