National statistics

Chapter 7: Crops

Updated 21 October 2022

Summary

Key results for 2021 compared to 2020:

• Harvested production of wheat increased by 45% to just under 14 million tonnes, following a particularly small 2020 production. The value of production was 75% higher at £2.7bn.
• Harvested production of barley decreased by 14% to around 6.9 million tonnes. The value of production was 9.4% higher at £1.2bn.
• Oilseed rape production decreased by 5.5% to around 981 thousand tonnes, mainly due to the lowest planted area since 1986. The value of production increased by 36% to £488m due to higher prices.
• Sugar beet production increased by 26% to 7.4 million tonnes. The value of production was 30% higher at £216m.
• The value of vegetable production decreased by 0.1% to £1.7bn.
• The value of fruit production decreased by 12% to around £917m.

Cereals

Table 7.1a to 7.1b Total cereals production (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.1a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	3,211	3,038	3,211
Volume of harvested production	25,517	18,962	22,369
Value of production (£ million)	3,645	2,762	4,025

Table 7.1b

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Production	25,517	18,962	22,369
EU Imports	1,757	2,802	2,787
Non-EU imports	2,404	2,128	2,040
EU exports	2,804	1,736	1,109
Non-EU exports	377	565	116
Total new supply	26,497	21,591	25,971
Change in farm and other stocks	2,328	-2,727	1,207
Total domestic uses	24,169	24,318	24,765
Production as % of total new supply for use in the UK	96%	88%	86%

Notes for table 7.1a and 7.1b:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
2. Value of production includes arable area payments but excludes set-aside payments and farm saved seed. Taxes, where applicable, are deducted.

Download the full Crops dataset.

In 2021, total cereal production of wheat, barley, oats and minor cereals (rye, triticale and mixed grain) in the UK was just under 22.4 million tonnes, an 18% increase compared to 2020. This increase was due to a combination of increased area and higher average yields. The value of production increased by 46% to just over £4 bn due to a combination of higher prices and increased production.

Average yields for wheat, barley and oats were higher in 2021 compared to 2020, and close to the 5-year average. Winter planting was challenging; early sown crops faired best but wet weather meant that later sown crops were sown into wet, cold seedbeds. Despite these challenges, these early sown crops established well, and with the aid of higher sowing rates, most crops were able to form good populations and survive the winter. Most planned winter sowing was complete by the end of November. Spring crop sowing generally faired well and progressed quicker on lighter soils which dried out better, aided by a dry March. Without the need to sow spring crops to compensate for poor or failed winter crops, growers reverted back to more typical winter plantings. This effect can be seen in the increased winter barley area, which was up 30% to 405 thousand hectares , whereas the area of spring barley fell by 31% to 745 thousand hectares.

Changeable weather conditions during the growing season meant crops were slower to develop and mature. The first cuts of winter barley were made in mid-July and made rapid progress with most of the crop harvested before the weather turned. Slow ripening together with wet/unsettled weather in early August caused a slow start to the wheat harvest, resulting in the slowest start to the harvest since 2017. The 2021 harvest was helped by a period of settled dry, warm weather in September and by 28th September most crops had been harvested except for a few pockets of spring barley and spring oats. These favourable conditions also meant crops required less drying than earlier; the exception being the North England which suffered from showers and heavy dews.

Wheat prices for 2021 were above 2020 values with prices generally increasing as the year progressed, following the global markets. Feed barley prices also increased and malting barley prices rose as demand from the Brewing Malting and Distilling industry started to increase as Covid restrictions eased.

For data and information for cereals on a crop year basis (July to June) please see the official UK cereal balance sheets published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Wheat

Table 7.2a to 7.2c Wheat; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.2a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	1,816	1,387	1,790
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	8.9	7.0	7.8
Volume of harvested production	16,225	9,658	13,988
Value of production (£ million)	2,434	1,544	2,705
Sales	1,998	1,918	1,989
On farm use	227	209	231
Change in stocks	209	-583	485

Table 7.2b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Milling wheat	162	172	211
Feed wheat	147	160	192

Table 7.2c

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Production	16,225	9,658	13,988
EU imports	670	1,547	1,436
Non-EU imports	552	586	614
EU exports	964	377	291
Non-EU exports	152	143	1
Total new supply	16,331	11,271	15,746
Change in farm and other stocks	1,814	-2,792	1,844
Total domestic uses	14,517	14,063	13,902
Flour milling	5,814	5,930	5,627
Animal feed	7,459	6,936	6,907
Seed	281	215	278
Other uses and waste	963	982	1,090
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	99%	86%	89%
% of home grown wheat in milling grist	87%	81%	76%

Notes for tables 7.2a to 7.2c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
2. Excludes farm saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset.

