Belgium Faces Major Grain Harvest Loss Due to Heavy Rain

Belgium is grappling with the consequences of nearly a year of record rainfall, which has severely impacted the agricultural sector. Recent data from Statbel reveals a staggering 42.6% decrease in the area planted with spring crops compared to the previous year. The persistent wet conditions have delayed planting in Flanders, with farmers starting their work several weeks later than usual. This has resulted in reduced development time for key crops such as maize and sugar beets, leading to anticipated yield reductions of 30 to 40%. Flemish farming organization Boerenbond has reported that while early potato harvests appear satisfactory, predictions for late potatoes and sugar beets remain uncertain. The organization cautions that it is too early to assess the overall impact on supermarket prices. Meanwhile, in Wallonia, wheat farmers are facing similar challenges, with initial estimates indicating a yield drop of about 30%, and in some areas, losses could reach 50%. Benoît Thomassen from the Walloon Federation of Agriculture (FWA) highlighted that not only are the yields lower, but the quality of the grains is also compromised, with many being underdeveloped and lacking starch. The FWA plans to hold discussions with wheat wholesalers at the end of August to address the situation. While potato farmers may be less affected, wheat farmers with supply agreements could face significant financial repercussions if they fail to meet their contractual obligations.