Onions

CPC v2.1 Code: 01253

About onions

cpc code 01253 covers the production and trade of onions, a staple vegetable with a wide range of culinary applications. Onions are a globally important crop, with significant economic and cultural significance. They are a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world and are widely used in the food processing industry. The onion industry plays a vital role in the broader agricultural sector, contributing to food security and providing livelihoods for farmers and workers across the supply chain.

Production process

Onions are typically grown from sets or seeds, with the main production techniques involving soil preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, and harvesting. Onions require well-drained, fertile soil and a temperate climate for optimal growth. The bulbs are harvested when the foliage begins to die back, usually in the late summer or early fall. After harvesting, onions are cured to improve their storage life before being distributed to wholesale markets or processed further.

Production inputs

The key inputs for the onion industry include agricultural land, seeds or sets, fertilizers, irrigation systems, and farm machinery. Onion production also requires a significant labor force for planting, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Additionally, the industry relies on transportation infrastructure and storage facilities to move and preserve the crop.

Production outputs

The primary output of the onion industry is the onion bulb, which is consumed fresh, used in food processing, or further processed into products such as 01254 Dried, Dehydrated, or Powdered Vegetables, 10311 Frozen Vegetables, and 10312 Canned or Preserved Vegetables. Onions are also used as an input for the production of 20311 Spices and Extracts.

Family tree for onions

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/0'>0: Agriculture, forestry and fishery products</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01'>01: Products of agriculture, horticulture and market gardening</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/012'>012: Vegetables</a>"]
C --> D["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/0125'>0125: Root, bulb or tuberous vegetables</a>"]
D --> E["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01253'>01253: Onions</a>"]

    D --> F["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01251'>01251: Carrots and turnips</a>"]
D --> G["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01252'>01252: Green garlic</a>"]
D --> H["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01254'>01254: Leeks and other alliaceous vegetables</a>"]
D --> I["<a href='/classifications/cpc/v2-1/01259'>01259: Other root, bulb and tuberous vegetables, n.e.c.</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level1
class B level2
class C level3
class D level4
class E level5
class F level5
class G level5
class H level5
class I level5

  class E highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class E highlight