The oil crops production in Belgium has experienced a notable decline over the last decade. From reaching its peak in 2013 at 68.3 thousand metric tons, the production trended downward to stand at 32.2 thousand metric tons in 2023. The yearly variations reveal significant fluctuations, with sharp declines observed particularly between 2018 and 2019. The last two years before 2023 indicate minor annual decreases of around 3.7% and 3.8%. The average annual decline over the past five years stands at approximately 5.75%.
Looking forward, the forecast indicates a continuation of this downward trend, with production expected to reach 26.22 thousand metric tons by 2028. The projected average annual decline from 2024 to 2028 is estimated at around 3.24%, implying a total decrease of 15.2% over these years. As this trend continues, key factors to monitor will include changing agricultural practices, climatic conditions, and economic factors influencing crop yields and farmer investment in oil crops.
