Belgium: The Belgian industrial potato industry is facing a significant crisis.

At Charles-Edouard Gourdin’s farm, growing anxiety grips the employees as the price of processing potatoes continues to fall sharply. Since last March, a ton of potatoes has fetched only 10 euros, a dire situation for producers. The farmer points out the severity of the crisis, highlighting its wide-ranging impact. The inability to export potatoes for fries, coupled with increasing costs for fuel and fertilizers, is placing immense strain on operations.

For some farmers, contracts offer a crucial lifeline, ensuring financial stability, but this safety net isn’t available to everyone. Gourdin notes that a portion of the potato harvest isn’t backed by contracts, leaving producers vulnerable as factories now refuse to accept these surplus stocks. “It’s a grim outlook,” he shares. “It could take two or three years before the situation improves.”

The crisis stems from a combination of unprecedented factors. According to Daniel Ryckmans, technical and economic advisor at the Walloon Potato Industry Association, an oversupply has flooded the market due to expanded planting last year. Favorable conditions during the summer resulted in excellent yields, contributing several million extra tons of potatoes compared to the prior year. Adding to the dilemma is new competition from India and China, where production of frozen fries has surged, reducing demand for exports from Belgium in previously reliable regions.

To manage the glut of potatoes, several alternatives are being considered. While some of the surplus will be redirected to livestock feed, others will contribute to biomethanization efforts. Donations to associations will also play a role, albeit in limited quantities. Composting provides yet another solution for disposal.

Despite the pressing challenges posed by foreign competitors, Belgium retains a vital advantage: the exceptional quality of its potatoes. This key strength could serve as a foundation for revitalizing the sector and reclaiming its footing in global markets.