Agriculture & fishery

Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, proceeded to the first estimates of the economic accounts for agriculture in Belgium for the current year, in collaboration with regional authorities and experts.
- In 2018, the agricultural sector's net value added has dropped by almost a third compared to 2017.
- Beets and potatoes in particular have suffered from this year's drought, as confirmed by the first yield estimates.
- Animal production value has also decreased, particularly in the pig industry.
The year 2018 was characterized by a production decrease in the agricultural sector of 4.3 % in value and by an increase of intermediate consumption of 2.1 %. The estimated net value added is therefore 25.1 % lower than the average for the period 2013-2017.