Harvested production of wheat was 45% higher in 2021 than 2020 at just under 14 million tonnes, which represents a more average UK production following the 2020 harvest which was the lowest production since 1981. This was primarily due to an increase in both the planted area and yield which rose by 29% and 12%, respectively. The value of production of wheat was 75% higher in 2021 at £2.7bn.

Domestic Human and Industrial wheat demand for flour milling (including starch and bio-ethanol) was 5.1% lower in 2021 compared to 2020 at 5.6 million tonnes, with imports increasing by 18% to 1.3 million tonnes. Demand from flour millers was reduced from 2020 but with the domestic crop showing the lowest premium milling wheat weights since 2012, imports were required. In 2021, the two UK biofuel plants were either closed (Vivergo) or not running at full capacity (Ensus) and using quantities of imported maize as an alternative to domestic wheat when market conditions were favourable. Within the starch sector structural changes saw one plant cease production at the end of November 2020. Usage of wheat for animal feed was similar to 2020 at just over 6.9 million tonnes. The percentage of wheat in the cereal ration increased once the 2021 harvest became available. Prior to that, the lack of wheat availably had encouraged more use of barley and to a lesser extent maize in feed rations.

Total wheat imports in 2021 were 3.9% lower than 2020 at 2.05 million tonnes despite demand from the milling sector. Exports in 2021 were 292 thousand tonnes compared to 520 million tonnes in 2020, with tight domestic supplies reducing the quantity of wheat available for export. Freight transport has also caused disruption to trade. The UK has been a net importer of wheat since 2016.

Barley

Table 7.3a to 7.3c Barley; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.3a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	1,162	1,388	1,150
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	6.9	5.9	6.1
Volume of harvested production	8,048	8,117	6,961
Value of production (£ million)	1,072	1,062	1,162
Sales	707	761	893
On farm use	271	286	353
Change in stocks	94	15	-84

Table 7.3b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Malting barley	146	140	188
Feed barley	125	130	159

Table 7.3c

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Production	8,048	8,117	6,961
EU imports	66	97	114
Non-EU imports	0	2	4
EU exports	1,580	1,157	663
Non-EU exports	211	418	107
Total new supply	6,323	6,641	6,309
Change in farm and other stocks	389	36	-754
Total domestic uses	5,935	6,605	7,063
Brewing/distilling	1,908	1,639	1,807
Animal feed	3,787	4,690	5,024
Seed	187	223	185
Other uses and waste	52	53	47
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	127%	122%	110%

Notes for tables 7.3a to 7.3c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The value of barley increased by 9.4% between 2020 and 2021 to £1.2bn, despite the production of barley decreasing by 14% and the area by 17%. The area change was driven by a decrease for spring barley of 31% to 745 thousand hectares which offset a 30% increase in winter barley area to 405 thousand hectares. Growers switched back to winter barley due to more favourable winter planting / crop conditions negating the need for replacement spring crops.

The 2021 barley harvest decreased by 14% compared to 2020, to a total volume of just under 7 million tonnes.

Barley exports fell by more than 800 thousand tonnes to just over 770 thousand tonnes in 2021.

Demand for barley from the brewing, malting and distilling sector began to recover once Covid-19 related hospitality restrictions were lifted. Usage from the Brewing Malting and Distilling sector increased to 1.8 million tonnes in 2021, an increase of 10% on the 1.6 million tonnes in 2020. Demand for barley from the animal feed sector increased by 7.1% to 5.0 million tonnes in 2021 compared to 2020, with barley significantly increasing its share of the cereal feed ration until the 2021 wheat harvest became available. This increased usage was due to barley being available in greater volumes and competitively priced compared to feed wheat.  

