The decline of pig farms in Flanders: challenges and changes until 2030

Despite the farm closures, overall livestock numbers are not expected to decline as sharply as expected. Pig numbers are expected to decline by 16-23% by 2024 , while dairy cattle numbers are expected to decline by 6% and beef cattle by 10-15%.

These changes are also linked to the European Union's environmental initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Methane emissions are expected to decrease by 16-23%, and ammonia by 6.5-8.4%. The situation of farms in Flanders is a complex process caused by demographic and economic factors, which opens up new opportunities for adaptation and implementation of sustainable farming methods.