Mounting uncertainty is making farm management more difficult, with 87% of British farmers saying they have seen a significant drop in profitability due to rising costs.

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

That's according to a new survey assessing the perspectives of British farmers, diving into the struggles farmers face today, such as growing climate and economic pressures; and the future of food security.

These findings provide an overview into how farmers are adaping to these changes and preparing for the future.

Challenges

As financial issues continue to rise, 27% of farmers report either making a loss or breaking even in the past year.

This pressure is causing farmers to leave the sector, with two in five considering leaving due to financial constraints.

It is also shaping how farmers view Britain’s long-term food security.

According to the survey, 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. 

Against this backdrop, 91% believe more investment in British farming is needed to safeguard the UK’s long-term food security.

Farmers also highlight 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.  

Climate

One of the biggest pressures surrounding farmers is the extreme weather changes, with the drought experienced this summer raising pressure on finances.

Approximately 34% see climate change as one of the biggest threats to British farming growth.

According to the report, 64% find that sustainable practices are essential to the future of farming.

Notably, farmers who have made significant investment in sustainability are twice as optimistic about the future of British farming as the average (35% vs 17%), reinforcing a consistent link between action and outlook.

McCains

The survey forms part of McCain Foods’ second annual Farmdex report.

In response to the finding, the company is calling for the government; industry; and partners to:

Commit to a level of investment and focus on food and farming that reflects its full value;
Support wider adoption of regenerative farming to strengthen food security and farm profitability;
Prioritise water resilience to protect farm productivity and long-term food security;
Drive technology adoption and the upskilling of the farming workforce;
Secure fair-trade deals that hold imports to the same standards as British produce.

Vice president of agriculture at McCain Foods, James Young urged all groups to contribute to securing the future of British farming.

He said: “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.”