The amount of Dutch farmland devoted to the bulb industry has grown 21% over the past 10 years and the industry now covers 28,000 hectares.

Around 50% of that is devoted to tulips. Lilies account for 28%, followed by daffodils and narcissus, and hyacinths, national statistics agency CBS said on Friday. 

Over 1,600 companies are now active in the bulb industry, a rise of over 100 on 10 years ago, but fewer firms focus purely on seasonal bulbs. 

The export of bulbs has also gone up over 30% over the past five years and in 2022 almost seven billion were exported to other countries, generating sales of over €1 billion.

The bulb fields of the Netherlands are also becoming an increasingly popular tourist draw, attracting thousands of people and organised tours. 

Inburgering with Dutch News: Key facts about tulips

However, the industry is not without its critics and the pesticides used to ensure a good crop are not only killing insects but are also thought to be a contributing factor in the development of Parkinson’s disease.