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For the first time in decades, fewer than ten tons of pigs were slaughtered. This is evident from the slaughter figures for the year 2023, included in Statbel's Key Agricultural Figures. The decrease is a logical consequence of the declining pig population, partly due to the uncertainties surrounding the nitrogen dossier.
"The epidemics of African swine fever that have swept across Europe in recent years, the uncertainties surrounding the nitrogen dossier in Flanders, and the profitability of the sector have all contributed to a decline in the pig population of 6.7% (-383,514 animals) in November 2023 compared to November 2022. These figures are based on initial estimates of definitive figures," Statbel reports.
This decline is a continuation of a trend that started years ago. For years, pork from between 11 and 12 million pigs left Belgian slaughterhouses each year, but in 2022 it was only 10.5 million tonnes (-9.2%). Last year, a new decline was recorded, by 9.9%.
Pigs account for 29.9% of all animal production in Belgium. Pork remains the most important meat marketed. The vast majority of pig farms are located in the north of the country. In Wallonia, cattle are preferred. The self-sufficiency rate for both pigs and poultry is over 200%. A large part of what the country produces is intended for export.
July 26, 2024/ Vilt/ Belgium.
https://vilt.be/nl
