The net income of an average farm in the UK in 2014-15 was £26,500, according to the latest farm income figures released by the government. It was the lowest figure since 2007.
Overall, the profitability of UK farming fell by 29% in 2015, a loss of over £1.5 billion. This is the biggest year-on-year fall since 2000. Farming Online described the loss as 'staggering'.
The most profitable type of farming enterprise was specialist poultry, where the average income was £138,500. The least profitable was grazing livestock in less favoured areas, where average income was just £6,400.
The decline was attributed to a combination of higher production around the world, subdued demand due to slowing economies, the strength of sterling in 2015, and more than 24 months of falling farmgate prices across the sectors. For many, the situation has been exacerbated by the delayed delivery by the Rural Payments Agency of Basic Payment Scheme farm subsidy payments.
The decline was attributed to a combination of higher production around the world, subdued demand due to slowing economies, the strength of sterling in 2015, and more than 24 months of falling farmgate prices across the sectors. For many, the situation has been exacerbated by the delayed delivery by the Rural Payments Agency of Basic Payment Scheme farm subsidy payments.
Read about Sustain's farming policies here.
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
