Belgian cereal production experienced a significant decline in 2024, according to the final estimate published Thursday by Statbel, the Belgian statistics office.
The main cause was the exceptionally wet weather in autumn 2023, which hampered sowing and affected yields. Winter wheat production fell by 41%, spelt by 40%, and triticale, a hybrid cereal, by 42%. Winter barley production also decreased by 26%.
In response, farmers modified their planting plans, focusing more on spring sowing. Spring cereal and maize acreage saw a substantial increase. This shift resulted in a 185% rise in spring wheat production and a 44% increase in spring barley. However, these gains were not sufficient to offset the decline in winter cereal production. Maize yields were 10% lower than in 2023, but production saw a slight increase of 2% due to expanded areas.
Industrial crops like potatoes and sugar beets also suffered from a wet spring, delaying operations and impacting yields. Potato production fell by 1%, sugar beet by 7%, and fodder beet by 15%.
Rapeseed and turnip rape production dropped by 22%, linked to a 13% reduction in cultivated areas. In contrast, flax production rose by 52%, thanks to a 26% increase in cultivated areas and a 20% boost in yields. Lastly, dry legume production declined by 13%, due to a 10% decrease in sowing and reduced yields.
