A new survey published by McCain shows that half of UK farmers have reconsidered their future in the sector due to a rise in financial pressures in the last year.
The survey of arable farming decision-makers commissioned by the potato processor showed that over a third of farmers said energy (35%) and fertiliser costs (32%), as well as environmental threats (36%), were putting the most pressure on farmers’ finances. Financial pressures are also the primary factor straining farmers’ mental health, according to 55% of those surveyed.
To help ease these pressures, the company has announced an ongoing package of support for its 250-strong network of farmers, equating to an additional £30m of investment over the next three years. The investment will offer a range of initiatives, including adjusting the price per tonne paid for potatoes, a 20% advance payment of contract value to help with cashflow and investment into assets such as irrigation infrastructure and storage.
“British potato farmers are facing a myriad of unprecedented challenges, from rising input costs to extreme weather events,” said James Young, VP agriculture at McCain Foods GB. “We believe this package bolsters our ongoing collaboration with growers to help ensure the long-term sustainability of British agriculture.”
At the same time, anger over the Labour Government’s proposed changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief have spilled over from ‘official’ rallies in London into more direct action. The latest Westminster event organised by Save British Farming on Monday 10 February attracted thousands of supporters and hundreds of tractors.
However, on Thursday Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer was forced to abandon an official visit to a building site near Milton Keynes due to a noisy tractor protest by local farmers.
The NFU distanced itself from the protest, which it said was unhelpful. However, it also criticised comments made by the Prime Minister that giving tax breaks to farmers meant that government could not reduce NHS waiting lists or mortgage interest rates.
