Accredited official statistics

Chapter 7: Crops

Updated 9 July 2026

Summary

Key results for 2025 compared to 2024:

• Harvested production of wheat increased by 7.3% to just under 12 million tonnes, due to increased area offsetting a decrease in average yields. The value of production was 0.5% higher at £2.1 billion.

• Harvested production of barley decreased by 10% to 6.4 million tonnes. The value of production was 17% lower at just under £1.0 billion.

• Oilseed rape production increased by 7% to 893 thousand tonnes. The value of production was 20% higher at £408 million.

• Sugar beet production fell by 7.1% to 7.3 million tonnes. The value of production decreased by 22% to £286 million.

• The value of vegetable production rose by 0.4% to just over £2.1 billion.

• The value of fruit production increased by 5.0% to just over £1.1 billion.

• The value of potato production fell 5.4% to just under £1.5 billion.

Cereals

Table 7.1a to 7.1b Total cereals; production, value, supply and use, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.1a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	3,088	2,966	3,013
Volume of harvested production	22,047	19,441	19,524
Value of production (£ million)	4,494	3,527	3,287

Table 7.1b

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Production	22,047	19,441	19,524
EU imports	2,546	4,416	3,359
Non-EU imports	1,482	1,749	2,460
EU exports	2,326	982	1,171
Non-EU exports	90	23	28
Total new supply	23,659	24,601	24,144
Change in farm and other stocks	-549	-225	-89
Total domestic uses	24,209	24,826	24,233
Production as % of total new supply for use in the UK	93%	79%	81%

Notes for Table 7.1a and 7.1b:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted

2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed

Source: Defra Cereals and Oilseeds Production, AHDB cereal usage surveys, HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

In 2025, total cereal production of wheat, barley, oats and minor cereals (rye, triticale and mixed grain) in the UK was just over 19.5 million tonnes, a 0.4% increase compared to 2024. This was due to a combination of higher wheat area and production, offset by reduced area and production for barley and falling yields and production for oats. The value of production decreased by 6.8% to around £3.3 billion primarily due to lower cereal prices.

Average yields for wheat and barley were slightly lower in 2025 compared to 2024, and below the 5-year average. Winter planting conditions were much better than last year, but challenging marketing conditions affected cropping decisions. These included lower commodity prices, reduced milling and malting premiums, and input costs. Spring sown crops encountered difficult conditions due to a spring drought and a hot and dry early summer.

Winter barley saw its area decrease by 5.6% to 363 thousand hectares, although yields increased from 6.4 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) to 6.8 t/ha. Winter barley was generally sown in good conditions. Production of winter barley in 2025 was 1.2% higher than 2024 at 2.5 million tonnes. Crops sown on moisture-retentive, heavier soils coped better with the spring/early summer drought and high temperatures, and were harvested successfully well before the autumn rains arrived. In contrast, the spring barley did not fare as well. Area decreased by 11% to 717 thousand hectares, with average yields decreasing to 5.4 t/ha from 5.7 t/ha. The total production of spring barley decreased by 16% to 3.9 million tonnes. While early quality of spring barley was good, reflecting crops in southern England, this picture changed as harvest progressed further north. In Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England many crops did not meet malting quality.

Harvest 2025 started out in dry settled conditions during late July and August, which benefited the winter barley harvest especially. Overall harvest progressed well and little drying was required. Rain arrived in September, which hampered the latter stages of the wheat, spring barley and oats harvest.

Cereal prices for 2025 were below the 2023 and 2024 values. Global markets have re-adjusted to the on-going Russia/Ukraine conflict. Prices drifted downwards as the year advanced.

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.

