Het risicodragende karakter van de tuinbouwproduktie

Production in horticulture is always uncertain with many climatic hazards over normal production risks. Climatic conditions in the Netherlands were analysed. These conditions could be improved by greenhouses and shelter screens. The problems and risks were studied in apple, carrot and chrysanthemum. With apples night frost during blossoming reduced the crop once in three years by up to 70 %. Hail too may cause serious damage. The fruit-grower had a chance of a serious loss of at least 8.8 % every year.

Winter carrots in frames had 10 % change of a 50 % loss. Storing carrots in the open as 'underthatchers' (under straw in the open) was never safe and the loss may be 20 to 100 %.

In open ground average day temperature and the minimum night temperature influenced the chrysanthemum crop. Excess rain may detract from the bloom quality.

It was difficult to calculate or estimate possible losses in horticultural production; a grower cannot foretell weather conditions. Detailed knowledge of growth conditions was also lacking.

A skilled man limits his risks. But skill is both an economic as well as a technical conception; it is possible to eliminate risks but costs can be too high. Practical horticulture seldom takes precautions against rare events which cause slight damage: such damage is considered normal. If, however, an event occurs only seldom but can cause great damage a grower should lay store for such occasions.