Europe: Potato acreage in Belgium increases by 6 percent

This represents a 6 percent increase, according to the Viaverda research institute based on a survey of Flemish and Walloon potato producers.

According to Viaverda, the most recent survey was conducted in early April among 130 producers in Flanders and 87 producers in Wallonia. With this data, the research institute can make a preliminary, cautious estimate of the area planted with potatoes in 2025.

Regarding spring activities, Viaverda reports that planting of (early) potatoes got off to a good start in the second half of March. Due to limited rainfall and dry spells, fieldwork has continued uninterrupted in Belgium since then. According to Viaverda, it’s been over ten years since so much planting has been done in early April.

Early varieties

The survey of Belgian potato growers shows that the area under early varieties in Flanders is increasing by 4 percent. Amora remains by far the most important early variety, with a 51 percent share. The medium-early variety Sinora also maintains a strong lead with a 38 percent share of the medium-early variety area. Première, Frieslander, and Primavera follow at some distance.

Among the mid-late varieties planted for fries, Bellini and Felsina are the most frequently planted . Bellini acreage has increased for the third consecutive year among Flemish respondents. In contrast, Felsina acreage appears to be declining. Other mid-early varieties in the study are Alegría and Artemis. These two varieties also grow in some areas.

The area of ​​late potato varieties increases by 5.5 percent

Viaverda also reports that, according to the survey, the acreage of late potatoes for the French fry industry is increasing by 5.5 percent in Flanders. Fontane acreage appears to be increasing by 11 percent this year. This variety remains by far the most important among late potatoes and is expected to reach a 70 percent share again this year. The average Fontane acreage is approximately 30 hectares per producer.

Other varieties occupying between 3 and 9 percent of the acreage are Markies, Innovator, Agria, Bintje, and Challenger . Both Challenger and Bintje are declining this year (-16 percent). Markies, Innovator, and Agria are growing strongly.

According to preliminary figures, the total area in Wallonia is also expected to increase by 6 percent. There, too, Fontane is expected to continue growing (up 9 percent) and account for 57 percent of the area under late-season chip varieties. Other important chip varieties (between 3 and 13 percent) remain Markies, Challenger, Innovator, and Bintje.