Belgian potato growers launch direct sales campaign to reduce surplus stocks and support Food Banks

Belgian potato sector organizations have launched a joint campaign to reduce large surpluses of potatoes currently stored in warehouses, following a season marked by high production and weak demand. On April 18, consumers will be able to purchase potatoes directly from growers at a price of EUR 2 for 5 kilograms, with EUR 1 from each purchase donated to Food Banks.

According to Viaverda, approximately 860,000 tonnes of unsold potatoes remain in storage across Belgium. These volumes are no longer being purchased by the potato trade and processing industry, resulting in an unprecedented surplus.
 

Limited alternative outlets

Alternative sales channels remain limited. Some potatoes are diverted to animal feed or biogas production, but these outlets represent relatively small volumes and generate minimal returns for growers. As a result, a significant share of the surplus risks being returned to the fields, which could pose plant health concerns.
 

Sector collaboration to support demand

Several organizations, including Boerenbond, ABS, Belgapom, Belpotato.be, Viaverda and VLAM, have joined forces with Food Banks and Waste Warriors to promote local potato consumption. The campaign aims to highlight the value of locally produced potatoes and encourage consumers to make more conscious purchasing decisions, supporting the long-term position of potatoes in the market.
 

Direct sales initiative

Potato growers can register for the campaign through their agricultural organizations. Participating farms will be listed on a VLAM platform, allowing consumers to locate nearby producers. On April 18, between 9:00 and 16:00, consumers will be able to visit participating farms across Flanders to purchase potatoes directly from storage.

Farmers are not required to package the potatoes. Consumers will collect their own portion directly from storage facilities. Of the EUR 2 paid for 5 kilograms, EUR 1 will be donated to Food Banks, combining surplus reduction with social support initiatives.