McCain’s inaugural Farmdex survey captures the mood of British farmers amid economic, environmental, and policy challenges. The Farmdex Optimism Index stands at -38%, signalling deep concern about the future of farming.
Main Findings
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Future Outlook:
- 74% of farmers are pessimistic about the future of farming in Britain.
- 86% fear for long-term food security.
- 95% believe family-run farms will decline in the next decade.
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Financial Pressures:
- Rising input costs are the biggest challenge (72%).
- Only 14% made over 10% profit last year; 35% broke even or made a loss.
- 51% have considered leaving farming; 40% expect to exit within 10 years.
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Mental Health & Workload:
- 84% work over 40 hours weekly; 36% exceed 70 hours in peak season.
- 61% report negative mental health impacts.
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Diversification & Innovation:
- 67% see diversification as essential (solar, farm shops, agritourism).
- 68% believe tech investment is critical for efficiency.
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Policy & Support:
- 92% say government policy uncertainty harms farming.
- 96% call for long-term investment to secure food supply.
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Regenerative Agriculture:
- 77% view sustainable practices as essential.
- Farmers investing in regenerative methods report higher optimism.
Calls to Action
- Support regenerative agriculture for profitability and food security.
- Guarantee fair trade deals and protect domestic farming.
- Provide certainty on policy and funding.
- Prioritise long-term food security.
Download the full report below
