November 6 2007, 08:57

Cabbage production cost increases in Poland

According to estimations of Polish experts, cabbage production cost continues increasing in this country despite of the trend of the average yield to increase. The analysts of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" weekly point out that Poland is the largest cabbage producer in European Union. The demand for cabbage does not increase on the inner market of Poland, and exporting opportunities are limited, because the consumers of the other EU countries prefer lettuce and fresh herbs. Earlier large volumes of cabbage were exported to Russia, however the trade with this country has become quite complicated since recently.

At the same time, according to estimations of ZEO-IERiGZ-PIB, the cost efficiency of cabbage production may be high enough this season in Poland. The estimated production cost is on level of $0.09/kg; at the same time, the purchase price for cabbage is almost twice as high this season. We'd like to stress that the estimation of production cost in Poland is based on the yield of 60 ton/ha and the expenses on the level $5,500 per hectare. That's why cabbage production growth may be possible in Poland next year.

The experts of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" also observe that the prices for cabbage have almost equaled in Ukraine and Poland; although the price difference was very significant early September. Ukraine produces more cabbage than Poland and more than EU-15 altogether; as European cabbage producer it yields only to Russia.

The detailed perspectives and opportunities of cabbage market and the markets of other fruits and vegetables will be presented during the fourth international conference "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2007. Meeting New Leader". The event will take place on the 4th-6th of December 2007 on the territory of the National Complex "Expocenter of Ukraine" in Kyiv. The application form for the conference participants is available here