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The best predictions estimate that the first Belgian potato harvests will start at the end of July. The figures also suggest an estimated 10% reduction in the growing area.
This situation has been caused by persistent rain throughout the month of March, the rainiest month on record. Planting for the earliest harvest, for the fresh market, began during the third week in February in the eastern and western part of Flanders. These plantations are in the very light soils, typical of the area and under plastic. However, the growing process was paralysed by the rain in March. In the first week of April only 200 hectares had been planted out of the anticipated 12,000.
Potatoes in the Flanders region have managed to fill a gap in the processing industry market. Flemish companies are clearly focused on exports and their product goes all over the world. Flexibility, service, quality and brand support guarantee the Flemish potato abroad.
Belgian seeds are also highly prestigious as they are a certified product, backed up by significant know-how and state-of-the-art technological research.
The sector is highly organised through VLAM (Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board) the non profit-making promotional association for both producers and marketers. VLAM promotes activities throughout the world to publicise the virtues of the Flemish potato.
This year, and on the occasion of the International Year of the Potato, VLAM decided to bring children into contact with the industry by distributing seeds in schools so they could plant their own potatoes. The promotional association will also be attending Interpom in Kortrijk where the Belgian Potato Quality Awards will be presented.
Geen Luffens from VLAM claims that “the quality of the Flemish potato will continue to be the central issue to keep the sector in the leading position which it enjoys at the moment.”
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