Oats

Table 7.4a to 7.4c Oats; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.4a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	182	210	200
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	5.9	4.9	5.6
Volume of harvested production	1,076	1,031	1,123
Value of production (£ million)	132	150	151
Sales	92	103	115
On farm use	32	32	39
Change in stocks	8	15	-3

Table 7.4b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Milling oats	147	137	152
Feed oats	115	115	136

Table 7.4c

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Production	1,076	1,031	1,123
EU imports	25	25	28
Non-EU imports	0	0	0
EU exports	93	62	29
Non-EU exports	2	4	8
Total new supply	1,006	990	1,114
Change in farm and other stocks	138	29	130
Total domestic uses	868	961	984
Milling	522	561	505
Animal feed	316	366	444
Seed	25	29	28
Other uses and waste	5	5	6
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	107%	104%	101%

Notes for tables 7.4a to 7.4c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset.

In 2021, the harvested production of oats increased by 4.2% to 1.1 million tonnes driven by an increase in yield (up 14%) offsetting a decrease in area (down 5%). Production was the highest since 1973. The value of production increased to £151m (up 1%).

UK oats usage is dominated by the oat milling sector which decreased by 10% to 505 thousand tonnes in 2021 compared to 2020, as demand for breakfast cereal foods eased. Use of oats in animal feed increased by 21% to 444 thousand tonnes due to availability and some switching from barley to oats in feed rations (cheaper alternative), Oats have a high fibre content which is useful for ruminant diets and horses but not suitable for poultry. Oat exports decreased from 66 thousand tonnes to 37 thousand tonnes - the majority of UK exports continue to be to EU countries. Imports were 3 thousand tonnes higher in 2021 than in 2020 at 28 thousand tonnes.

Straw

Cereal straw production in 2021 was estimated at 8.6 million tonnes, an increase of 41% on the 2020 crop (6.1 million tonnes) and 7.8% higher than the 5 year average (2016 - 2020) of 7.7 million tonnes. Low straw yields in 2020 and the increased usage due to the cold/wet winter in 2020 – 2021 meant that stocks were low at the start of the baling season. In 2021 there was a substantial increase in the areas planted; areas of winter wheat were 29% higher (1.8 million hectares) and winter barley areas 31% higher (397 thousand hectares) than 2020. Around 82% of the cereal area was baled in 2021, which is higher than the 2020 figure of 79%. There were increased proportions baled across all but the oat crop which led to a total area of 2.5 million hectares baled in 2021 compared to 2.3 million hectares baled in 2020. In 2021, wheat straw yields were on average 4.0 tonnes per hectare, winter barley 2.7 tonnes per hectare, spring barley 2.8 tonnes per hectare and oats yielding 1.6 tonnes per hectare.

Oilseed rape and linseed

Table 7.5a to 7.5b Oilseed rape; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.5a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	530	380	307
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.3	2.7	3.2
Volume of harvested production	1,752	1,038	981
Value of production (£ million)	586	360	488
sales	621	459	499
change in stocks	-35	-99	-11
Prices (£ per tonne)	334	347	497

Table 7.5b

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Production	1,752	1,038	981
EU imports	258	224	449
Non-EU imports	96	279	472
EU exports	74	114	25
Non-EU exports	0	0	0
Total new supply	2,032	1,426	1,876
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	86%	73%	52%

Download the full Crops dataset.

In 2021, oilseed rape production fell by 5.5% compared to 2020 to 981 thousand tonnes mainly due to a historically low planted area. The value of oilseed rape increased by 36% between 2020 and 2021 to £488 million, the main driver of this was the price increase of 43% to £497 per tonne. Oilseed rape yields in 2021 returned to a more standard rate at 3.2 tonnes per hectare after the historical low of the 2020 harvest. The area planted decreased 19% at 307 thousand hectares.

Oilseed Rape establishment in 2021 was much more successful than 2020. Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) damage was generally reduced, thought to be because of early drilling dates, with favourable soil conditions.

Table 7.6 Linseed production; value, supply and use

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Download the full Crops dataset.

Table 7.6 Linseed figures are no longer presented here as the area grown in the UK is so small. Historical data can be found in the datasets (Table 7.6). Area data can be found in chapter 2 (Structure of the industry) Table 2.2 Crop areas and livestock numbers.