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, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.2a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	1,720	1,531	1,670
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	8.1	7.3	7.2
Volume of harvested production	13,980	11,146	11,958
Value of production (£ million)	2,963	2,132	2,143
Sales (£ million)	2,718	2,105	1,848
On farm use (£ million)	388	283	205
Change in stocks (£ million)	-143	-255	90

Table 7.2b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2023	2024	2025
Milling wheat	243	215	193
Feed wheat	206	186	176

Table 7.2c

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Production	13,980	11,146	11,958
EU imports	1,080	2,457	1,930
Non-EU imports	628	627	744
EU exports	1,083	155	200
Non-EU exports	72	10	7
Total new supply	14,533	14,065	14,425
Change in farm and other stocks	-303	-671	402
Total domestic uses	14,836	14,736	14,023
Flour milling (including bioethanol and starch)	6,288	6,091	5,526
Animal feed	7,005	7,049	6,919
Seed	267	258	259
Other uses and waste	1,276	1,339	1,319
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	96%	79%	83%
% of home grown wheat in milling grist	83%	76%	75%

Notes for Tables 7.2a to 7.2c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted

2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed

Source: Defra Cereals and Oilseeds Production, AHDB cereal usage surveys, HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

Harvested production of wheat was 7.3% higher in 2025 at just under 12 million tonnes, the fifth lowest this century. Area increased by 9.1% to 1.7 million hectares, and yield fell from 7.3 t/ha in 2024 to 7.2 t/ha in 2025. This is below the 5-year average of 7.8 t/ha. The value of production of wheat was 0.5% lower in 2025 at £2.1 billion.

Domestic human and industrial wheat demand for flour milling (including starch and bioethanol) was 9.3% lower in 2025 compared to 2024 at just over 5.5 million tonnes, with imports decreasing by 4% to just under 1.4 million tonnes. Demand from flour millers was lower than last year, and with a better-quality domestic crop, fewer imports were required. In August 2025, bioethanol production at Vivergo’s Humberside plant ceased, and Ensus on Teesside was mothballed in September. This negated feed wheat (and maize) requirements. Usage of wheat for animal feed was 1.8% lower at just over 6.9 million tonnes. The percentage of wheat in the cereal ration has now recovered to more typical levels after the drop caused by the poor 2020 harvest, reducing availability. The AHDB publish cereal usage statistics which can be found on the AHDB human and industrial cereal usage webpage.

Total wheat imports in 2025 were 13% lower at 2.7 million tonnes; flour millers needed fewer imports from July onwards due to more domestic high grade milling wheat being available from the 2025 crop. Exports in 2025 were 207 thousand tonnes (kt), compared to 165 kt in 2024. There was ample global supply of wheat, and with UK wheat uncompetitively priced, exports were again low. Historically the UK was a net exporter of wheat until 2016, and from 2017 to 2025 it was a net importer.

Barley

Table 7.3a to 7.3c Barley; production, value, supply and use, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless otherwise specified)

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

Table 7.3a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	1,137	1,194	1,080
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	6.1	5.9	5.9
Volume of harvested production	6,963	7,091	6,367
Value of production (£ million)	1,356	1,197	997
Sales (£ million)	1,019	803	702
On farm use (£ million)	354	342	333
Change in stocks (£ million)	-17	52	-38

Table 7.3b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2023	2024	2025
Malting barley	232	196	172
Feed barley	176	159	152

Table 7.3c

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Production	6,963	7,091	6,367
EU imports	134	226	258
Non-EU imports	0	0	0
EU exports	925	623	680
Non-EU exports	12	6	13
Total new supply	6,160	6,688	5,932
Change in farm and other stocks	-117	321	-441
Total domestic uses	6,277	6,367	6,373
Brewing/distilling	1,974	1,816	1,687
Animal feed	4,063	4,329	4,467
Seed	192	174	174
Other uses and waste	48	48	45
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	113%	106%	107%

Notes for Tables 7.3a to 7.3c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted

2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed

Source: Defra Cereals and Oilseeds Production, AHDB cereal usage surveys, HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

The value of barley decreased by 17% between 2024 and 2025 to just under £1.0 billion. The production of barley decreased by 10% to 6.4 million tonnes due to decreased area. The area decrease of 9.6% was driven by spring barley decreasing by 11% to 717 thousand hectares, and a decrease of 5.6% to 363 thousand hectares in the winter barley area. Production of winter barley increased by 1.2% to 2.5 million tonnes, with yields increasing from 6.4 t/ha to 6.8 t/ha, which offset the decrease in area. Winter barley was generally sown in good conditions. Crops sown on moisture-retentive, heavier soils coped better with the exceptionally dry spring/early summer, and harvest was completed before the rain arrived.

