Nearly one in three Flemish farmers fears they will have to cease operations earlier than anticipated within the next five years, according to a survey by the Flemish farmers' union Boerenbond. More than half of them even say they want to reduce, interrupt or abandon their farm in the next five years.
In total, 1,365 members of the organisation participated in the survey conducted in September, which assessed concerns in the agricultural and horticultural sectors regarding government policies in Flanders – notably the new nitrogen decree.
The results revealed that almost the entire sector (97%) is worried about the impact of these policies on land access for their businesses. One in three fears they will have to file for bankruptcy in the next five years.
Boerenbond says the Flemish government "is not a reliable partner, with constantly changing regulations, such as the legally fragile nitrogen decree and the skimming of emission allowances."
"It's time for agriculture and horticulture to be recognised as a strategic sector and treated with the necessary priority and planning. The sector contributes to 120,000 jobs and is of strategic importance in securing our own food supply."
Wallonia faces similar challenges. During the Libramont agricultural fair in July, the Federation of Young Farmers (FJA) warned that half of the farmers and farms could disappear within a generation due to ageing demographics and economic difficulties. It is estimated that 70% of the 12,500 Walloon farms will change hands within the next five to six years.
According to a survey conducted by Ipsos for CBC Bank in June, one in two Walloon farmers believes their operation is not profitable, and over a third are considering selling their farms.
Organisations in the sector are urging the new Walloon government to allocate sustainable funding to support farm succession initiatives.
