With over a quarter making a loss amid rising costs, weather instability and a lack of investment, McCains calls for better policy certainty to protect UK farmers
British farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to plan for the future amid climate challenges, rising costs and a lack of government investment, according to a new report from potato brand McCain.
The findings highlight a sector increasingly under pressure with a lack of certainty over the future of individual farmers and the nation’s food security as a whole.
More than eight in ten farmers (86 per cent) say policy uncertainty is negatively affecting their farm, while three in four (74 per cent) report increasingly unpredictable weather making it harder to manage their farm effectively.
As a result, two in five (42 per cent) have considered leaving farming due to mounting constraints and pressure.
James Young, vice president agriculture at McCain, said: “One year on from our inaugural Farmdex report, this year’s iteration should leave little doubt about the issues farmers are facing.
“While some indicators have improved, the overall picture shows a sector continuing to face significant challenges. The global picture is tumultuous and domestically it has been one of the hottest, driest summers on record,” he continued.
Two in five consider quitting
Rising input costs have been highlighted as a key pressure, with 87 per cent saying these costs have significantly affected profitability over the past year.
Soaring prices for fertiliser, fuel, energy and labour has outpaced earnings for many. More than a quarter of farmers (27 per cent) reported making a loss or breaking even in the past year, while 29 per cent made between one and five per cent profit.
Looking to the future, 40 per cent question whether they will still be farming in ten years.
Sustainability investors more optimistic
Over a third of respondents (34 per cent) see drought as one of the biggest long-term threats to British farming’s growth.
This summer’s extreme weather, which saw 71 per cent of England declared as in drought by mid-August, has affected the vast majority of crops grown in the UK and Europe.
In response, 65 per cent of farmers have invested at least somewhat in sustainable practices over the past few years
Notably, those who have made significant investment in sustainability are twice as optimistic about the future of British farming, reinforcing a consistent link between action and outlook.
Investing in the future
A measly 5 per cent of farmers said they are optimistic about Britain’s ability to secure its future food supply, and 87 per cent taking a pessimistic stance citing reliance on imports and competitive pricing.
Unsurprisingly, 91 per cent believe more investment in British farming is needed to safeguard the UK’s long-term food security.
The government’s Farming Roadmap 2050, published in June 2026 pledged to develop sector growth plans, starting with horticulture and poultry to boost domestic production and long-term profitability.
Moreover, better trade policies to protect farmers has been identified as the most important action policymakers could make, according to 53 per cent of respondents.
Calls to action
In response to the report’s findings, McCain has called on government, industry and partners to make investments that align with the government’s belief that ‘food security is national security’.
Wider adoption of regenerative farming, prioritising water resilience and driving production through technology and upskilling were among other calls to action.
Young added: “Farmers, businesses, industry bodies and policymakers all have a role to play in giving farmers greater certainty, creating a level playing field, and driving long-term investment.
“If we get that right, we can support profitable farms today while building a resilient food system for generations to come,” he added.
