Buckwheat value chain challenges and opportunities in Belgium

Buckwheat cultivation in Belgium remains limited, with most used for animal feed. Challenges include low-yielding seed varieties and difficulties in organic certification, restricting supply for flour processors. Despite this, there is strong potential for developing organic buckwheat-based foods to meet consumer demand for 'old grain' and sustainable products. Mapping current value chains reveals opportunities to enhance cultivation through R&D in high-yielding, resilient, locally adapted varieties. Recommendations include investing in research, capacity-building for farmers and processors, and strengthening farm-to-fork marketing. The goal is to support sustainable, organic buckwheat production and processing in Belgium.