2025 Marks a Turning Point in the Belgian Agricultural Auction Market

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Troostwijk Auctions sees increase in online auctions due to major developments

After a slight decline in 2024, the Belgian agricultural auction market is showing a strong recovery in 2025. While the number of online auctions dropped in 2024, the beginning of 2025 reveals a notable trend reversal. The number of online auctions rose by 42 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, the number of voluntary auctions has increased significantly.

The agricultural sector in Belgium experiences relatively few bankruptcies. As a result, many auctions held by Troostwijk Auctions are voluntary. “The idea that auctions only happen when someone goes bankrupt is outdated,” says Peter Lechat, account manager with a special focus on the agricultural and earthmoving markets at the online auction house. In 2024, 146 auctions in the sector were voluntary. In the first quarter of 2025, Troostwijk Auctions observed a 30% increase compared to the same period last year.

Pressure on the Sector from Regulations and Costs
The increase in auction numbers can be explained by several developments in the Belgian agricultural sector. Economic uncertainty, changing regulations, and the impact of European environmental measures play a major role. Especially in Flanders, nitrogen policies are forcing farmers to reduce emissions, while obtaining or renewing permits is becoming increasingly difficult. At the same time, low market prices and rising costs for energy, fertilizers, and animal feed are squeezing margins, making it particularly hard for smaller businesses to survive.

Social and psychosocial pressure
In addition to financial considerations, psychosocial pressure also plays a major role. The combination of public criticism and high workloads is making it increasingly difficult for farmers to continue, which is accelerating the trend of farm closures. Lechat explains: “Public criticism of the agricultural sector is increasing, especially due to concerns about environmental impacts such as nitrogen emissions. Additionally, stricter regulations on animal welfare and crop protection make farm management more complex and expensive. As a result, many farmers feel increasingly pressured.”

Lack of business succession
For many farmers, closing down is the only option. “We are seeing more and more farmers selling their equipment through auctions to wind down operations in an organized way. Especially in regions where environmental regulations have a big impact, the number of auctions is rising rapidly. This illustrates how uncertain the future is for many agricultural entrepreneurs,” says Lechat.

Another contributing factor is that younger generations are increasingly opting out of a future in agriculture, and thus not taking over family farms. “High workloads, stricter regulations, and uncertainty about the future are major barriers for potential successors. As a result, more and more farmers are ending or selling their businesses, and the number of agricultural companies is steadily declining,” Lechat concludes.

What is being auctioned and where does it go?
A wide range of farm equipment is auctioned in the agricultural sector, from heavy machinery to complete farm inventories. Common items include tractors, agriculture-related machines, workshop equipment, and tools. Sixty percent of auctioned items remain in Belgium, while the rest are exported abroad — with the Netherlands being the largest buyer, followed by Germany and countries in the Balkans. In total, Troostwijk Auctions reaches buyers in 175 countries.