Final agricultural figures for 2021 show a concerning decline in the production of the nation's favourite root vegetable: potatoes.
The total area for potato production decreased by 7.6%, in order to clear the large stocks caused by the Covid-19 crisis. The scarcity of potatoes was larger in Wallonia than in Flanders (-8.5% and -6.9% respectively) according to a Statbel trend report.
The Belgian statistical office also shared figures for other important Belgian crops, including spelt, flax and winter wheat. The crop of winter wheat rebounded after a sharp decline in 2020, expanding by 6.3% in total land used for the crop. However, less flax and spring cereals were sown due to disappointing harvests in 2020.
Credit: Abby Stetina / The Brussels Times
The report shows that Wallonia and Flanders differed greatly in total outdoor vegetable area production: the large increase in Flanders (+5.5%) was offset by the large decrease in Wallonia (-10.2 percent).
Both regions experienced decreases in the production of peas, French beans and spinach. Onions, leeks, Brussels sprouts and chicory roots, however, increased in production.
Credit: Abby Stetina / The Brussels Times
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Decline in cattle, pig and poultry stocks
The cattle population decreased by 25,000 animals (-1.1%) and was felt more significantly in Wallonia. The biggest decrease came from breeding heifers, with a 67% decrease. The total pig population in Belgium decreased by 2.8% from 2020 figures.
While over 80% of the poultry population can be found in Flanders, poultry in Wallonia has seen a marked increase every year since 2012. That being said, the poultry population decreased in 2021 by under 1%.