Sugar beet

Table 7.7a to 7.7b Sugar beet production and value; Refined sugar production and supply (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.7a

Sugar Beet	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	100	104	91
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	78	57	82
Volume of harvested production	7,763	5,894	7,420
Value of production (£ million)	210	167	216
Sugar content %	17%	16%	17%
Price (average market price (£ per adjusted tonne))	27	28	29

Table 7.7b

All sugar (refined basis)	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Production	1,189	906	1,189
EU imports	514	271	194
Non-EU imports	430	428	469
EU exports	180	91	15
Non-EU exports	68	70	25
Total new supply	1,886	1,443	1,811
Production as % of total new supply for UK use	63%	63%	66%

Notes for tables 7.7a and 7.7b:

1. Average price for all sugar, including transport allowance and bonus.
2. Sugar coming out of the factory in the early part of the year is regarded as being part of production in the previous calendar year.

Download the full Crops dataset.

Sugar beet production increased by 26% between 2020 and 2021 to 7.4 million tonnes. The value of production rose by 30% between 2020 and 2021 to £216 million. Following a colder winter than seen in previous years aphid numbers decreased to low levels and in 2021 and there was no need to utilise the derogation in place for use of neonicotinoid in the crop. In 2021, a good mix of rainfall and better seed beds resulted in a better growth to the crop. Yields in 2021 returned to 5-year levels excluding 2020. Prices showed an increase of 3.1% between 2020 and 2021 to £29.1t/Ha. The 2021 planted area showed a decrease of 13% compared to 2020 to 91 thousand hectares and yields were 82 tonnes per hectare up 44%.

Protein crops (field Peas and field Beans)

Table 7.8a to 7.8b Protein crops (field peas and field beans - thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.8a

Peas for harvesting dry	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	41	52	61
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.9	3.1	3.2
For animal feed
Volume of harvested production	147	94	176
Value of production (£ million)	26	19	39
For human consumption
Volume of harvested production	13	66	20
Value of production (£ million)	2	12	4

Table 7.8b

Field beans	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares)	137	181	188
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	4.0	3.0	3.7
Volume of harvested production	548	544	694
Value of production (£ million)	104	111	160

Notes for tables 7.8a and 7.8b:

1. Peas exclude vining peas.
2. Animal feed figures cover only that part of the crop which is assumed to be used for stock-feed including for pets and specialist bird food. It also includes an estimate for those varieties originally grown for human consumption but did not meet the required grade. The percentage utilised for animal feed is variable with typical estimates ranging from 30-60%.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The overall area of pulses in 2021 showed an increase from those seen in 2020 with an increase in both the bean and pea area. Pulses remained a popular crop option due to greening requirements of the Common Agricultural Policy although restrictions on the use of plant protection products on crops grown on Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) and UK exit from the EU may affect the area planted going forward. Pulses are a good source of energy and protein and can be used in the diets of poultry, cattle and pigs as well as aquaculture and pet food. Pulses are also able to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil.

The total area of field peas increased by 18% between 2020 and 2021 to around 61 thousand hectares. The proportion of this area utilised for animal feed increased to 90% from 59% in 2020. Total production for animal feed increased by 86% to an estimated 176 thousand tonnes. Consequently, production utilised for human consumption decreased to an estimated 20 thousand tonnes. Field peas yield averaged at 3.2 tonnes per hectare in 2021 compared to 3.1t/ha in 2020. However, yields varied depending on how well soils retained moisture during the dry spring. Harvest of both peas and beans usually starts in August which in 2021 coincided with a period of heavy rain, but fortunately conditions improved in September and most crops were harvested in good condition (albeit with drying required). The best yields of peas in 2021 were from the South East and South West; overall quality was generally good and there were few viruses and diseases prevalent this year.

The area of field beans in 2021 was 3.5% higher than 2020 at 188 thousand hectares. Increased area and higher average yields meant production increased by 28% to an estimated 694 thousand tonnes. Average yields increased to 3.7t/ha from 3.0t/ha in 2020. The best yields were crop beans grown in the North East and Yorkshire. Winter beans were planted in generally favourable conditions in autumn 2020 which led to good establishment. The dry spring caused some moisture deficit for crops grown on lighter soil but crops on heavier soils fared better, retaining sufficient moisture until rain arrived in May. Spring beans were sown in dry, cool conditions and establishment depended on soil type with some areas affected by moisture deficits. Bruchid beetle activity was reduced this year (particularly in northern areas) and crop quality was generally good.