The total production of spring barley decreased by 16% to 3.9 million tonnes, and the quality was variable. Average yields fell to 5.4 t/ha from 5.7 t/ha. Whilst early quality of spring barley was good, reflecting crops in southern England, this picture changed as harvest progressed further north. In Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England many crops did not meet malting quality. Full details of barley production can be found in the cereal and oilseed rape production publication.

Barley imports were 258 kt in 2025 compared to 226 kt in 2024. Barley exports were 693 kt compared to 629 kt in 2024. The bulk of UK barley exports are to the EU. In 2025, 286 kt (41%) of total exports were destined for the Irish Republic, with Belgium (133 kt, 19%) and the Netherlands (120 kt, 17%) the next most important destinations. Traditionally, Spain utilised UK feed barley, especially if they had a poor harvest. However, in 2025 only 28 kt was shipped to Spain, representing 4% of total exports. Weak demand for malting barley and the variable quality of the UK crop further tempered UK export activity. Historically, the UK regularly exported more than 1 million tonnes per year, but 2020 was the last year this figure was attained.

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 just under 2.0 million tonnes in 2023, demand declined in 2024 and 2025. This was 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 7.1% to 1.7 million tonnes in 2025, the lowest level since 2020.

Demand for barley from the animal feed sector increased by 3.2% to around 4.5 million tonnes in 2025, driven by increased use by the compound feed sector. Barley availability for fed-on farm utilisation was also high, despite a smaller crop, due to lower human and industrial demand, mixed crop quality, and sluggish export activity.

Oats

Table 7.4a to 7.4c Oats; production, value, supply and use, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.4a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	167	182	198
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	5.0	5.4	4.9
Volume of harvested production	830	986	963
Value of production (£ million)	166	190	139
Sales (£ million)	155	122	106
On farm use (£ million)	38	35	36
Change in stocks (£ million)	- 27	33	-2

Table 7.4b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2023	2024	2025
Milling oats	207	205	150
Feed oats	185	173	134

Table 7.4c

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Production	830	986	963
EU imports	18	17	16
Non-EU imports	0	0	0
EU exports	151	48	89
Non-EU exports	6	7	8
Total new supply	691	948	882
Change in farm and other stocks	- 128	125	-49
Total domestic uses	819	823	931
Milling	488	492	510
Animal feed	304	300	388
Seed	23	25	28
Other uses and waste	4	5	5
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	120%	104%	109%

Notes for Tables 7.4a to 7.4c:

1. All production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted

2. Value of production excludes farm saved seed

Source: Defra Cereals and Oilseeds Production, AHDB cereal usage surveys, HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

In 2025, the harvested production of oats decreased by 2.3% to 963 kt due to lower average yields of 4.9 t/ha compared to 5.4 t/ha in 2024, offsetting an 8.8% increase in area. As with other cereal crops, sowing date and soil type were key influences on yield achieved, and quality was described as “variable”. Despite this reduction, oat production levels remain higher than those seen prior to 2019. The value of production decreased 27% to £139 million due to lower production and reduced prices.

UK oats usage is dominated by the oat milling sector. Total oats milled was 510 kt in 2025 compared to 492 kt in 2024, an increase of 3.7% but still below the 2020 peak of 561 kt. Increased demand for plant-based drinks and industry investment have helped increase usage. Use of oats in animal feed increased by 29% to 388 kt due to increased demand and availability, as variable crop quality led to more oats being used for fed-on-farm. Oats have a high fibre content which is useful for ruminant diets and horses but not suitable for poultry. Additionally, oats were a popular option for SFI low input on the harvested cereal option, which limits use of certain active ingredients and restricts seed rate.

UK oat exports are largely determined by the availability of other European producers (Germany, Poland and the Scandinavian countries). 2025 saw 97 kt of exports compared to 55 kt in 2024. The bulk of the exports went to Belgium and Spain. Imports in 2025 were 16 kt compared to 17 kt in 2024.

