Belgium: Extra support for pig sector in crisis

In December there was a sharp decrease in the number of pigs slaughtered with pig inventory decreasing less rapidly.

The combined index should be a better representation of the market evolution and thus contribute to greater transparency in the sector.

Due to the war in Ukraine, organic pig and poultry farmers are allowed to mix 5% non-organic protein-rich feed crops in the diet.

The lifting of the Japanese embargo is particularly significant as Japan represents an important market for the Belgian pork sector.

In 2020 consumption of organic products rose by 14% in Flanders and organic hog production saw a significant increase.

In 2020, antibiotic use decreased for swine and remained the same in cattle, but increased in chickens.

Certain ASF prevention measures have been lifted in Belgium following the country's recovery of its ASF-free status.

Next week, the Ministerial Order authorizing the restocking of pig farms in areas affected by ASF will come into force.