Fresh vegetables

Table 7.9a to 7.9c Fresh vegetables; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.9a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares):	115	119	113
Grown in the open	115	118	112
Protected	0.8	0.9	0.8
Value of production (£ million):	1,516	1,670	1,668
Grown in the open	1,180	1,320	1,295
Protected	336	350	374
Selected crops:
Cabbages	76	83	73
Carrots	175	185	185
Cauliflowers	57	78	63
Calabrese	71	85	83
Lettuces	196	209	207
Mushrooms	140	130	118
Onions	142	148	154
Tomatoes	84	89	123

Table 7.9b

Prices (farm gate price £ per tonne)	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Selected crops:
Cauliflowers	635	771	682
Tomatoes	1,378	1,363	1,803

Table 7.9c

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Total production	2,524	2,599	2,548
EU imports	2,007	1,892	1,577
Non-EU imports	349	321	401
EU exports	122	102	67
Non-EU exports	21	6	2
Total new supply	4,737	4,704	4,457
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	53%	55%	57%

Notes for tables 7.9a to 7.9c:

1. Data for vegetables and salad crops grown in the open is from the June Survey.
2. Protected area excludes area of mushrooms.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The value of vegetable production decreased by 0.1% to £1.7bn between 2020 and 2021, with total production decreasing by 2.0% at 2.5 million tonnes.

Areas for vegetables reduced by 5.0% between 2020 and 2021 to 113 thousand hectares with demand remaining high post-Covid lockdown. Although total volume is 2.0% lower the value only decreased by 0.1%.

The year started with another very wet winter, but a period of dry weather allowed soil conditions to become favourable enough for early drillings of carrots, onions and vining peas in late February. Late frosts and freak hailstorms caused a small percentage of salad crops to be lost. Traditional summer conditions began in June; crops such as carrots, brassicas and salads made good growth during the warm weather and showers and caught up some of the delayed growth caused by the prolonged cold in the spring.

Domestic production as a percentage of total new supply to the UK for all fresh vegetables was 57% in 2021 compared to 55% in 2020.

Plants and flowers

Table 7.10a to 7.10b Plants and flowers area, value of production and trade (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.10a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) :	12	12	12
Value of production (£ million)	1,381	1,367	1,580
Flowers and bulbs	125	127	128
Pot plants	317	283	316
Hardy ornamental nursery stock	939	957	1,137

Table 7.10b

Trade (£ million)	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Total imports (excl. Channel Islands)	1,228	1,228	1,259
Bulbs	75	83	71
Cut flowers	693	643	695
Foliage	52	50	68
Indoor plants	140	164	148
Outdoor plants	90	94	107
Trees	98	104	110
Other	81	90	61
Total exports	76	68	55
Bulbs	8	7	7
Cut flowers	33	26	22
Foliage	1	1	1
Indoor plants	11	10	7
Outdoor plants	4	4	3
Trees	4	3	6
Other	17	18	9

Notes for table 7.10a and 7.10b:

1. Areas relate to field areas multiplied by the number of crops in the year and hence differ from those shown in table 2.2.
2. Trade totals may differ to the sum of the components due to rounding.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The value of production in the ornamental sector increased by 16% to £1.6bn between 2020 and 2021.

2021 was a challenging year for the hardy nursery stock sector due to a combination of poor weather and higher than usual demand because of the pandemic. For field grown stock, bare root hedging sales performed well with shortages of UK grown stock across the industry. Direct online sales to the public also remained good for many businesses, but not all, since lockdown; these factors have resulted in minimal wastage of these lines. The value of production in the hardy nursey sector increased by 19% to £1.1bn between 2020 and 2021.

For the pot plant sector, overall production increased again in 2021, through increased estimates for unit value for hydrangea, foliage and ‘other’ plants. Interest in house plants increased, with a shift in production from flowering plants (e.g. orchids) to foliage plants.

In 2021, hardy nursery stock showed a 19% increase in value at an estimated £1.1 billion (£957m in 2020). Flowers and bulbs showed a 0.9% increase in value at an estimated £128m (£127m in 2020). The pot plant sector saw a 11% increase in value at £316m (£283m in 2020).

