Provisional figures from the Belgian collective application show an increase in that county's consumption potato acreage. The counter stands at 51,708 ha (+4.2%), reports the Belgian Research Centre for Potato Production (PCA).
It seems higher contract prices are an incentive to continue growing potatoes. After all, when deals were struck in January, there was no indication that cost prices would keep climbing significantly in 2022. The increase could as be partly due to better free-market prices.
From this year, Belgian's seed potato acreage is divided into certified (1,052 ha) and farm (371 ha) seed potato acreage. Together these amount to a two percent increase in seed potato production.
Other crops
The area under chicory rose by nine percent. Vegetables show the largest decrease. Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, onion, peas, and bean areas decreased by 15 to 30%.
Source: PCA