Straw

In 2025, cereal straw production was estimated at 10 million tonnes, a 3.5% decrease compared with the 2024 crop. Despite this decline, the area baled increased by 3% to 2.7 million hectares. Straw sales for bedding also fell, dropping by 3.5% to 8 million tonnes.

Straw yields declined across all cereal types. Average yields were 3.3 t/ha for wheat, 3.1 t/ha for winter barley, 2.5 t/ha for spring barley, and 2.4 t/ha for oats. Weather was the dominant factor affecting performance. A wet autumn and winter, followed by a dry spring and summer, led to thin, underdeveloped crops and reduced output across much of the country. In some regions, the impact was severe; in the West Midlands, for example, yields were reported to be 30–50% below normal, with some areas experiencing even greater losses.

Dry harvest conditions further affected straw availability. Straw became brittle and fragmented during combining, resulting in smaller swaths than expected and reducing the volume recoverable for baling.

Baling rates remained high across all crop types, with approximately 90% of wheat, 96% of winter barley, 92% of spring barley, and 87% of oats baled. This was largely driven by favourable harvesting conditions, strong demand from the livestock sector, and firm early-season prices.

Establishment conditions were generally favourable, supporting an expansion in winter wheat area. However, subsequent warm, dry weather in spring placed crops under significant stress. Fields on lighter soils were particularly affected due to limited moisture, restricting growth and yield potential. In contrast, more moisture-retentive soils helped some farms maintain closer-to-average straw yields.

Overall, although late spring and summer conditions allowed for an earlier harvest and excellent baling conditions, characterised by rapid drying and good field access, the benefits were outweighed by reduced cereal yields. As a result, total straw production declined despite the high proportion of crops being baled.

Oilseed rape

Table 7.5a to 7.5b Oilseed rape; production, value, supply and use, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.5a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	391	293	241
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.1	2.8	3.7
Volume of harvested production	1,216	835	893
Value of production (£ million)	484	339	408
Sales (£ million)	507	401	397
Change in stocks (£ million)	-23	-62	11
Prices (£ per tonne)	398	407	457

Table 7.5b

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Production	1,216	835	893
EU imports	505	456	667
Non-EU imports	251	315	301
EU exports	38	30	53
Non-EU exports	3	0	0
Total new supply	1,931	1,576	1,809
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	63%	53%	49%

Notes for Tables 7.5a to 7.5c:

1. All production estimates have been standardised to 9.0% moisture content. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been 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%

Source: Defra Cereals and Oilseeds Production, HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

The UK oilseed rape (OSR) area in 2025 fell by 18% compared with 2024 to 241 thousand hectares, the lowest level recorded this century. Despite this contraction in area, production increased by 7% to 893 kt, driven by a marked improvement in yields, which rose from 2.8  t/ha in 2024 to 3.7  t/ha in 2025. Even so, output remained historically low, representing the second smallest crop this century, surpassed only by the exceptionally poor harvest in 2024 at 835 kt. The value of OSR production increased by 20% to £408 million, though still well below the previous 10-year average of £580 million, reflecting the combined effects of the reduction in planted area and easing prices later in the year.

Prices firmed during the first half of the year, rising from around £471 per tonne in January to a peak of approximately £487 per tonne in April and May, reflecting tight domestic and European supplies, as well as reduced availability from Ukraine. From June onwards, prices weakened, falling to around £429 per tonne in August as harvest progress improved supply prospects. The average OSR price in 2025 was £457 per tonne, higher than £407 per tonne average in 2024, but remained well below the record annual average of £644 per tonne recorded in 2022.

Yield performance improved across most regions, supported by favourable establishment conditions in autumn 2024 and reduced pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle during spring and summer 2025. Most winter OSR crops harvested prior to Storm Floris in August delivered good results; however, crops harvested afterwards experienced yield losses due to pod shatter and associated seed loss. Market conditions continued to be influenced by abundant global supplies of soyabeans, particularly from South America, which provided a competitive alternative protein source and limited upside for OSR prices.

