Use of agricultural land

This indicator shows the various uses of the agricultural land in Flanders.

617 081 ha

  • Over half of the agricultural land is used for the production of animal feed.
  • 36% of the total area is grassland and 20% is used for the production of maize.

What do we see?

The amount of agricultural land and the way in which it is used has remained relatively stable over the last ten years. The vast majority of the land is used for the production of human food and animal feed. As the graph below illustrates, over half of this is used for the production of animal feed. 



What’s the aim?

In a circular model, we want to ensure that agricultural production is organised based on the specific characteristics of the land in question. At the moment, this kind of location-based criteria only exists for livestock farming in order to limit the amount of nitrogen emissions. 

We also aim to reduce the use of agricultural land for animal feed so that this land can instead be used for human food production or returned to its natural state. To achieve this, the production of animal feed in Flanders needs to be more efficient. What we definitely do not want to do is import animal feed from other countries as this would also have a significant impact on the environment. 

What does this indicator measure?

This indicator shows what the agricultural land in Flanders is used for. The data comes from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Discover more topics

Total water consumption
61 million m³

Total water consumption

This indicator measures how much water is used in the Flemish agricultural sector and where this water comes from....
Sustainable water consumption
37%

Sustainable water consumption

This indicator shows how much of the Flemish agricultural sector’s water consumption comes from sustainable sources.
Use of nitrogen in the agricultural sector
147.2 kt

Use of nitrogen in the agricultural sector

This indicator measures how much nitrogen-based fertiliser is used in the Flemish agricultural sector. It also shows what kinds...
Use of phosphorus in the agricultural sector
42.6 kt

Use of phosphorus in the agricultural sector

This indicator measures how much phosphorus-based fertiliser is used in the Flemish agricultural sector. It also shows what kinds...
Production and use of animal fertiliser
137% (N) - 147% (P)

Production and use of animal fertiliser

This indicator shows the ratio between livestock manure production and the use of animal fertiliser in Flanders.
Energy consumption in the agricultural sector
31.7 PJ

Energy consumption in the agricultural sector

This indicator shows how much energy is consumed each year by the agricultural sector and which sources of energy...
Spatial distribution
50% farmland

Spatial distribution

This indicator gives more insight into the spatial distribution of Flanders.
Use of animal feed
7,756 kt

Use of animal feed

This indicator paints a picture of the total production of compound feed in Belgium and the proportion of residual...
Use of soil in Flanders

Use of soil in Flanders

This indicator shows the evolution of 7 soil nutrients, which play a role in the growth of crops, and...