British farmers are under growing strain from economic uncertainty, shifting policies and erratic weather, with nearly three-quarters pessimistic about Britain’s farming future
McCain’s Farmdex report shows that 51% of farmers are considering leaving the industry, “highlight the stark realities of farming in 2025”,
Despite the challenges, the report highlights strong resilience and a forward-looking mindset among farmers. 68% view investment in technology as essential to the sector’s future, and 71% already implement sustainable practices such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and precision farming. Many are also diversifying into agritourism and renewable energy — though high upfront costs and regulatory complexity remain major hurdles
Responding to the report’s findings, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The results of this survey are not surprising and highlight the stark realities of farming in 2025. Farmers and growers are continuing to face huge challenges from price volatility, extreme weather, uncertainty around the future of environmental schemes and changes to inheritance tax, which are impacting hugely on mental health and left confidence within the sector at a record low.
“Our own farmer confidence survey revealed that the current state of farming has, for the first time ever, resulted in investment across the board drying up, with farmers not able to make investments in key areas such as machinery, infrastructure and energy efficiency, creating a significant barrier to growth.
“With the Autumn Budget just weeks away, our message to government is clear – look at the alternatives on offer to the family farm tax and deliver policies that will help build resilience, profitability and productivity in the farming sector and allow farmers to invest. In turn, we can continue to produce more sustainable, climate-friendly food, meet our domestic environmental targets and deliver national food security.”
Vice-president of agriculture at McCain GB James Young called for a cross-sector approach to tackle the challenges facing the industry: “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.”
