Lender Issues Profitability Forecast

Northwest Farm Credit Services’ 12-month outlook calls for breakeven returns for Northwest onion producers. Favorable weather conditions allowed harvest to begin at least one week earlier than normal in many areas. Prices remain subdued for yellow onions; red and white onions remain profitable.

Drivers in the industry include quality, demand and global market. Low-quality onions in the market from other growing regions are causing prices to dip below breakeven. Northwest onion yields are average with good demand bolstered by a stronger economy. Global onion supply could be impacted with major damage reported in the Netherlands onion crop.