2025-04-15
Troostwijk Auctions sees an increase in online auctions due to significant developments
After a slight decline in 2024, the Belgian agricultural auction market shows a strong recovery in 2025. While the number of online auctions fell in 2024, an impressive trend reversal is visible at the beginning of 2025. The number of online auctions rose by 42 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Another notable trend is the significant increase in voluntary auctions.
The agricultural sector in Belgium has relatively few bankruptcies. Many auctions at Troostwijk Auctions are therefore voluntary. “The idea that you only auction if you go bankrupt is an outdated phenomenon,” says Peter Lechat, account manager with a special focus on the agricultural and earthmoving market at the online auction house. In 2024, 146 auctions within the sector were voluntary. In the first quarter of 2025, Troostwijk Auctions saw a 30% increase compared to the same period last year.
Pressure on the Sector from Regulation and Costs
The rise in the number of auctions can be explained by several developments in the Belgian agricultural sector. Economic uncertainty, changing regulations, and the impact of European environmental measures play an important role. Especially the nitrogen policy in Flanders forces farmers to lower their emissions, while obtaining or renewing permits becomes increasingly difficult. At the same time, low output prices and rising costs for energy, fertilizers, and animal feed squeeze margins, making it especially difficult for smaller companies to survive.
Social and Psychosocial Pressure
In addition to financial considerations, psychosocial pressure also plays an important role. The combination of societal criticism and high work pressure makes it increasingly difficult for many farmers to continue, further reinforcing the trend of business closures. Lechat: “Societal criticism of the agricultural sector is increasing, especially due to concerns about environmental impacts such as nitrogen emissions. Additionally, stricter regulations around animal welfare and crop protection make operations more complex and expensive. As a result, many farmers feel increasingly under pressure.”
Lack of Business Succession
For many farmers, stopping is the only option. “We are increasingly seeing farmers selling their business assets through auctions to wind down their operations in an orderly manner. Especially in regions heavily impacted by environmental measures, the number of auctions is rising rapidly. This shows how uncertain the future is for many agricultural entrepreneurs,” says Lechat.
Another factor is that younger generations are less likely to choose a future in agriculture and thus to take over the family business. “High work pressure, stricter regulations, and uncertainty about the future are major obstacles for potential successors. This leads to more farmers closing or selling their businesses, causing the number of agricultural businesses to steadily decline,” concludes Lechat.
What Is Being Auctioned and Where Does It Go?
In the agricultural sector, a wide variety of business assets are auctioned, from heavy machinery to complete farm inventories. Common items include tractors, agriculture-related machines, workshop machinery, and tools. Sixty percent of the auctioned items remain in the country, while the rest are exported, with the Netherlands being the largest buyer, followed by Germany and countries in the Balkans. In total, Troostwijk Auctions reaches buyers from 175 countries.