Farming explained
Why supporting British farmers matters: understanding farm income
Behind a field of crops or a herd of cattle is a business, a working life and a household. When we talk about supporting British farmers, it helps to understand what the income figures actually describe.
There is no single story for every farm
Defra’s Farm Business Income results for England in 2024/25 show average income rising for most farm types, with specialist pig farms and horticulture the exceptions. Some increases followed sharp falls the previous year. These are England figures for a particular accounting period, not a description of every British farm today. [1]
That distinction matters when reading a headline or sharing a post about farming. Ask which country, which year and which type of farm the figures cover. An average also cannot describe the experience of an individual business.
Farm business income is not a farmer’s salary
The measure includes returns to unpaid labour and the capital invested in a farm. It can include income from activities beyond producing food. In the same England results, cereal farms recorded an average loss on agricultural activities even though their overall Farm Business Income was positive. [1]
A headline total therefore needs context. It is worth looking at the explanation alongside a number before treating it as money available for a household to spend.
Why the detail matters to shoppers
Our reason for supporting farmers is not that every farm has the same finances. It is that we value knowing who produces our food and want local producers to be part of everyday shopping. That is a practical aim we can explain without making sweeping claims.
Buying directly is not automatically cheaper for a customer or more profitable for a farmer. Selling to households still takes time, packaging, organisation and sometimes delivery. Ask a producer how they prefer customers to buy, rather than assuming one route works for everyone.
Turn concern into a manageable next step
Find one producer you can reach, ask what they currently have available and choose something you already use. Check the price, quantity and collection arrangements. If it works for your household, make it a repeat visit.
Keep expectations realistic: a shopping choice cannot resolve every issue facing agriculture. It can be a direct expression of support for a business whose food you value. Our guide to supporting British farmers offers a simple place to start.
Sources & further reading
We link to the evidence behind our explanation. The figures cover the period and geography stated, and may be revised by the publisher.