North Yorkshire farmers are facing mounting pressure after warnings of falling food production and declining confidence.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that Britain is producing less food than it did 30 years ago and has called on the Government to set ambitious targets for homegrown food production.
The warning comes as Scarborough-based McCain Foods, which works with potato growers across Yorkshire and is one of North Yorkshire’s largest food manufacturers, reported that 42 per cent of farmers had considered leaving the industry due to financial pressures.
Its latest Farmdex survey also found that 86 per cent of farmers said uncertainty was negatively affecting their business and only five per cent were optimistic about Britain’s long-term food security.
The NFU said self-sufficiency had fallen in 10 out of 11 everyday foods over the past three decades, while agricultural import volumes have risen by 70 per cent.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said:
“Our report paints a stark picture of falling production and an increasing reliance on imported food while at the same time the world is becoming more unstable.
“We can’t rely on the rest of the world to feed us.”
He added:
“Farmers are battling devastating drought, disease outbreaks and soaring costs.
"At the same time, policy uncertainty, chronic underinvestment and a restrictive planning system are eroding Britain’s ability to produce its own food.”
The NFU said this year’s drought, described as the worst in 50 years, is expected to cost wheat growers £370m.
McCain’s report also highlighted the impact of extreme weather, with almost three-quarters of farmers surveyed saying increasingly unpredictable conditions were making it harder to manage their businesses effectively.
More than a quarter of respondents said they had made a loss or only broken even in the past year, while 40 per cent questioned whether they would still be farming in 10 years’ time.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said food security was closely linked to the success of rural communities and businesses.
He said:
“In the uncertain world we find ourselves in, it is more important than ever to support the farmers who feed our nation. Food security is a crucial part of our national security, but only half of our farmers make sustainable profits.
“When our farmers stop making money, they aren’t the only ones who suffer. Our rural economy, from feed merchants and vets to local shops, schools and pubs, all struggle.
“Despite the challenges, there are also opportunities. With the right support, designed with farmers, we can improve the financial outlook of farms.
"There’s brilliant work already happening in our region, from local food projects to sustainability programmes, and tailored support for farm businesses, but we must do more.
“My message is simple: farming matters. We’re backing our farmers, because when they thrive, so does the nation.”
NFU North regional director David Hall said Yorkshire farmers were proud to produce food while supporting rural communities and the wider economy.
However, he said businesses needed greater confidence to continue investing for the future.
Mr Hall said:
“The NFU’s latest research paints a concerning picture of falling domestic food production and increasing reliance on imports at a time when the world is becoming more unstable.
“We cannot take food security for granted.”
James Young, vice-president of agriculture for McCain Foods GB and Ireland, said:
“No single group can secure the future of British farming alone.
“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.”
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