The Beef Industry in Belgium

The beef industry plays a central role in the Belgian agricultural economy. Renowned for the quality of its meat, particularly that of the famous Belgian Blue (BBB), it represents a symbol of expertise and rigor. In 2024, Belgium had approximately 2.3 million head of cattle, including nearly 1.2 million suckler cows and 1.1 million cattle destined for fattening. This herd, spread across more than 25,000 farms, testifies to the vitality of a sector that combines tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

Let's take a look at the evolution of this sector.

High-Performing and Diversified Production in Belgium

Belgian beef production is based on two main segments: meat and milk. The meat sector represents approximately 60% of the total value of the industry, while the dairy sector accounts for 40%. In 2024, beef production reached 270,000 tonnes carcass weight equivalent, a figure that remained stable compared to 2023. Belgium ranks among the top ten European producers, with a strong focus on quality and traceability.

The Belgian Blue, the country's emblematic breed, represents nearly 85% of the beef cattle herd. Its meat, renowned for its tenderness and low fat content, is highly prized on both national and international markets. At the same time, dual-purpose breeds such as the Holstein and the Red Flanders contribute to dairy production, which reaches approximately 4.2 billion liters of milk per year. 

Prices and income in the sector in Belgium

In 2024, the average price per kilogram of beef in Belgium was €5.20/kg carcass weight, a slight increase of 2% compared to the previous year. This increase is explained by rising production costs (feed, energy, transport) and sustained demand on the European market. The price of milk, meanwhile, has stabilized at around €0.47/liter, after a period of high volatility in 2022-2023.

Total revenue for the beef sector in Belgium is estimated at €3.8 billion in 2024, including €2.2 billion for meat and €1.6 billion for milk. These figures confirm the sector's economic strength, despite the challenges related to competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

Exports and the Domestic Market

Belgium exports approximately 55% of its beef production, primarily to France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Exports generate nearly €1.5 billion in annual revenue, making the country a major player in the European meat trade. The domestic market also remains dynamic, with an average consumption of 15 kg of beef per capita per year, slightly lower than the European average (17 kg).

Belgian milk and dairy products, meanwhile, are exported at a rate of 60% of production, primarily in the form of cheeses, milk powders, and butter. These exports represent approximately €1.2 billion in revenue, contributing to the positive trade balance of the Belgian agri-food sector.

A substantial overall budget

The total budget for the beef sector in Belgium is estimated at €4.5 billion in 2024, including production, processing, distribution, and investments. Public subsidies, particularly those from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), amount to approximately €350 million per year, supporting farm modernization and the ecological transition.

Investments are focused on sustainability, reducing methane emissions, and improving animal welfare. Many farms are adopting more environmentally friendly practices, such as utilizing livestock effluents, producing renewable energy, and diversifying forage crops.

Challenges and Prospects

The beef sector in Belgium faces several challenges: environmental pressure, price volatility, and international competition. Farmers must reconcile profitability and sustainability while meeting growing consumer expectations for quality and transparency.

Nevertheless, the outlook remains positive. Experts predict annual revenue growth of 1% to 2% by 2027, driven by product premiumization, technological innovation, and the development of short supply chains. Belgian Blue beef, a true ambassador of Belgian meat, will continue to play a central role in this dynamic.

The beef sector in Belgium remains a pillar of the national agricultural economy. Building on its expertise, recognized quality, and commitment to sustainable production, Belgium adapts to contemporary challenges while preserving its identity. Between tradition and modernity, Belgium confirms its place among the European leaders in beef production, combining excellence, efficiency, and sustainability performance and responsibility.