UK farmers lose nearly £5 billion after three consecutive poor harvests

UK cereal and rapeseed growers could lose around £4.8 billion in revenue following three consecutive poor harvests in 2024–2026. According to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), the combined shortfall in wheat, barley, oats and rapeseed production over the period is estimated at around 14.4 mln tons compared with the 2014–2023 average.

The current season could be the worst of the three. The production shortfall for cereals and rapeseed in 2026 is estimated at 5.9 mln tons, compared with 4.3 mln tons in 2024 and 4.2 mln tons in 2025. ECIU said this year’s harvest was hit by prolonged drought and extreme heat, with wheat and spring barley yields particularly affected.

Weather problems have persisted for three consecutive seasons, although their nature has changed. The 2024 harvest suffered from excessive rainfall in autumn 2023 and during the following winter and spring, while moisture shortages and extreme heat have been the main challenges in 2026. According to the Met Office, the summer of 2026 is on track to become the hottest on record in the UK, surpassing the record set in 2025.

The series of poor harvests is already putting pressure on farm finances. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said the combination of low yields and high production costs is creating cash-flow problems, which could make it difficult for some farmers to finance the next growing season.

The NFU has called on the government to introduce interest-free loans for fertiliser purchases to provide farms with working capital for next year’s crop. ECIU also warned that total losses across the UK agricultural sector could be even higher, as adverse weather has affected vegetable growers, livestock farmers and other parts of the food supply chain.

Tags: UK, farmers, harvesting