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People stand in line in front of a French fries vendor near the Grand Place in central Brussels, on March 14, 2020, amid the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus. - Since the beginning of the outbreak, 559 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Belgium, according to an AFP tally compiled on March 13, 2020. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP) (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
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A tourist wearing a protective face mask walks as he holds a French fries cornet in the centre of Brussels, on March 14, 2020, amid the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus. - Belgium will close schools, cancel all cultural events and shutter bars and restaurants to stave off the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, the government said on March 12. Beginning on March 14, only stores that provide essential services -- such as pharmacies and grocery stores-- will remain open under normal conditions. All other stores will remain open during the week, but closed at weekends. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP) (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
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Belgians are being called on to eat an extra portion of fries each week to help with the potato surplus during coronavirus lockdowns, according to a report.

Potato farmers have blamed restaurant closures for sacking them with an excess this year that could reach 750,000 tons of leftovers, CNN reported.

Belgapom, the country’s association for potato producers, issued the call to action, claiming the farmers risk destroying the product, the outlet report.

Romain Cools, who is the director, noted that Belgians typically eat fries outside of their homes, once a week, at restaurants — “contrary to other countries like the United States, where fries are often a side dish for their meals.”

Fry consumption has taken a hit since the start of the pandemic by decreasing 40% worldwide, the group said.

Cools said that the country doubling its fry intake would “enable our processors to avoid food waste by processing more potatoes and storing them in our freezers — which are nearly full now,” according to the report.

“By eating an extra portion during this crisis they could collaborate with farmers and the industry to avoid food losses,” Cools said.

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