Sugar beet

Table 7.6a to 7.6b Sugar beet production and value; Refined Sugar production and supply, 2023 to 2025 (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	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	99	102	94
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	78	76	78
Volume of harvested production	7,746	7,817	7,265
Value of production (£ million)	368	365	286
Sugar content %	16	17	17
Price (average market price (£ per adjusted tonne))	48	47	39

Table 7.6b

All Sugar (refined basis)	2023	2024	2025
Production	1,078	1,086	997
EU imports	341	239	231
Non-EU imports	632	483	541
EU exports	39	119	106
Non-EU exports	21	28	26
Total new supply	1,991	1,662	1,637
Production as % of total new supply for UK use	54%	65%	61%

Notes for Tables 7.6a to 7.6b:

1. The area for sugar beet is provided by British Sugar and may differ to the area in Figure 2.1b

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

Source: British Sugar, Defra

Download the full crops dataset

Harvested sugar beet production in 2025 fell by 7.1% to 7.3 million tonnes. This reflected an 8.6% reduction in the planted area to 94 thousand hectares, which more than offset a 1.7% increase in beet yields to 77.6  t/ha. As a result, refined sugar production declined by 8.2% to around 997 kt.

The value of sugar beet production decreased by 22% to £286 million, driven by both lower production volumes and a 16% fall in the average price to £39 per tonne. Sugar content increased to 17.4% (from 16.8% in 2024), helping to limit the impact of lower beet availability on overall sugar output.

Growing conditions during the 2025 campaign were generally favourable compared with the previous two years. Improved early lifting conditions allowed good progress in the autumn, but some frost and wet weather later in the season affected yields of the later pulled crops. Approximately 2,000 growers from the East of England, East Midlands, and Yorkshire supply crops to British Sugar.

Protein crops (field peas and field beans)

Table 7.7a and 7.7b Protein crops - field peas and field beans, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.7a

Peas for harvesting dry	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	61	89	60
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.0	3.3	3.3
For animal feed
Volume of harvested production	167	175	102
Value of production (£ million)	38	43	22
For human consumption
Volume of harvested production	16	119	96
Value of production (£ million)	4	28	22

Table 7.7b

Field beans	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	214	135	141
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.2	3.4	3.5
Volume of harvested production	685	460	482
Value of production (£ million)	155	104	102

Notes for Tables 7.7a to 7.7b:

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%

Source: Defra, ADAS

Download the full crops dataset

The overall area of pulses in 2025 was 202 thousand hectares, a decrease of 9.9% from 2024 with a decrease in field pea area offsetting an increase in field bean area. Pulses were a popular crop option under the Common Agricultural Policy due to greening requirements, but their area may change following the UK’s departure from the EU and the move to new environmental land management schemes. 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 decreased by 32% in 2025 to 60 thousand hectares. The proportion of this area utilised for animal feed was estimated at 52%, lower than the estimated 60% in 2024. Total production for animal feed decreased by 42% to an estimated 102 kt. The production utilised for human consumption decreased to an estimated 96 kt from an estimated 119 kt in 2024. Field peas yield averaged 3.3 t/ha, the same as 2024. Crops established well but water stress during flowering and pod fill limited the yield potential. Early sown crops fared better than later plantings, resulting in a wide regional yield variation. Harvesting period was very dry which helped with clean cutting of the crop with minimal staining, although pod splitting was observed in some areas. 2025 saw the first confirmed UK detection of pea bruchid, with the warm dry spring enabling the pest to complete its life cycle. Overall yields were below the long-term average, but the overall quality was considered good.

The annual value of peas for animal feed in 2025 was £22 million, a decrease of 49% due to a combination of lower production levels, a lower proportion of peas going to animal feed, and lower average prices. The annual value of peas for human consumption in 2025 was £22 million, compared to £28 million in 2024, primarily due to lower production and prices offsetting a higher proportion of peas destined for human consumption. The average price per tonne for field peas was 13% lower than 2024 at £213.

