Brussels (Brussels Morning newspaper) – West Flanders’ potato industry thrives, with Clarebout, Agristo, and Aviko leading growth, but it faces water pollution issues from fungicides.
Last week, the potato industry in West Flanders faced a big problem. De Watergroep, a major water supplier, received permission to produce drinking water for two years. However, this water had levels of fungicide that were too high. This situation raised serious concerns about public health and environmental safety.
Is the potato industry in West Flanders responsible for water pollution?
Authorities mentioned that the drinking water contained significant amounts of triazoles, toxic chemicals in fungicides. These pollutants have entered the water, causing issues for the public. It is under investigation how these chemicals entered the water or where they came from.
According to the Province of West Flanders, pollution in drinking water comes from the growing potato industry. Farmers use fungicides to keep their crops safe from diseases like potato blight. These chemicals help protect the potato harvest. However, when it rains, these fungicides can wash away into the soil and water. This can lead to pollution in drinking water.
Because these chemicals are widely used in potato farming, they have built up in wastewater. This makes it hard for water treatment plants to clean the water completely. This situation has led to discussions about how the potato industry affects the environment. Many people are now asking if there should be stricter rules for farming and better ways to manage wastewater to prevent more pollution in drinking water.
Is Christophe Vermeulen’s call for collaboration enough to address water pollution issues in West Flanders?
According to Christophe Vermeulen, chief executive of Belgapom, dealing with the problem of 1,2,4-triazole in drinking water is very important. He believes the problem is not coming from the potato and vegetable processing industry in West Flanders. Vermeulen thinks that the industry is not the only source of this chemical in the water.
Deputy Valerberghe suggested that those who pollute should pay and proposed an environmental recovery fund. Vermeulen agrees that the agro-industry is taking action and has been working on this fund for over a year. However, he stresses that the vegetable and potato industry cannot bear all the costs alone and that everyone must collaborate to find a solution.
“We want to work with farmers to achieve the most sustainable cultivation possible”
Christophe Vermeulen, CEO of Belgapom
Vermeulen is unhappy that the nature sector will not discuss a plan for better fertilization. He does not know why they are not joining the talks. He hopes to speak with nature groups and Deputy Valerberghe soon. Vermeulen wants to help farmers use better practices. They are sharing tips and raising awareness. The industry wants to use less water and clean it better. In polluted areas, they are ready to spend more to improve things.
Is the potato industry in West Flanders set for global growth?
The potato industry in West Flanders is growing fast. Companies like Clarebout, Agristo, and Aviko are leading this growth. Clarebout opened a new factory in Dunkirk last year in 2024. This helps them make more frozen and pre-fried potato products for the world market. Agristo is also expanding in Belgium and other countries. They focus on creating high-quality products like fries and croquettes.
Aviko is another important company in the potato industry. A few years ago, they opened a new factory in Poperinge. This factory makes high-quality frozen fries and uses eco-friendly methods. With other companies, they have made West Flanders a key area for potato processing.
The region has a strong farming background and good conditions for growing potatoes. There is a growing demand for potato products worldwide, especially in Asia and the Middle East, where fast food is popular. West Flemish companies have become leaders in the global potato market by using new technology and smart growth.
