Heavy rainfall throughout nearly all of 2024 significantly impacted Belgium's agricultural production – particularly cereals, industrial plants, and fruits, according to preliminary estimates from Statbel on Monday.
The Belgian statistics office reports that agricultural production value is expected to fall 0.7% compared to 2023. However, intermediate consumption costs, including raw materials, energy, and outsourced services, are projected to drop by 2.7% from the previous year, leading to a net added value increase of 4.2% in the agricultural sector. These estimates are preliminary.
Cereal crops were significantly affected by the rains that hit Belgium. “Winter cereal acreage fell to levels unseen since 1999 and yields also dropped. Despite an increase in spring cereal plantings, total cereal production volume is estimated to be 18.7% below 2023 levels,” noted Statbel.
As a result, the value of cereal production is expected to fall by 20.1% in 2024 (factoring in a 1.7% drop in prices for the 2024-25 season). Sugar beet production value is expected to see a sharp decline of 23.2%. But there has been a slight improvement in potato production (+1.6% compared to 2023).
A field after days of heavy rain in the West Flanders province. Potato farmers faced problems harvesting due to the bad weather. Credit: Belga
In horticulture, vegetable production value is estimated to be 9.3% higher than in 2023, driven by increased producer prices. However, fruit production value is forecasted to decrease by 17.1%.
“Predictions for apples and pears are pessimistic. Spring’s lack of sunshine and episodes of hail have dimmed harvest prospects, leading to a projected 24.1% drop in fruit production from 2023. This reduction is expected to be partially offset by an estimated 9.2% increase in prices,” Statbel stated.
Animal production value is anticipated to remain stable with positive volume effects compensating for negative price effects. For example, beef production is expected to rise by 3.5% with producer prices up by 4.4%. The value of beef production is currently estimated to be 8.1% higher than 2023. However, in the pork sector a 3.2% increase in volumes is not enough to counterbalance a 9.4% price drop.
Finally, the production value for animal products is projected to increase by 3.2% compared to 2023. The dairy sector should maintain stable annual production, thanks to a strong first half of the year, while dairy production value is expected to rise by 5.6% due to higher milk prices. The value of egg production is anticipated to decrease, following an 11.0% drop in producer prices.
