Belgian farmers reap “worst wheat harvest in 50 years”

The wheat harvest in Belgium is in full swing, but farmers are preparing themselves for an extremely low yield. Experts say to expect a decrease of 30- to 50% compared to last year. “The main cause is the wet spring weather,” says Georges Van Keerberghen, chairman of the Belgian Farmers' Union, in De Standaard. "I haven't seen such low yields in my 50-year career.”

Ear emergence in the flowering period was severely disrupted by this spring's exceptionally high precipitation, according to the Farmers' Union. The result is not only lower yields, but also lesser quality grains.

The lower yields will not be offset by better prices, because Belgium does not play a significant role in the production of grains worldwide. They will, however, have disastrous consequences for the few Belgian producers of baking wheat, as well as for the country's animal feed producers.