The area of field beans was 4.5% higher than last year at 141 thousand hectares. The increased area and slightly higher average yields led to production increasing by 4.7% to an estimated 482 kt. Average yields increased to 3.5 t/ha from 3.4 t/ha in 2024. The winter bean crop generally coped well with the dry conditions. Crops sown on deeper well drained soils fared better than those planted on lighter or poorly constructed soil, which struggled. Disease pressures were lower than previous years with less chocolate spot and less bruchid beetle damage reported (except for the West Midlands), although black bean aphid was observed in mid-June. For spring beans the sudden closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to new applicants in March 2025 led to land originally ear marked for the SFI entering pulse production instead. This resulted in a wide range of drilling dates across the UK. Some crops sown in late March through to early April experienced lower yields. Later sown crops suffered from water stress and generally spring bean yields were low, which pulled the overall average yield of field beans down.

The annual value of field beans in 2025 was £102 million, a 2% decrease compared to 2024, reflecting the lower average market price. The average price per tonne was 6.4% lower than 2024 at £212.

Fresh vegetables

Table 7.8a to 7.8c Fresh vegetables; production, value, supply and use, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.8a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares):	101	97	104
Grown in the open (thousand hectares)	100	97	103
Protected (thousand hectares)	0.8	0.8	0.9
Value of production (£ million):	2,026	2,109	2,117
Grown in the open (£ million)	1,613	1,672	1,686
Protected (£ million)	412	436	431
Selected crops:
Cabbages (£ million)	84	94	87
Carrots (£ million)	219	248	242
Cauliflowers (£ million)	81	87	72
Calabrese (£ million)	113	123	122
Lettuces (£ million)	245	264	276
Mushrooms (£ million)	149	147	148
Onions (£ million)	215	157	209
Tomatoes (£ million)	122	134	134

Table 7.8b

Prices (farm gate price (£ per tonne))	2023	2024	2025
Cauliflowers	1,059	924	796
Tomatoes	1,742	1,765	1,692

Table 7.8c

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Total production	2,344	2,428	2,622
EU imports	1,646	1,741	1,696
Non-EU imports	417	437	417
EU exports	74	72	64
Non-EU exports	2	3	2
Total new supply	4,332	4,531	4,670
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	54%	54%	56%

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

Source: Defra Horticulture Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

Total production value increased by 0.4% compared with the 2024 value, meaning a historical high of £2.1 billion. Total production rose to 2.6 million tonnes, an 8% increase on 2024.

The planted area increased by 6.7% to 104 thousand hectares, up from 97 thousand hectares in 2024. This increase was driven primarily by field vegetable crops, while protected cropping remained broadly stable.

Field-grown vegetables accounted for £1.7 billion of the total value in 2025, the highest level on record. This represents a modest growth of 0.8%. Total field vegetable production reached 2.4 million tonnes, up 9% on 2024. Protected production contributed £431 million to total vegetable value in 2025, down 1.1% from 2024. The protected area increased so by 4.7% to 866 hectares.

Growing conditions in 2025 were dominated by prolonged dry weather and water availability constraints. Many field vegetable crops experienced dry conditions from early spring through summer, with irrigation access becoming increasingly critical; in some area’s abstraction restrictions were imposed, forcing growers to alter cropping plans or relocate production. Establishment was particularly challenging for spring and early summer plantings on unirrigated land, leading to patchy crops and yield penalties, especially in eastern regions such as Lincolnshire. While rainfall later in the season improved growth for some autumn and winter crops, the combination of early season drought, high summer temperatures and ongoing regulatory pressure on water use, highlighted water security as the key constraint on UK vegetable production in 2025.

