- 74% of British farmers are pessimistic about the future of UK farming amid economic uncertainty, shifting policies, and climate change
- 61% say their work negatively impacts their mental health; 36% work over 70 hours per week during peak seasons
- 68% see technology investment as critical, and 71% have adopted sustainable practices
- McCain urges government and industry leaders to support farmers and safeguard British food security
Scarborough, UK (November 3rd 2025) - British farmers are under growing strain from economic uncertainty, shifting policies, and erratic weather, with 74% pessimistic about Britain’s farming future, according to McCain Foods’ inaugural Farmdex report.
The McCain Farmdex provides a platform for farmers across the UK - from livestock to arable - to voice their perspectives and give insight into aspects of their personal and professional lives which have not been seen before. By measuring the emotional toll of their job, family life and exit intent, Farmdex paints a holistic picture of life on British farms today.
The report reveals that 51% of farmers have considered leaving the industry in the past year due to financial strain, while only 4% believe current government support is adequate. Alarmingly, 95% expect family-run farms to decline over the next decade if the current trajectory persists.
The report also highlights the vital role of family in farming, with 83% of farmers working alongside relatives and 60% relying on family support to keep their businesses running. Yet, 95% fear this tradition could disappear without stronger backing. The pressures are already evident: 61% say their work harms their mental health, and more than a third (36%) work over 70 hours per week during peak seasons.
McCain’s Farmdex report also highlights resilience, adaptability and optimism with farmers embracing innovation and technology as they look for ways to build a sustainable future. More than two-thirds (68%) view investment in technology as essential for the sector’s future, and 71% have already adopted 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 barriers remain significant obstacles.
In light of the Farmdex findings, McCain is calling for cross-sector collaboration and urging the Government, policymakers, and industry leaders 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
James Young, VP of Agriculture at McCain GB&I, said: “Farming is the foundation of Britain’s food system, and its importance to our economy and national food security cannot be overstated. Farmers across the UK are facing a number of complex challenges, and yet they continue to showcase unwavering resilience.
As a company founded by farmers, we’re proud to stand alongside our 250 growers across the UK, and we are committed to playing our part to help ensure the long-term sustainability of British agriculture.
We support our growers in a number of ways, which includes investing an additional £100m into our grower base since 2020. However, we can’t do it alone. 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.”
For further insights on the Farmdex, please find the full report here.
ENDS
Methodology
Republic conducted the online survey of 200 farmers in Britain between 14th - 18th July 2025.
Sample for the project was provided by the FieldMouse Opinion Harvester panel - one of only two dedicated online panel suppliers in the UK for farmers and farm workers.
The survey was scripted and hosted by our operational partner Omnisis - MRS Company Partners and members of the British Polling Council.
Note to Editors
FarmDex is McCain’s new benchmark for understanding the sentiment of British farmers. Built from a composite of key indicators, including levels of optimism for the future of farming, individual farm prospects, and generational continuity, the Index is based on data collected through a national survey of farmers. The report combines hard statistics with personal testimonies to offer a grounded, human perspective on the realities of British farming today.
Contact
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About McCain
McCain Foods is the UK’s largest manufacturer of frozen potato products, employing over 1,400 people across four processing facilities and a dedicated seed potato business. We are the largest purchaser of the British potato crop, buying around 20% of the total market from 250 farmers, some of whom have worked with us for three generations. McCain is committed to implementing regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of our global potato acreage by 2030. To support our growers on this journey, McCain has introduced initiatives such as free soil health assessments, cover crops, pollinator seeds and various grants and support programmes.
To ensure a fair and sustainable price for our farmers, McCain uses an Indexation Model, which was pioneered back in 2007 to track changes in the cost of production. Since 2022, we’ve invested an additional £50m into our contract pricing. This year, McCain developed a £30m support package for, and in consultation with growers, which provides capital assistance for critical infrastructure investments and improved payment terms to enhance cashflow stability.