Potatoes

Table 7.11a to 7.11c Potatoes production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.11a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Area sown (thousand hectares)	144	142	137
Area harvested (thousand hectares)	117	120	116
Yield (tonnes per hectare harvested)	45	46	46
Volume of harvested production	5,307	5,513	5,307
For human consumption	3,412	3,858	3,401
Seed	367	366	365
Stockfeed and waste	1,529	1,289	1,540
Sales	5,306	5,132	5,323
For human consumption	3,490	3,548	3,500
Seed	367	366	365
Sold for stockfeed	1,450	1,219	1,458
End year stocks	2,353	2,664	2,565
Change in stocks	-78	310	-98
Value of production (£ million)	761	821	703
Sold for human consumption	648	633	585
Sold for seed (including farm saved seed)	112	120	120
Sold for stockfeed	15	12	15
Change in stocks	-14	55	-16

Table 7.11b

Prices paid to registered producers (£ per tonne)	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Early/maincrop (for human consumption)	186	179	167
Seed	305	329	329
Stockfeed	10	10	10

Table 7.11c

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Total production	3,778	4,224	3,767
Imports	2,553	2,347	1,827
Exports	691	595	432
Net trade (negative means net export)	1,862	1,753	1,395
Early/maincrop	-43	49	-59
Seed	-100	-102	-75
Processed (raw equivalent)	2,005	1,806	1,529
Total new supply (raw equivalent)	5,641	5,976	5,162
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	67%	71%	73%

Notes for tables 7.11a to 7.11c:

1. Prices are average price paid to registered producers.
2. Negative net trade values indicate net exports.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The value of potatoes was £703m in 2021, a decrease of 14% from 2020 (£821m) with the area sown reducing by 3.8% to 137 thousand hectares. Prices and yield information were previously obtained from the AHDB who stopped producing data midway through the year following the results of their ballot. In absence of this data Defra looked at trends in historic data and sought input from stakeholders on the value of the sector.

Fresh fruit

Table 7.12a to 7.12c Fresh fruit production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.12a

Production	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Outdoor fruit area (thousand hectares)	35	34	33
Orchard fruit	24	23	23
Soft fruit	11	11	10
End year stocks	65	61	106
Value of production (£ million)	903	1,045	917
Orchard fruit	276	340	287
Soft fruit	627	705	629
Sales	917	1,044	874
Change in stocks	-14	1	42
Selected crops:
Dessert apples	142	158	154
Culinary apples	42	81	43
Pears	23	20	22
Raspberries	161	140	154
Strawberries	404	473	399

Table 7.12b

Prices (farm gate price £/tonne)	2019	2020	2021 prov.)
Selected crops:
Dessert apples	685	788	817
Culinary apples	202	405	228
Pears	286	216	360
Raspberries	5,857	5,598	7,977
Strawberries	2,330	3,145	2,541

Table 7.12c

Supply and use	2019	2020	2021 (prov.)
Total production	688	657	576
EU imports	1,379	1,265	997
Non-EU imports	2,279	2,299	2,330
EU exports	159	174	35
Non-EU exports	3	3	2
Total new supply	4,184	4,043	3,866
Change in stocks	-14	1	42
Total domestic uses	4,198	4,043	3,824
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	16%	16%	15%

Notes for table 7.12a to 7.12c:

1. Orchard fruit includes field area of commercial and non-commercial orchards only.
2. Stock data relates to apples and pears.
3. Value of production excludes change in stocks for apples and pears.
4. Value of production includes glasshouse fruit.
5. Excludes change in stocks for apples and pears.
6. EU trade data no longer includes dried fruit.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The value of fruit production decreased by 12% between 2021 and 2020 to just under £917m, with orchard fruit decreasing by 15% to £287m and soft fruit decreasing by 11% to £629m. The value of raspberries increased by £14m to £154m in 2021, an 10% increase on 2020. Meanwhile the value of strawberries showed a 16% decrease to £399m. Heavy rain and snow in the first three weeks of February 2021 delayed field operations such as planting fruit trees and soft fruit crops. In contrast to recent years, very cold weather during February and the first three weeks of March delayed bud break and the early development of all fruit crops. Consequently, the season was a week to 10 days later than the long-term average and remained that way for the rest of the growing year, including harvest. Regular overnight frosts in April damaged flowering fruit crops and reduced yield potential, as did heavy rain in June.

Domestic production of fresh fruit as a percentage of total new supply reduced by 8.3% between 2021 and 2020 to 15%.

Data Sources and Revisions

Further detailed information on vegetables, plant and flowers and fruit statistics can be found in the annual publication Horticultural Statistics. Some of the more detailed commentary in this chapter is based on data in that report that are not presented here.

Figures for 2021 are provisional and may be subject to revision.

There have been revisions to the data for oats back to 2018, and 2019 for wheat and barley, and some fruit data to 2016.