Accredited official statistics

Chapter 7: Crops

Published 10 July 2025

Summary

Key results for 2024 compared to 2023:

• Harvested production of wheat decreased by 20% to just over 11.1 million tonnes, due to decreased area and yields. The value of production was 27% lower at £2.2 billion.
• Harvested production of barley increased by 1.8% to 7.1 million tonnes. The value of production was 14% lower at £1.2 billion.
• Oilseed rape production decreased by 32% to around 824 thousand tonnes. This reduction was driven by lower areas and yields. The value of production declined sharply to £335 million, down 31%.
• Sugar beet production increased by 0.9% to 7.8 million tonnes. The value of production fell by 0.7% to £365 million.
• The value of vegetable production rose by 2.1% to just over £2 billion.
• The value of fruit production increased by 4.5% to just under £1.1 billion.
   

Cereals

Table 7.1a to 7.1b Total cereals production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.1a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	3,173	3,088	2,966
Volume of harvested production	24,262	22,047	19,441
Value of production (£ million)	6,103	4,480	3,510

Table 7.1b

Supply and use	2022	2023	2024
Production	24,262	22,047	19,441
EU imports	2,495	2,546	4,415
Non-EU imports	1,732	1,482	1,749
EU exports	2,044	2,326	982
Non-EU exports	57	90	23
Total new supply	26,388	23,659	24,600
Change in farm and other stocks	1,897	-540	105
Total domestic uses	24,492	24,200	24,495
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	92%	93%	79%

Notes for table 7.1a and 7.1b:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content, with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data was only adjusted for farms which had reported moisture content above 14.5%. Any production data that was reported with lower moisture contents was not adjusted.
2. Excludes farm saved seed.

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In 2024, total cereal production of wheat, barley, oats and minor cereals (rye, triticale and mixed grain) in the UK was just over 19.4 million tonnes, a 12% decrease compared to 2023. This was due to a combination of lower wheat areas and yields, along with lower barley yields. This offset the increase in barley area, as well as the increased area and yield for oats. The value of production decreased by 22% to around £3.5 billion due to a combination of lower production and prices.

Average yields for wheat and barley were lower in 2024 compared to 2023, and generally below the 5-year average. Winter planting was severely hampered by wet weather and flooding, with the East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber particularly hard hit. Winter wheat planting was severely affected and the wet spring hampered plantings of spring wheat. The area of winter barley decreased by more than 15% to 384 thousand hectares and yield decreased from 7.0 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) to 6.4 t/ha. Winter barley was generally sown before the wet weather arrived, but it suffered from a lack of nutrition which left it in poor condition in the spring (albeit with wide regional variations). Production of winter barley in 2024 was 24% lower than 2023 at 2.4 million tonnes. Crops on well drained land typically achieved slightly higher yields than those on heavier clay-based soil, which suffered from waterlogging. In contrast the spring barley area increased by 19% to 810 thousand hectares, and yields increased to 5.7 t/ha from 5.5 t/ha. The total production of spring barley increased by 24% to 4.6 million tonnes. After the wet spring it wasn’t until late April before the bulk of spring barley was sown resulting in a protracted harvest.

A full breakdown of cereal and oilseed rape production including at the regional level can be found in the cereal and oilseed rape production publication.

Harvest 2024 started out in dry settled conditions during late July and August which benefited the winter barley harvest especially. Rain and humid weather in September hampered the latter stages of the wheat harvest. The oats harvest was protracted due to the weather and the extended sowing of the spring crop.

Cereal prices for 2024 were below the 2022 and 2023 values. Global markets have re-adjusted to the on-going Russia / Ukraine conflict. Prices did not show much variation during 2024.

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 (AHDB).

Wheat

Table 7.2a to 7.2c Wheat production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.2a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	1,813	1,720	1,531
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	8.6	8.1	7.3
Volume of harvested production	15,540	13,980	11,146
Value of production (£ million)	4,062	2,957	2,161
Sales	3,321	2,713	2,133
On farm use	508	386	293
Change in stocks	233	-143	-266

Table 7.2b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2022	2023	2024
Milling wheat	280	244	221
Feed wheat	261	205	187

Table 7.2c

Supply and use	2022	2023	2024
Production	15,540	13,980	11,146
EU imports	1,066	1,080	2,457
Non-EU imports	568	628	627
EU exports	821	1,083	155
Non-EU exports	44	72	10
Total new supply	16,309	14,533	14,065
Change in farm and other stocks	1,583	-303	-387
Total domestic uses	14,726	14,836	14,452
Flour milling (including bioethanol and starch)	5,985	6,288	6,042
Animal feed	7,156	7,005	6,835
Seed	280	267	237
Other uses and waste	1,305	1,276	1,339
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	95%	96%	79%
% of home grown wheat in milling grist	84%	83%	77%

Notes for tables 7.2a to 7.2c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content, with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data was only adjusted for farms which had reported moisture content above 14.5%. Any production data that was reported with lower moisture contents was not adjusted.
2. Excludes farm saved seed.

