Half of UK Farmers Considering Leaving the Sector, McCain Farmdex Finds
The first Farmdex report from McCain Foods has painted a stark picture of the challenges facing British agriculture, revealing that more than half (51%) of UK farmers have considered leaving the industry within the past year. The survey, which draws on the experiences of farmers across livestock and arable sectors, highlights growing concern over economic uncertainty, changing government policies, and the impacts of climate change.
According to the findings, 74% of farmers are pessimistic about the future of UK farming, while only 4% believe that current government support is sufficient. Nearly all respondents (95%) fear that family-run farms could decline dramatically over the next decade if current conditions persist.
Despite these challenges, the Farmdex identifies resilience and innovation among British farmers. It notes that 68% view technology investment as essential for the sector’s future, and 71% have already implemented sustainable practices such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and precision farming. Some have also diversified into agritourism and renewable energy, though high investment costs and regulatory hurdles remain barriers to growth.
The report underscores the personal toll of farming pressures: 61% of farmers say their work negatively affects their mental health, while more than one-third (36%) work over 70 hours per week during peak seasons. The family structure remains central to the sector, with 83% of farmers working alongside relatives and 60% relying on family members to sustain operations. However, 95% fear that this generational model could disappear without stronger institutional support.
In response to these findings, McCain Foods is urging a coordinated national effort to support British agriculture. The company’s recommendations include backing regenerative agriculture, ensuring fair trade agreements, providing long-term policy clarity, and strengthening the financial resilience of family farms.
“Farming is the foundation of Britain’s food system, and its importance to our economy and national food security cannot be overstated,” said James Young, Vice President of Agriculture at McCain GB&I. “Farmers across the UK are facing a number of complex challenges, and yet they continue to showcase unwavering resilience.”
“As a company founded by farmers, we’re proud to stand alongside our 250 growers across the UK, and we are committed to playing our part to help ensure the long-term sustainability of British agriculture,” Young added. “We support our growers in a number of ways, which includes investing an additional £100 million into our grower base since 2020. However, we can’t do it alone. It is crucial that industry bodies, the government and businesses work together to heed the warning signs in the Farmdex and take action to support farmers.”
The Farmdex initiative aims to provide a long-term platform for UK farmers to share their experiences and to guide future policy discussions. McCain’s call to action underscores the urgent need for cooperation between industry and government to ensure the resilience of the UK’s agricultural backbone.
