A new survey published today shows that farmer confidence has collapsed and is now at an all-time low.
The National Famers Union (NFU) Farmer Confidence Survey shows that short- and medium-term confidence is at its lowest level since records began in 2010.
This lack of confidence has also seen production intentions plummet, with all agricultural sectors expecting to cut production in the coming year.
The unforgiving wet weather has played a major rolewith 82% of respondents saying their farms have suffered fairly negative (52%) or very negative impacts (30%), with mixed farms, arable farms and dairy farms taking the biggest hit.
A total of 797 NFU farmers and grower members were surveyed between November 21, 2023 and January 5, 2024.
Since, farmers have had to contend with brutal heavy rains throughout the month of January, February, March and much of April, like reported by this newspaper. If the study were to be conducted again today, the results would be even worse, the NFU warned.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the figures painted a “very grim picture”.
He said: “Confidence has collapsed after months of devastating floods, unsustainably high production costs and low market yields, and against a backdrop of reduced agricultural support as we move to a new domestic agricultural policy and associated agricultural support.
“Every entrepreneur knows that without confidence and steady cash flow, the business will struggle to reinvest and remain viable.
“We have lost more than 7,000 farms since 2019 – no one wants to see that increase, least of all our customers who really value the high-quality, sustainable food that British farmers produce.
“With climate change wreaking havoc on food systems around the world and geopolitical tensions high, Britain cannot afford to lose its ability to feed itself.
“There is a lot at stake in the run-up to the general election.
“Political parties will rightly focus on how to reverse the cost of living crisis. With food inflation still high and families struggling with food bills, supporting homegrown food production must be part of this.”
He added: “The good news is that there are solutions that current and future governments can adopt to help restore farm confidence, from investing in our water management to developing core production standards for food imports.
“While we are seeing record lows in farmer confidence, I continue to be amazed at our incredible farmers and growers; their passion, drive and ingenuity for the work we do.
“Innate tenacity means we don't give up easily.
“Ahead of these elections, I urge all political parties to recognize this resilience and the critical role we play in sustaining our nation.
“With their support, we can do more to contribute to our national interests – producing more sustainable, affordable food and renewable energy, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and achieving our national environmental ambitions.”
Farm profitability has also fallen, with 65% of respondents saying their profits are falling or their farm may not even survive.
The NFU is calling on the Government to recognize the extraordinary nature of what has been the wettest eight months since 1836, warning that many farms may not be able to survive.
In its General Election Manifesto, the NFU has put forward solutions that political parties can adopt that could help reverse this breakdown in farmers' confidence and safeguard domestic food production, including:
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Planning and fairly rewarding farmers for their role in reducing flood risk and committing to the proactive management of our waterways.
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A smooth and seamless transition to new environmental schemes that are open to all farmers and growers, and ensure profitable, food-producing businesses in the long term.
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Establishing minimum standards to promote a fair and functioning supply chain.
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Developing and establishing core production standards applicable to agri-food imports.