America’s Onion Supply Coming Up Short

Weather issues and dwindling global supplies will put the squeeze on the United States’ available onion stocks for the next few months.  The National Onion Association said Wednesday, American growers typically have enough onions in storage to last through the spring, while the spring and summer harvests get under way.

That’s not the case today, as April supplies have dwindled 30% from the same time last year.   April 1 stocks on hand sat at six million 50-pound units, down 61% in just one month.

At current demand levels, onion storage could be depleted by June.

“Decreased onion exports out of Europe, coupled with shrinking supplies from Mexico and Canada, fewer acres planted and increased demand in the United States are making for these tighter supplies,” said Greg Yielding, executive vice president and chief executive of the National Onion Association, based in Greeley, Colo.  “Our nation’s growers will be working around the clock to continue to meet consumer demand. This could take another few months to balance out.”

The NOA said the tight supplies are a direct result of continued strong demand for onions across America, coupled with increased pressures on onion supplies across the globe.  A good 74% of the United States’ onion imports come from Mexico.  Bad weather has hurt Mexican crops, especially, their coveted white onions.

Shortages in European markets also have put increased pressure on worldwide onion supplies, which have a ripple effect in the United States. Imports from Canada, which make up about 10% of the United States onion import market, also are impacted by this worldwide crunch.  America’s spring and summer harvests are starting to get under way, but they are down a bit from previous years.  The overall spring crop in California is down 25% to 30% in acres. Texas onions, also with fewer acres planted, are coming out of the ground but the harvest has been slow due to wet weather.  Georgia’s Vidalia crop also is smaller than previous years, by about 20%, while harvest also is rather slow due to weather.  Look for Vidalias to hit the market on April 22.

Onions are grown throughout the United States and are harvested at varying times through the year. The NOA says the spring and summer harvests normally replenish spring shortages, while the fall crops keep Americans eating onions throughout the winter.

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