McCain Foods’ second annual Farmdex report has found that mounting uncertainty is making it harder for British farmers to plan for the future, with extreme weather, rising costs and policy uncertainty to blame.
More than eight in ten farmers (86%) say policy uncertainty is negatively affecting their farm, while three in four (74%) report increasingly unpredictable weather is making it harder to manage their farm effectively. Rising input costs remain another major concern, with 87% saying they have significantly affected profitability over the past year.
The McCain Farmdex gives farmers across Britain a platform to share their experiences and perspectives of life on the farm today. This year’s findings reveal a sector under significant pressure, yet one that continues to demonstrate resilience and determination to adapt.
A sector under pressure
More than a quarter of farmers (27%) reported making a loss or breaking even in the past year, while 29% made only 1-5% profit. Two in five (42%) have considered leaving farming due to financial constraints, and 40% question whether they will still be farming in ten years.
Just 5% are optimistic about Britain’s ability to secure its future food supply, while 87% are pessimistic, citing reliance on imports and the challenge of competitive pricing.
91% believe more investment in British farming is needed to safeguard the UK’s long-term food security, leaving little doubt that change is needed.
Farmers also highlighted the importance of long-term certainty and practical support. Many say confidence to invest depends on government support that improves long-term profitability (61%) and simpler application and compliance requirements (47%).
Trade policy has emerged as farmers’ top priority this year, with 53% of farmers (up from 44% in 2025) identifying better trade policies to protect British farmers as the single most important action policymakers could take. Many farmers are concerned that cheaper imports produced to lower standards are undermining British produce, profitability and, ultimately, food security.