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Harvested production of wheat was 20% lower in 2024 at 11.1 million tonnes, the lowest production since 2020 and the second lowest this century. Area decreased by 11% to 1,531 thousand hectares and yield fell from 8.1 t/ha in 2023 to 7.3 t/ha in 2024. This is below the 5-year average of 8.1 t/ha. The value of production of wheat was 27% lower in 2024 at £2.2 billion.

Domestic human and industrial wheat demand for flour milling (including starch and bioethanol) was 3.9% lower in 2024 compared to 2023 at just over 6 million tonnes, with imports increasing by 35% to 1.4 million tonnes. Demand from flour millers was similar to last year, but with a smaller domestic crop and the requirement for high protein milling wheat, more imports were required. From May 2022 both UK biofuels plants have been operational, requiring feed wheat (and imported maize) but usage declined in 2024. Usage of wheat for animal feed was 2.4% lower at just over 6.8 million tonnes. The percentage of wheat in the cereal ration has recovered to more typical levels after the drop caused by the poor 2020 harvest, which reduced availability. The AHDB publish cereal usage statistics which can be found on the AHDB human and industrial cereal usage webpage.

Total wheat imports in 2024 were 81% higher at 3 million tonnes mainly due to reduced domestic availability and increased requirements from the flour milling sector. Exports in 2024 were 165 thousand tonnes (kt) compared to 1.2 million tonnes in 2023, with a combination of reduced domestic supplies and a stronger sterling against the euro from August adding further pressure to UK exports. Historically the UK was a net exporter of wheat until 2016, but from 2017 to 2024 it has been a net importer.

Barley

Table 7.3a to 7.3c Barley production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless otherwise specified)

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

Table 7.3a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	1,116	1,137	1,194
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	6.6	6.1	5.9
Volume of harvested production	7,385	6,963	7,091
Value of production (£ million)	1,818	1,348	1,158
Sales	1,322	1,012	764
On farm use	440	350	339
Change in stocks	57	-13	55

Table 7.3b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2022	2023	2024
Malting barley	275	233	195
Feed barley	239	176	158

Table 7.3c

Supply and use	2022	2023	2024
Production	7,385	6,963	7,091
EU imports	78	134	226
Non-EU imports	4	0	0
EU exports	892	925	623
Non-EU exports	6	12	6
Total new supply	6,569	6,160	6,688
Change in farm and other stocks	431	-108	364
Total domestic uses	6,138	6,268	6,324
Brewing/distilling	1,918	1,974	1,816
Animal feed	3,992	4,063	4,269
Seed	178	183	192
Other uses and waste	50	48	48
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	112%	113%	106%

Notes for tables 7.3a to 7.3c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content, with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data was only adjusted for farms which had reported moisture content above 14.5%. Any production data that was reported with lower moisture contents was not adjusted.
2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset

The value of barley decreased by 14% between 2023 and 2024 to £1.2 billion. The production of barley increased by 1.8% to 7.1 million tonnes due to an increased area, offsetting a 3.0% decrease in yield. The area increase of 5.0% was driven by spring barley increasing by 19% to 810 thousand hectares offsetting a decrease of 15% to 384 thousand hectares in the winter barley area. Growers switched back to spring barley due to unfavourable winter planting / crop conditions leading to replacement planting of spring crops. Full details of barley production can be found in the cereal and oilseed rape production publication.

Barley exports in 2024 were 629 kt compared to 937 kt in 2023. Barley imports were 226 kt in 2024 compared to 134 kt in 2023. The fall in exports was due to several factors; the price of UK barley was uncompetitive, Spain had a good barley crop which reduced the need for UK barley (Spain is traditionally a strong export destination for UK barley), EU Malting Barley markets have higher nitrogen requirements than the UK and this year’s crop offered less export opportunities, given the lower nitrogen levels recorded.

