On Thursday 21 August, the UIKC's National Onion Day took place in Colijnsplaat. We look back on a very successful and well-attended edition, where everyone with an interest in onion and potato cultivation was welcome. Visitors could view the trial fields, visit the many stands and meet each other at the information market and the mechanisation area.

The day started with the traditional Onion Breakfast for stand holders and trial field holders. Here, attention was paid to current developments in the sector, including the signing of the Bio-test agreement between GroentenFruit Huis, WUR and HLB/Groene Vlieg – an important milestone for Uireka.

During the forum discussion, the panel – consisting of Deputy Arno Vael (Province of Zeeland), Arno Witkam (Borsele) and Kees Poortvliet (Schouwen-Duiveland), Jacco Sanderse (ZLTO) and Michel Carol (Masterplan Zoet Water) – emphasised the great importance of fresh water for agriculture. As Gijsbrecht Gunter pointed out, there are already many options available, but their implementation requires substantial investment, and who is going to pay for that?

The trial fields clearly demonstrated what this means: plots with access to fresh water showed significantly higher yields. Visitors were also introduced to new techniques, such as the demonstration of the spot sprayer.

Variety research in collaboration with Uireka remains a pillar of the UIKC's work and, as of this year, is also available digitally to onion growers.

New this year were the guided tours of the potato trial fields, which focused on the relationship between irrigation and mineral uptake. This research – conducted by Delphy and Rusthoeve – shows that water quality and availability are just as crucial for potatoes as they are for onions.

With the great interest, valuable discussions and many encounters, we can look back on an inspiring Onion Day 2025.