The Belgian animal feed sector achieved growth in 2024, after three years of decline. A total of 6,7 million tonnes of compound feed was produced, an increase of 3,3% compared to 2023. This is reported by Vilt based on figures from the Belgian Feed Association (BFA).
The growth is mainly due to pig farming, where 4% more pig feed was produced with a stable livestock population. The reason for this is the higher meat prices, which meant that pigs were delivered heavier and therefore needed more feed. Pig feeds account for half of the total animal feed production in Belgium. This is considerably higher than the European average.
Poultry and cattle feed also grew slightly, by 2% and 1% respectively. The largest percentage increase came from pet food and horse feed (+10%), although their share in total production is limited (8%).
Turnover down
The total turnover of the sector decreased by 3% to €6,3 billion, mainly driven by lower raw material prices. This while the market prices for animal products, such as meat, eggs and milk are relatively high. According to BFA chairman Rik Vandeputte this is a good thing: "Cheap food is no longer a given, and rightly so."
However, the sector remains under pressure from regulations, trade restrictions and nitrogen requirements. These challenges are leading to further consolidation: the number of BFA members fell from 133 in 2023 to 125 in April 2025. Small family businesses in particular are struggling. For example, 2% of members already produce 24% of the total volume, while the smallest 71% of businesses together account for only 16%.