In mid-October, Switzerland's onion storage was reported at 15,500 tons, marking a decrease from the over 20,000 tons recorded in 2020 and 2022. Matija Nuic, director of the Association of Swiss Vegetable Producers, highlighted a downward trend in yields per hectare. The Bernese Seeland region is responsible for about 40% of the country's onion production, with other significant areas including St. Gallen and Vaud.
Challenges such as heavy rainfall have exacerbated the situation, leading to fungal diseases that impair the storage life of onions. "It is uncertain how the onions will keep," Nuic stated. Additionally, the agricultural sector faces hurdles with the phasing out of more toxic pesticides and the slow approval of new active ingredients, complicating crop protection.
The context of these developments is the Zibelemärit onion festival in Bern, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors. This event underscores the cultural significance of onions in the region amidst the ongoing agricultural challenges.
Source: Swiss Info