‘British farming must transition to regen without delay’

The findings of the inaugural Farmdex Report, a national survey of farmers across the UK, highlight both the challenges and the opportunities facing British farming today. While the data sheds light on real pressures, it also points to areas of hope and transformation, revealing a defining moment for British farming.

Despite the challenges, caused by factors ranging from climate volatility and rising input costs to complex geopolitical issues, there is a clear path forward. The findings highlight resilience, innovation, and a willingness to adapt among Britain’s farmers. It’s clear that if we listen to farmers and act decisively, real change can be made.

The Farmdex Report’s Optimism Index reveals a net optimism score of -38 per cent. This number is more than a statistic; it reflects the lived experience of farmers who are working long hours, often under mounting pressure from rising input costs and policy uncertainty.

The by-product of this is immense mental strain, and over half (51 per cent) have considered leaving the industry in the past year. What’s more, the outlook for the next generation is also concerning: only 24 per cent of farmers believe farming is an appealing career for young people. This puts the future of farming and the UK’s domestic food security at risk.

At McCain we were founded by farmers and we remain deeply committed to supporting our 250 growers across the UK through long-term partnerships and practical action. We believe farming is not only the backbone of our food system, but a cornerstone of national resilience. That’s why we champion regenerative agriculture and have committed to implementing these practices across 100 per cent of our global potato acreage by 2030.

Regenerative agriculture offers a way to restore soil health, improve biodiversity, and enhance profitability. It’s a model that aligns environmental stewardship with economic viability. Encouragingly, the Farmdex Report shows that farmers who have adopted sustainable practices are more optimistic about the future. We’ve also found that consumers too are increasingly supportive of sustainable farming.

Our Let’s All Chip In campaign revealed strong public interest in the environmental impact of supermarket produce. For example, 76 per cent of Brits would like to know more about where their food comes from and 58 per cent are keen to learn more about sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture. This public momentum is encouraging, but farmers across the country require support to make the transition to these practices.

Making the shift to regenerative farming is not just about financial investment. It requires a refreshed approach to mindset, understanding and techniques, often under challenging conditions. That’s why McCain supports its 250 growers across the UK, not only through funding, but also by providing agronomic expertise, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and tailored guidance on soil health and crop rotation – practical tools that help farmers build resilience.

Crucially though, progress cannot happen without meaningful collaboration – with business, industry and government playing a role.

At McCain, we’re proud to have led the development of the ‘Routes to Regen’ programme through the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), a cross-sector collaborative project designed to demonstrate how regenerative farming can be made commercially viable. By bringing together food and finance players, the initiative aims to unlock and simplify new models of support, tailored to the needs of each farmer.

However, we know that industry can’t do it alone and we want to work in partnership with government to ensure farmers have long-term policy certainty. Nearly all farmers surveyed (92 per cent) believe current policies are one of the greatest threats to the sector, and only four per cent feel adequately supported. Long-term, consistent funding schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), simplified compliance processes, and trade policies that protect domestic agriculture are needed.

Investment in technology and diversification are also part of the solution. Some 68 per cent of farmers surveyed say investment in technology is essential for the future of farming in Britain, while two-thirds (67 per cent) have already diversified their operations, from installing solar panels and launching farm shops. These efforts are vital, but they require capital, and time – both of which are often limited for farmers. With the right support, innovation can help farmers do more with less, reduce environmental impact, and build more sustainable, future-ready businesses.

From our findings in the Farmdex Report, the message from farmers is clear: they are ready to lead the transition to a more sustainable future, but they cannot do it alone. That is why McCain is calling for cross-sector collaboration and urging the government, businesses and industry to:

• Support regenerative agriculture to boost food security and farmer profitability
• Prioritise long-term food security
• Provide clarity on government policy direction and funding
• Ensure the long-term viability of family farms
• Guarantee fair trade deals that support domestic agriculture

These are the essential actions needed to protect the long-term viability of British agriculture. You can read the full Farmdex Report here.