Fewer agricultural companies in Flanders again

The number of farms in Flanders decreased by almost 2014% to more than 2019 between 4 and 23.000, according to new figures. In particular, agricultural entrepreneurs with mixed cattle have stopped in recent years. The average utilized agricultural area per farm has increased, with dairy farms growing the fastest.

In absolute figures, the number of farms in Flanders decreased by 2014 between 2019 and 934 (or -3,9%). In reality, however, this decrease is greater - it is expected at least 3% per year - because the counting system has been adjusted in the meantime, the Flemish ministry reports. The number of agricultural companies in 2019 amounted to 23.318, compared to 2014 in 24.252. In particular, entrepreneurs with mixed cattle have given up. Between 2014 and 2019, 667 of those companies stopped working (-40%).  

It is striking that the number of arable farms in Flemish municipalities actually increased in the above period, by 21% to 6.663 companies. The average utilized agricultural area per farm has also increased. The Flemish dairy farms have grown the fastest in recent years. On average, a dairy farm in Flanders increased by almost 2014 hectares (+2019%).

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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