More than 80% of British farmers struggling to plan ahead

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 07:19 · Archive

More than 80% of British farmers report they are struggling to plan for the future amid uncertainty, according to McCain Foods GB&I's annual Farmdex report.

More than 80 per cent of British farmers are struggling to plan for the future amid mounting uncertainty, according to McCain Foods GB&I's second annual Farmdex report published on 7 October. The survey found that 86 per cent of farmers believe policy uncertainty is negatively impacting their operations, while 74 per cent say increasingly erratic weather is making farm management more difficult. Rising input costs remain a major concern for 87 per cent of respondents, who say these costs have significantly affected their profitability over the past year.

The report highlights the growing difficulties faced by British farmers as they contend with unpredictable weather, rising costs and unclear policy direction. James Young, vice president of agriculture at McCain Foods GB&I, said that whilst some indicators have improved, the overall picture shows a sector continuing to face significant challenges. He noted that it had been one of the hottest, driest summers on record.

Young argued that no single group could secure the future of British farming alone, stating that 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. Financial pressures are leading to tough decisions for many farmers in the sector.

How it is being reported

• More than eight in 10 farmers struggling to plan for the future, report findsMore than eight in 10 farmers are struggling to plan for the future amid mounting uncertainty.The Press (York) · 10 Oct, 06:08
• More than eight in 10 farmers struggling to plan for the future, report findsMore than eight in 10 farmers are struggling to plan for the future amid mounting uncertainty.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 10 Oct, 06:08

In this story: McCain Foods GB&I · James Young · British farmers

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