Demand for barley from the brewing, malting and distilling sector (BMD) was severely hit by COVID-19 induced restrictions, but recovered once the hospitality sector re-opened. However, after peaking at 1,974 kt in 2023, 2024 saw reduced demand, partly driven by the increase in the cost of living, as well as the longer-term trend of fewer younger people choosing to consume alcohol. Malting barley usage by the BMD sector declined by 8.0% to 1.8 million tonnes in 2024.

Demand for barley from the animal feed sector increased by 5.1% to around 4.3 million tonnes in 2023. There was increased use of barley by the compound feed sector, with the larger crop and less export activity leading to increased fed-on-farm utilisation.

Oats

Table 7.4a to 7.4c Oats production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.4a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	176	167	182
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	5.7	5.0	5.4
Volume of harvested production	1,007	830	986
Value of production (£ million)	213	166	183
Sales	183	155	121
On farm use	52	38	57
Change in stocks	-22	-27	5

Table 7.4b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2022	2023	2024
Milling oats	222	207	204
Feed oats	201	186	165

Table 7.4c

Supply and use	2022	2023	2024
Production	1,007	830	986
EU imports	22	18	17
Non-EU imports	0	0	0
EU exports	187	151	48
Non-EU exports	7	6	7
Total new supply	835	691	948
Change in farm and other stocks	-117	-128	129
Total domestic uses	952	819	819
Milling	510	488	490
Animal feed	413	304	299
Seed	24	23	25
Other uses and waste	5	4	5
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	121%	120%	104%

Notes for tables 7.4a to 7.4c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content, with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data was only adjusted for farms which had reported moisture content above 14.5%. Any production data that was reported with lower moisture contents was not adjusted.
2. Value of production excludes farm saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset

In 2024, the harvested production of oats increased by 19% to 986 kt driven by a 9.0% increase in area and a 9.0% increase in yield. Oats were a popular spring sown crop. The value of production increased 9.9% to £183 million due to increased production.

UK oats usage is dominated by the oat milling sector. Total oats milled was 490 kt in 2024 compared to 488 kt in 2023 and 13% down on the 2020 peak of 561 kt. Global demand for oat products is reported as “sluggish”. Use of oats in animal feed decreased by 1.6% to 299 kt due to reduced demand for animal feed and preference for wheat, barley, and maize in feed rations. Oats have a high fibre content which is useful for ruminant diets and horses but not suitable for poultry. Oat exports decreased from 157 kt in 2023 to 55 kt in 2024. Most UK exports continue to be to EU countries particularly Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. Imports were 1 kt lower in 2024 at 17 kt.

Straw

In 2024, cereal straw production was estimated at 10 million tonnes, marking a 1.6% increase from the 2023 crop of 9.8 million tonnes. The area baled expanded by 6.3% to 2.6 million hectares, with straw sales for bedding also rising by 1.6% to 8.3 million tonnes.

Straw yields were mixed across cereal types. Wheat averaged 3.6 t/ha and winter barley 3.3 t/ha, both lower than in 2023. In contrast, spring barley and oats performed better, with yields at 2.6 t/ha, an improvement on the previous year.

Baling rates remained high, with an estimated 89% of wheat and spring barley, 95% of winter barley, and 87% of oats baled. Market prices and strong early-season demand from the livestock sector were key drivers of baling decisions.

Straw quality varied, largely influenced by harvest timing and whether straw was baled promptly. The slow ripening of late-planted spring cereals and a wet autumn meant some spring wheat crops were harvested as late as September and October.

The winter of 2023/2024 was notably wet, with persistent rainfall from October onward impacting large areas of arable land. Initial storms turned dry soils waterlogged, and continued wet conditions hindered fieldwork through winter and into spring. As a result, the winter cereal area was reduced, and spring drilling was delayed, especially on heavy, poorly drained soils.

Harvest began under favourable weather, allowing efficient progress with winter barley and the start of the wheat crop. However, conditions worsened in August, creating significant challenges in drying and baling straw. Later-harvested crops, especially those taken in September and October, often had straw chopped due to concerns about ongoing wet weather disrupting further field operations.

