Flemish agricultural turnover drops amid drought and oversupply

Agricultural turnover in Flanders is projected to decrease by 9.5 percent in 2026, reaching 7.33 billion euros, according to figures from the Boerenbond. Potato growers have been particularly impacted, experiencing a 46.1 percent drop in turnover and a 25 percent reduction in harvest.

Economic advisor François Huyghe noted that an oversupply in 2025 led to a 23 percent contraction in the Flemish potato cultivation area and a 20 percent decrease in contract prices. Total climate-related damages are estimated at 260 million euros, averaging 16,000 euros per farm.

On individual farms, such as the Van den Borne operation in Mol-Postel, the effects include half-empty storage facilities and the cancellation of rented warehouses. Farmers warn that without adequate irrigation and fertilization, cultivation during dry summers may become unprofitable, potentially threatening the local supply of Belgian potatoes.