• During the 2025 season, NEIKER evaluated the agronomic performance, yield, and adaptation of five onion varieties at the Gauna experimental farm (Araba), aiming to provide the sector with objective data on their viability under local agro-climatic conditions.

The study, carried out between May and December in collaboration with BEJO, has identified the potential of this crop as an alternative for crop rotation in the area. Data from this first year highlight the strong performance of the Legend, Citation, and Valero varieties, which produced medium sizes (60-80 mm)—the most in-demand range for large retailers and supermarkets. On the other hand, the Joaquin and Stingray varieties showed excellent technical quality by reaching larger sizes, although their commercial turnover is currently slower due to saturation in the industrial market for these dimensions.

While acclimatization to the soil and climatic conditions of the Llanada Alavesa has been very positive, NEIKER emphasizes that these results are based on a single season. Therefore, the project will continue in 2026 to cross-reference data, optimize planting methods, and conduct detailed post-harvest quality analyses, thereby consolidating robust technical information for the agricultural sector.

 

See the onion trial report