Plants and flowers

Table 7.9a to 7.9b Plants and flowers; area, value of production and trade, 2023 to 2025 (£ million unless otherwise specified)

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

Table 7.9a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area (thousand hectares)	10	12	12
Value of production	1,683	1,649	1,616
Flowers and bulbs	158	171	158
Pot plants	331	343	347
Hardy ornamental nursery stock	1,194	1,135	1,111

Table 7.9b

Trade (£ million)	2023	2024	2025
Total imports (exc. Channel Islands)	1,457	1,459	1,553
Bulbs	88	85	94
Cut flowers	616	636	680
Foliage	58	61	67
Indoor plants	174	177	178
Outdoor plants	154	149	208
Trees	263	247	218
Other	103	104	107
Total exports	54	49	59
Bulbs	8	7	6
Cut flowers	21	23	35
Foliage	2	1	1
Indoor plants	6	2	2
Outdoor plants	4	2	3
Trees	2	2	2
Other	11	10	11

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 those shown in Table 2.2

2. Includes forced flowers bulbs

3. Trade totals may differ to the sum of the components due to rounding

Source: Defra Horticulture Statistics

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The value of production in the UK ornamental sector decreased by 2.0% to £1.62 billion in 2025. This reflects ongoing cost pressures and softer market conditions across much of the sector. Hardy ornamental nursery stock (HONS), which accounts for the largest share of production, saw a 2.2% fall in value to £1.11 billion. Flowers and bulbs recorded a larger decline, with production value falling by 7.5% to £158 million, while the pot plant sector continued to show resilience, increasing marginally by 1.1% to £347 million.

Overall trends in 2025 were shaped by higher labour, energy and input costs, alongside uneven demand during a hot, dry growing season. The prolonged dry conditions affected establishment and growth in parts of the field grown sector, while reduced consumer spending constrained retail demand, particularly during peak summer months. Some recovery in sales later in the year, combined with continued demand from the amenity sector, helped to stabilise returns for container‑grown and pot plant producers. However, heightened competition from imports, delayed planting programmes and rising production costs continued to place pressure on margins across much of the ornamental horticulture industry.

Potatoes

Table 7.10a to 7.10c Potatoes; production, value, supply and use, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.10a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Area sown (thousand hectares)	115	118	127
Area harvested (thousand hectares)	98	111	117
Yield (tonnes per hectare harvested)	48	46	48
Volume of harvested production	4,661	5,112	5,549
For human consumption	3,550	4,066	4,522
Seed	525	544	561
Stockfeed and waste	587	503	466
Sales	4,918	4,743	5,221
For human consumption	3,836	3,722	4,218
Seed	525	544	561
Sold for stockfeed	558	478	442
End year stocks	2,367	2,710	3,015
Change in stocks	-286	344	304
Value of production (£ million)	1,132	1,546	1,463
Sold for human consumption (£ million)	1,033	1,190	1,104
Sold for seed (including farm saved seed) (£ million)	171	241	274
Sold for stockfeed (£ million)	6	5	5
Change in stocks (£ million)	-77	110	80

Table 7.10b

Prices (paid to registered producers (£ per tonne))	2023	2024	2025
Early/maincrop (for human consumption) (£ per tonne)	269	320	262
Seed (£ per tonne)	326	444	490
Stockfeed (£ per tonne)	10	10	11

Table 7.10c

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Total production	4,074	4,609	5,083
Imports	2,439	2,633	2,496
Exports	426	412	430
Net trade (negative means net export)	2,013	2,220	2,067
Early/maincrop	-79	18	-49
Seed	-80	-93	-94
Processed (raw equivalent)	2,173	2,295	2,209
Total new supply (raw equivalent)	6,088	6,829	7,149
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	67%	67%	71%

Source: Defra, Daera, Scottish Government, ADAS, HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

Potato production increased by 8.5% to 5.5 million tonnes in 2025. This was driven by a 7.2% increase in the area sown, to 127 thousand hectares, combined with a 3.0% improvement in yields to 47.6 t/ha. As a result, production for human consumption rose by 11% to 4.5 million tonnes, while volumes sold for stockfeed and waste declined further.

Despite higher production, the value of potato production fell by 5.4% to £1.46 billion. This reflected a 18% fall in average prices for early and maincrop potatoes to £262 per tonne, following exceptionally high prices in 2024. In contrast, the average price for seed potatoes increased by over 10% to £490 per tonne, supporting growth in the value of seed sales.