Oilseed rape

Table 7.5a to 7.5b Oilseed rape production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.5a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	365	391	293
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.7	3.1	2.8
Volume of harvested production	1,361	1,216	824
Value of production (£ million)	876	484	335
Sales	778	507	399
Change in stocks	98	-23	-64
Prices (£ per tonne)	644	398	407

Table 7.5b

Supply and use	2022	2023	2024
Production	1,361	1,216	824
EU imports	424	505	456
Non-EU imports	387	251	315
EU exports	49	38	30
Non-EU exports	0.0	3.2	0.0
Total new supply	2,124	1,931	1,565
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	64%	63%	53%

Notes for tables 7.5a to 7.5c:

1. All production estimates have been standardised to 9.0% moisture content with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture content in the harvested crops. 2022 production data was only adjusted for farms which had reported moisture content above 9.0%. Any production data which was reported with lower moisture contents was not adjusted.
2. Value of production is calculated considering the price for oilseed rape produced not on set-aside with an average oil content of 43%.

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In 2024, the UK oilseed rape crop saw a significant contraction in both area and output. The total planted area declined by 25% compared to 2023, falling to 293 thousand hectares, the lowest level since 1984 when the area stood at 269 thousand hectares. Production dropped accordingly, with total output reaching just 824 kt, a 32% decrease from the previous year. This reduction was driven by lower yields, which fell from 3.1 t/ha in 2023 to 2.8 t/ha in 2024.

The overall value of the crop declined sharply to £335 million, down 31% from 2023. This represents the lowest crop value since 2006 (£310 million). Despite reduced production, market prices saw a modest increase. The average price per tonne rose from £398 in 2023 to £407 in 2024.

The declines in area, output and value occurred against a backdrop of challenging conditions. The UK experienced record-breaking rainfall between September 2023 and May 2024, which led to waterlogged fields, delayed sowing, and poor establishment. In addition to adverse weather, pest infestations such as the cabbage stem flea and pollen beetles can compromise crop health and reduced potential yields. Economic factors also played a role: lower prices at the time of planting, combined with the disappointing returns in recent years, made oilseed rape a less attractive crop choice for many growers.

Sugar beet

Table 7.6a to 7.6b Sugar beet production and value; Refined Sugar production and supply, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.6a

Sugar beet	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	87	99	102
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	64	78	76
Volume of harvested production	5,574	7,746	7,817
Value of production (£ million)	202	368	365
Sugar content %	16	16	17
Prices (average market price, £ per adjusted tonne)	36	48	47

Table 7.6b

All sugar (refined basis)	2022	2023	2024
Production	749	1,078	1,086
EU imports	261	341	239
Non-EU imports	410	632	483
EU exports	33	39	119
Non-EU exports	21	21	28
Total new supply	1,366	1,991	1,662
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	55%	54%	65%

Notes for tables 7.6a to 7.6b:

1. The area for sugar beet is provided by British Sugar and may differ from the area shown in Figure 2.1b and Table 12.3.
2. Average price for all sugar, including transport allowance and bonus.
3. 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.

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Harvested sugar beet production in 2024 increased by 0.9% to 7.8 million tonnes, despite a 2.4% decline in beet yields to 76 t/ha. The planted area rose by 3.4% to 102 thousand hectares, but the value of production fell by 0.7% to £365 million, driven by a 1.6% drop in price to £46.75 per tonne.

Growing conditions for this campaign have been favourable, with significantly less crop relevant rainfall and frost compared to the previous two years. This has allowed for a return to a typical campaign length, with all factories concluding operations by March 2025. Approximately 2,300 growers from the East of England, East Midlands, and Yorkshire supplied crops to British Sugar.

Although sugar content was slightly below expectations at just under 17%, a strong sugar yield of over 12 t/ha (Sugar tonnes per hectare of productive land) was achieved for the second consecutive year.

The UK sugar beet sector is facing significant pressure from virus yellows, a disease complex spread by aphids that can cause severe yield losses. In 2024, an 83% predicted incidence led to the emergency approval of the neonicotinoid seed treatment, despite ongoing environmental concerns. While this provided short-term protection, the industry is urgently pursuing longer-term, sustainable solutions. Central to this is the development of virus yellows-resistant beet varieties, with major research efforts underway to bring these to market in the next few years.

Protein crops (field peas and field beans)

Table 7.7a and 7.7b Protein crops - field peas and field beans, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Table 7.7a

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

Peas for harvesting dry	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	57	61	89
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	2.8	3.0	3.3
For animal feed
Volume of harvested production	144	167	175
Value of production (£ million)	39	38	43
For human consumption
Volume of harvested production	16	16	119
Value of production (£ million)	3	4	28

Table 7.7b

Field beans	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	212	214	135
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.0	3.2	3.4
Volume of harvested production	635	685	460
Value of production (£ million)	178	155	104

Notes for tables 7.7a to 7.b:

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%.

