The potato area in Flanders has shrunk compared to last year. This contraction was already expected by various organizations but has now been confirmed by the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries after analysis of the parcel declaration (May count).
The total potato area in Flanders this season amounts to 51.316 hectares. This area is divided into 6.138 early (harvest before September 1), 43.789 hectares of late (harvest after September 1) potatoes and 1.389 hectares of seed potatoes. Last year the total area was 54.746 hectares, consisting of 7.119 hectares of early potatoes, 46.157 late potatoes and 1.470 hectares of seed potatoes. This meant a shrinkage of almost 14% in the area of early potatoes and a shrinkage of 5% in the area of late potatoes.
Onions and wheat
Instead of potatoes, Flemish arable farmers are increasingly opting for onions. The area increased by more than 19% from 3.355 hectares in 2020 to 3.999 hectares this year. The area of grain has also increased by approximately 5%. Winter wheat is the largest grower with 9%, bringing the total area to 63.513 hectares. Spring barley has been sown less than 22% compared to last year, probably because growers had more opportunity to sow winter wheat last fall.