The increase in planted area reflects improved grower confidence following strong returns in the previous year. However, despite higher output, overall producer revenues declined in 2025, as weaker prices and slower stock clearance outweighed volume gains. Irrigation was the principal operational challenge, with dry conditions requiring applications as frequently as every three days, typically at around 25mm per pass. This placed significant pressure on farm labour and equipment and increased the risk of bruising at harvest.

Low prices during the dry September period led some growers to delay lifting, resulting in higher volumes being placed into store than usual. This contributed to storage congestion later in the season. Yield outcomes varied markedly depending on water availability. Irrigated crops performed strongly, with some varieties achieving yields more than 80 t/ha, supported by high levels of solar radiation. By contrast, non‑irrigated crops yielded as little as 30 t/ha, with many producers reporting whole‑farm averages closer to 60 t/ha, underlining the central role of water availability in determining crop performance in 2025.

Fresh fruit

Table 7.11a to 7.11c Fresh fruit; production, value, supply and use, 2023 to 2025 (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

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

Table 7.11a

Production	2023	2024	2025
Outdoor fruit area (thousand hectares)	32	31	29
Orchard fruit (thousand hectares)	21	20	19
Soft fruit (thousand hectares)	11	11	10
End year stocks	58	67	74
Value of production (£ million)	1,037	1,083	1,137
Orchard fruit (£ million)	288	351	361
Soft fruit (£ million)	749	732	776
Sales (£ million)	1,110	1,070	1,132
Change in stocks (£ million)	-73	14	5
Selected crops
Dessert apples (£ million)	152	193	209
Culinary apples (£ million)	32	45	37
Pears (£ million)	14	18	21
Raspberries (£ million)	181	191	221
Strawberries (£ million)	471	431	454

Table 7.11b

Prices (farm gate price (£ per tonne))	2023	2024	2025
Selected crops
Dessert apples (£ per tonne)	895	1,023	1,014
Culinary apples (£ per tonne)	538	834	727
Pears (£ per tonne)	906	923	929
Raspberries (£ per tonne)	11,283	12,033	12,676
Strawberries (£ per tonne)	4,424	4,370	4,888

Table 7.11c

Supply and use	2023	2024	2025
Total production	582	564	577
EU imports	998	1,069	1,036
Non-EU imports	2,150	2,229	2,533
EU exports	34	32	36
Non-EU exports	2	2	2
Total new supply	3,694	3,827	4,107
Change in stocks	-70	9	6
Total domestic uses	3,764	3,818	4,100
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	16%	15%	14%

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. Includes glasshouse fruit

5. EU trade data no longer includes dried fruit

Source: Defra Horticulture Statistics

Download the full crops dataset

In 2025, total UK fruit production increased modestly to 577 kt, up 2.3% on 2024. This was despite a further contraction in planted area, which fell by 3.9% to just over 29 thousand hectares. Orchard fruit output increased by 3.9% at 443 kt, reflecting improved cropping in apples, pears and cherries following favourable blossom conditions. Soft fruit production declined by 2.7% to 134 kt, largely due to heat‑related yield losses in strawberries and raspberries, along with planted area reductions across all soft fruit. These trends reflect the growing season, with high temperatures and drought stress later in the year limiting fruit initiation in soft fruit, while early flowering and good pollination benefitted top fruit.

The value of home fruit production rose to £1.1 billion, an increase of 5% on 2024. Growth in value was driven primarily by higher average prices, particularly for strawberries and raspberries, which more than offset lower production volumes in some crops. Soft fruit continued to account for the majority of production value at £776 million which increased by 6%, despite lower output. In contrast, the value of orchard fruit rose more modestly, increasing by 2.8% to £361 million. Imports increased in volume and value, especially for soft fruit, underlining the continued importance of overseas supply when domestic production is constrained.

Linseed

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 7.12 AUK-Chapter7). Area data can be found in the publication Agricultural land use in the United Kingdom.

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 from the Horticultural Statistics report and is not presented here.

For potatoes, price and yield data were historically sourced from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (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 potato industry data and insights for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland provide their own information on potato production, price, and value. The average price paid to producers is supplied by Northern Ireland and is compiled from a monthly survey of potato processors and merchants.

Figures for 2025 are provisional and may be subject to revision.

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

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