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The overall area of pulses in 2024 was 224 thousand hectares, a decrease of 18% from 2023 with a decrease in field bean area offsetting an increase in field 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. This data excludes vining peas.

The total area of field peas increased by 46% in 2024 to 89 thousand hectares. The proportion of this area utilised for animal feed was estimated at 60%, lower than the estimated 92% in 2023. Total production for animal feed increased by 4.3% to an estimated 175 kt. The production utilised for human consumption increased to an estimated 119 kt from an estimated 16 kt in 2023. Field peas yield averaged 3.3 t/ha compared to 3.0 t/ha in 2023. There was a variation in yields dependant on how crops faired in the wet spring, which affected planting. The highest yields were from early sown crops, especially those grown on lighter soils which were less impacted by wet conditions. Peas grown in Scotland and the South-West fared best. Most crops were standing at harvest and thus in good condition and needed minimal drying.

The annual value of peas for animal feed in 2024 was £43 million, an increase of 12%, due to higher production levels offsetting a lower proportion of peas going to animal feed. The annual value of peas for human consumption in 2024 was £28 million compared to £4 million in 2023, primarily due to the higher proportion of the crop going for human consumption. The average price per tonne was 6.9% higher than 2023 at £244.78.

The area of field beans was 37% lower than last year at 135 thousand hectares. The decreased area offset slightly higher average yields and led to production falling by 33% to an estimated 460 kt. Average yields increased to 3.4 t/ha from 3.2 t/ha in 2023. The winter bean crop was variable with later drilled crops suffering from wet seed beds which reduced establishment. However unsettled conditions in the summer minimised water and heat stress closer to maturity which supported higher yields. Disease pressures were lower for the 2024 crop, with less “chocolate spot” and damage from bruchid beetle. For spring beans, the wet weather meant a wider than usual range of sowing dates which led to a more protracted harvest, not completed until late September.

The annual value of field beans in 2024 was £104 million, a 33% decrease compared to 2023 reflecting the lower production. The average price per tonne was very similar to 2023 at £226.32.

Fresh vegetables

Table 7.8a to 7.8c Fresh vegetables production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.8a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	108	101	97
Grown in the open	107	100	97
Protected	0.7	0.8	0.8
Value of production (£ million)	1,752	1,986	2,028
Grown in the open	1,379	1,591	1,607
Protected	373	395	421
Selected crops (£ million):
Cabbages	78	84	93
Carrots	176	216	219
Cauliflowers	58	80	85
Calabrese	109	112	118
Lettuces	240	245	263
Mushrooms	136	135	133
Onions	139	215	157
Tomatoes	102	119	134

Table 7.8b

Prices (farmgate price, £ per tonne)	2022	2023	2024
Cauliflowers	712	1,058	925
Tomatoes	1,414	1,701	1,767

Table 7.8c

Supply and use	2022	2023	2024
Total production	2,382	2,308	2,362
EU imports	1,679	1,646	1,741
Non-EU imports	365	417	437
EU exports	83	74	72
Non-EU exports	14	1.6	2.8
Total new supply	4,330	4,296	4,466
Production as % of total new supply for use in the UK	55%	54%	53%

Notes for tables 7.8a to 7.8c:

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

In 2024, the value of vegetable production rose by 2.1% to just over £2 billion, with total output increasing by 2.3% to 2.4 million tonnes. Despite this growth, the area planted with vegetables declined by 3.5% to 97 thousand hectares. Domestic production accounted for 53% of the UK’s total fresh vegetable supply, down one percentage point from 2023.

The year began with an exceptionally wet spring, with most areas receiving between 110% and 190% of average spring rainfall (based on the 1991–2020 average). These conditions caused significant delays to crop planting and led to yield penalties or disruptions to planned harvesting schedules.

However, the weather turned more favourable from mid-July to mid-September, with relatively dry conditions supporting strong crop growth. A warmer-than-average autumn further aided crop ripening and helped many growers recover lost ground in production timelines, though intermittent wet spells continued to present some challenges.

