Means of production increased above average in the Netherlands
The price of inputs for agriculture has fallen more sharply this year in the Netherlands than the average in the European Union. Costs rose even more in five Eastern European countries, according to figures from Eurostat.
In the second quarter of this year, means of production in Dutch agriculture were on average 47.5% more expensive than a year ago. The average price level in the EU for these products increased by about 36%. The cost increase for farmers in Germany and Belgium was at the average level. French farmers saw their costs rise by just over 30%. In Denmark and Italy, cost increases were limited to a quarter or even slightly less.
Fertilizer for more expensive
As expected, the costs of fertilizers and soil improvers clearly exceed the costs. In the second quarter, these fertilizers were 116% more expensive than a year earlier. Nitrogen fertilizer prices increased by an average of 143% in the EU. In six summaries of the prices of nitrogen fertilizers even by more than 200%. In the Netherlands, the price increase was 176% above average. Prices rose the least in Romania; less than 70%.
The price increases of plant protection products are not too bad compared to fertilizers. In the second quarter, the prices of these products were on average 11% higher than a year ago. This is mainly because the suppliers have increased their prices of weed killers. Those prices rose by almost 15%. Fungus killers and insecticides rose in price by about 8 to 9%. In the Netherlands, fungicides and insecticides became about 9% more expensive, while herbicides increased by 11% in price range.
Livestock feed 36% more expensive
Veterinary costs increased by an average of 6.6% in the EU. Outlier is between Romania with a suspicion of 58% in these costs. In the Netherlands, the price increase amounted to 9%. The cost of animal feed increased by 36%. The Netherlands is just above that with a price increase of 40%. Grain processing by-products increased in price by an average of 50% in the EU.
Tractors and implements also became more expensive this year. The price increases for these machines amounted to about 8% in the second quarter. In the Netherlands, harvesters rose in price by 6%, while tractors became 12% more expensive. In Belgium, according to Eurostat, these prices rose by more than 20%, while in Germany the price changes were comparable to those in the Netherlands.