A new report has revealed that 51% of British farmers have considered leaving the industry in the past year due to financial strain.

Just 4% of the farmers surveyed as part of McCain Foods’ Farmdex report believe that current support from government is adequate.

Economic uncertainty, shifting policies and climate change are among the reasons behind British farmers’s poor sentiment at the moment, according to McCain Foods.

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Some 61% say their work negatively impacts their mental health while 36% work over 70 hours per week during peak seasons.

The report also highlights the vital role of family in farming in Britain, with 83% of farmers working alongside relatives and 60% relying on family support to keep their businesses running.

Alarmingly, 95% expect family-run farms to decline over the next decade if the current trajectory persists.

There was some optimism among farmers in relation to embracing innovation and technology.

More than two-thirds (68%) view investment in technology as essential for the future of the sector, and 71% have already adopted sustainable practices such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and precision farming. McCain has urged government and industry leaders to support farmers and safeguard British food security and ensure the long-term viability of family farms.

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.

Some 200 farmers were surveyed in Britain between 14 and 18 July 2025.