In 2019, most arable crops were subject to significant production increases compared to 2018. This is mainly due to the fact that 2018 was a bad year because of the drought. The increase compared to the five-year average was less significant, according to the final estimate of the production of agricultural crops for 2018 of Statbel, the Belgian statistical office.
The production of winter wheat and winter barley in Belgium increased by 15 % and 26 % respectively compared to 2018. These increases are the result of a higher yield combined with an increased surface area. Despite the 10 % decrease of the surface area for grain maize, the production increased by 20 % compared to 2018. However, the production is slightly below the five-year average.
The yield of sugar beets increased by 6 % but still remained below the level of 2017. The 2 % decrease in production was due to the 8 % decrease of the surface area.
Potato production in Belgium has substantially increased in 2019 compared to 2018: +82 % for early potatoes, +29 % for ware potatoes and +17 % for seed potatoes. Yet it remained below the production level of 2017. The increase in production was a combination of an increase in yield and an increase in surface area.
In Belgium, 23 % less rapeseed was produced as a result of a decrease in the surface area (-18 %) and in the yield (-6 %).
Also the fodder beet and green maize, after a decline in 2017, showed a large increase in production compared to 2018 (+28 % and +17 %). However, it remained below the level of 2017. The increase was mainly due to the yield increase in 2018.