Bélgica: "Strongly growing potato area offers opportunities, but growers remain concerned"
During Interpom 2024 in Kortrijk it became clear that the Belgian potato sector is full of ambitions, but also faces major challenges.
Despite a historically large potato area of around 100,000 hectares, growers are struggling with disappointing yields, complex regulations and rising costs, says Boerenbond.
Production remains focused on export: Belgium processes more than 6 million tons of potatoes into frozen products each year, of which 3.5 million tons are exported. However, the sector remains vigilant. Problems with seed potato availability, storage and the impact of new environmental legislation are causing unrest among growers.
Processors are expanding in the meantime, especially in Northern France, where there is more room for growth. Market prices remain an important factor for the future of the sector. The recently adjusted price quotations of Belgapom should offer more transparency.
Fuente: boerenbond.be
