Why are livestock and dairy products important to Belgian agriculture?

In Belgium, agricultural activity is primarily centered on livestock, which serves as the cornerstone of the country's farming sector. Dairy and meat products are particularly significant, as they constitute more than two-thirds of the total farm value in Belgium.1

This focus on livestock is supported by the country's geography, with more than one-fifth of Belgium's land area comprised of meadows and pastures. In regions such as the fertile polders of West Flanders, the cultivation of grass, oats, and various fodder crops provides the necessary resources to sustain extensive livestock raising, including cattle, pigs, and horses. While other agricultural activities like the cultivation of sugar beets, cereals, and vegetables remain important, the livestock and dairy industries remain the dominant contributors to the economic value of Belgian agriculture.12