Plants and flowers

Table 7.9a to 7.9b Plants and flowers area, value of production and trade, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless otherwise specified)

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

Table 7.9a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area (thousand hectares)	11	10	12
Value of production (£ million)	1,577	1,706	1,701
Flowers and bulbs	165	181	175
Pot plants	285	330	343
Hardy ornamental nursery stock	1,127	1,195	1,183

Table 7.9b

Trade (£ million)	2022	2023	2024
Total imports (exc. Channel Islands)	1,534	1,457	1,458
Bulbs	95	88	85
Cut flowers	705	616	636
Foliage	69	58	61
Indoor plants	171	174	177
Outdoor plants	148	154	149
Trees	242	263	247
Other	104	103	102
Total exports	49	54	49
Bulbs	8.5	7.5	7.2
Cut flowers	23	21	23
Foliage	0.9	1.5	1.1
Indoor plants	1.2	6.2	2.1
Outdoor plants	1.9	4.1	2.5
Trees	4.1	2.1	2.4
Other	9.3	11	10

Notes for tables 7.9a to 7.9b:

1. Areas relate to field areas multiplied by the number of crops in the year and hence differ from the area shown in Figure 2.1c.
2. Value of production for flowers and bulbs includes forced flower bulbs.
3. Trade totals may differ to the sum of the components due to rounding.

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The value of production in the ornamental sector decreased by 0.3% to £1.7 billion between 2023 and 2024. In 2024, hardy nursery stock showed a 1.0% decrease in value at an estimated £1.2 billion. Flowers and bulbs showed a 3.1% decrease in value at an estimated £175m. The pot plant sector saw a 3.8% increase in value at £343m.

Adverse weather conditions significantly delayed crop planting, with some field grown crops sown up to a month later than usual. Growth remained slow until improved weather conditions arrived in June. The prolonged period of dull, cool, and intermittently wet weather led to lower-than-average summer temperatures, further hindering crop development.

In response, growers applied higher-than-normal levels of fertiliser to maximise growth during what proved to be a short and challenging growing season. While most field-grown crops had caught up by the end of the season, the performance of some first-year tree seedlings was disappointing. Certain crops were too small to be marketed and have been left in the ground to mature further over the coming year.

Potatoes

Table 7.10a to 7.10c Potatoes production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.10a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Area sown (thousand hectares)	127	115	118
Area harvested (thousand hectares)	120	98	111
Yield (tonnes per hectare harvested)	46	48	46
Volume of harvested production	5,522	4,678	5,137
For human consumption	3,980	3,567	4,095
Seed	539	524	539
Stockfeed and waste	1,003	587	503
Sales	5,296	4,924	4,760
For human consumption	3,804	3,842	3,743
Seed	539	524	539
Sold for stockfeed	953	558	478
End year stocks	2,653	2,378	2,730
Change in stocks	176	-275	352
Value of production (£ million)	991	1,138	1,461
Sold for human consumption	777	1,036	1,115
Sold for seed (including farm saved seed)	168	171	237
Sold for stockfeed	10	5.6	4.8
Change in stocks	36	-74	105

Table 7.10b

Prices (paid to registered producers, £ per tonne)	2022	2023	2024
Early/maincrop (for human consumption)	204	270	298
Seed	311	326	440
Stockfeed	10	10	10

Table 7.10c

Supply and use	2022	2023	2024
Total production	4,519	4,092	4,634
Imports	2,482	2,439	2,633
Exports	466	426	412
Net trade (negative means net export)	2,015	2,013	2,220
Early/maincrop	-116	-79	18
Seed	-92	-80	-93
Processed (raw equivalent)	2,223	2,173	2,295
Total new supply (raw equivalent)	6,534	6,105	6,854
Production as % of total new supply for use in the UK	69%	67%	68%

Notes for tables 7.10a to 7.10c:

1. The method of data collection changed after 2022.
2. 2024 data for Northern Ireland was unavailable when UK estimates were compiled. Therefore, 2024 figures for Northern Ireland were estimated using published price information and historical data.

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The value of potatoes in 2024 reached almost £1.5 billion, marking a 28% increase from £1.1 billion in 2023. The planted area expanded by 3.1% to 118 thousand hectares, while total production volume rose by 9.8% to 5.1 million tonnes.

Spring potato planting in 2024 was delayed by approximately one month due to persistently wet conditions. However, crops grown on lighter soils were less affected and developed slightly ahead of those on silty or heavy soils. Nitrogen leaching was again widespread in waterlogged ground during the first quarter, mirroring the situation in 2023.

