The horticulture sector contributed almost 40 percent to total Dutch agricultural production in 2002 (2001: 36 percent), making it by far the largest contributor. This was however the result of disappointing turnover in other farming sectors. Individual branches of horticulture met with varying success. Total fresh fruit and vegetable production was worth 2.33 billion EUR, 1 percent less than in 2001. Vegetable output accounted for 2bn EUR, in second place behind production ornamental plants. Fruitcontributed 300 million EUR. Production costs in the sector rose, mainly as a result of rising labour costs. In underglass cultivation labour costs rose on average by 7 percent per m~2, according to Dutch agricultural economics institute (LEI) estimates,owing to higher hourly rates of pay and the use of more expensive labour.
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