Did you know Belgian fries are EU’s crispiest trade asset?  

Let’s ask ourselves: what would this country be without its fries? Since the late 1600s, Belgian villagers have fried potatoes. During World War I, American soldiers called them “French fries” because the local language was French [1]. Kiosks selling fries (called frietkot or friterie) became a cultural heritage, now with more than 5000 of them [2] & Belgians eat more fries per capita than any other nation [3], making it a truly national matter!  

Belgium is also the world's largest exporter of frozen fries [4]. Both domestic consumption and exports are supported by dedicated potato growers. However, potato production is increasingly challenged by diseases such as late blight and insects which transmit plant diseases. The situation is being made more difficult as crop protection products are removed from the market, further depleting the farmers’ toolbox.  Faster access to innovative crop protection solutions and new, more resilient varieties, are badly needed to reverse this trend.

[1] 23 Facts About French Fries | ohmyfacts
[2] De Belgische frietkotcultuur | Immaterieel erfgoed in Vlaanderen 
[3] What Country Eats The Most Fries? | savorysaga ​​​​​​
[4] Processed potatoes | Fresh from Flanders