Crops across the UK were significantly behind schedule, with full canopy development only achieved after the summer solstice. Many growers opted for early desiccation to bring forward harvesting, accepting a yield penalty as a trade-off. This strategy was seen as preferable to the risk of being unable to harvest at all, following crop losses in the previous year due to unharvestable fields caused by autumn rainfall.

Historically, price and yield data were sourced from the AHDB, which ceased publishing such information midway through 2021. In 2022, data were derived from inputs provided by sector representatives, devolved administrations, and reports in the farming press.

Since 2023, an external contractor has supplied industry data and insights for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland provide their own information on production, price, and value. In 2024, Scotland supplied data including minor revisions to records dating back to 2018. Northern Ireland data was unavailable when the UK estimates were compiled. As a result, the 2024 figures for Northern Ireland were estimated using published price information and historical data.

Fresh Fruit

Table 7.11a to 7.11c Fresh fruit production, value, supply and use, 2022 to 2024

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

Table 7.11a

Production	2022	2023	2024
Outdoor fruit area (thousand hectares)	33	32	31
Orchard fruit	22	21	20
Soft fruit	10	11	11
End year stocks	128	58	96
Value of production (£ million)	1,046	1,037	1,084
Orchard fruit	387	288	350
Soft fruit	659	749	734
Sales	1,019	1,110	1,038
Change in stocks	27	-73	46
Selected crops (£ million):
Dessert apples	193	152	192
Culinary apples	94	32	46
Pears	15	14	18
Raspberries	146	181	191
Strawberries	440	471	431

Table 7.11b

Prices (farm gate price, £/tonne)	2022	2023	2024
Dessert apples	882	895	991
Culinary apples	429	186	237
Pears	180	240	284
Raspberries	8,146	11,640	9,773
Strawberries	2,519	2,949	2,747

Table 7.11c

Supply and use (thousand tonnes)	2022	2023	2024
Total production	668	583	579
EU imports	1,109	998	1,069
Non-EU imports	2,168	2,150	2,229
EU exports	35	34	32
Non-EU exports	2.3	2.1	2.0
Total new supply	3,908	3,695	3,843
Change in stocks	27	-73	46
Total domestic uses	3,881	3,768	3,797
Production as % of total new supply for use in the UK	17%	16%	15%

Notes for tables 7.11a to 7.11c:

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. EU trade data no longer includes dried fruit.

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The fruit sector faced challenging weather conditions in early 2024, with storms and heavy rainfall in January leading to widespread flooding and waterlogging. February was both the wettest and warmest on record, delaying orchard planting and tunnel construction. However, the absence of frost allowed pruning to proceed well. Difficult soil conditions persisted into late winter and spring, complicating the planting of strawberries, raspberries, and new orchards.

During flowering in May, cold and changeable weather significantly impacted Cox apple yields, which reached only about 75% of a full crop. Nevertheless, output was better than in 2023. Declining demand, coupled with lower yields and higher production costs, continues to drive the trend of replacing Cox orchards with higher-yielding, popular varieties such as Gala, Braeburn, and Jazz.

Jazz orchards produced high-quality fruit with good flavour, though yields declined from 35 t/ha in 2023 to 28 t/ha. Braeburn performed particularly well, with a strong and consistent fruit set and yields more than doubling year-on-year, from 21 t/ha in 2023 to 47 t/ha in 2024. Fruit quality, colour, and size were especially good in younger orchards.

The overall value of fruit production rose by 4.5% to just under £1.1 billion. Orchard fruit saw a significant increase in value, up 22% to £350 million, while soft fruit value declined by 2.0% to £734 million. Total production volume fell slightly by 0.5% to 579 kt, despite a 4.5% decrease in planted area to 31 thousand hectares. Domestic production accounted for 15% of total fresh fruit supply, down from 16% the previous year.

Linseed

Table 7.12 - Linseed production, value, supply and use

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

Table 7.12 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 Crops dataset Table 7.12. Area data can be found in the publication Agricultural land use in the United Kingdom - GOV.UK.

Data Sources and Revisions

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

Figures for 2024 are provisional and may be subject to revision.

There have been revisions to the 2018 to 2023 data for potatoes, vegetables, ornamentals and fruit, due to revised devolved authority data.

There have been revisions to the estimates of wheat for 2023, as well as barley and oats for 2021 to 2023, due to changes in stocks data and methodology.