NFYFC joined farming organisations today (21 August 2026) at an industry roundtable meeting to call for immediate action to the crisis affecting farmers.
Industry partners agreed that without urgent action next year’s food production and the future of the next generation of British agriculture are at risk.
Historically low harvests, stunted grass growth, and failed crops caused by the worst drought in 50 years, has piled pressure on farm finances. These were already strained following sharp increases in the cost of fuel, fertiliser, and energy as a result of the war in the Middle East.
For many in the livestock sector, these challenges are now also being compounded by the ongoing Bluetongue outbreak.
Often these crises can hit young farmers and new entrants the hardest, with many fledgling farming businesses not yet having the opportunity to build up the capital or asset reserves required to whether the storm.
Meanwhile, for those young farmers seeking to enter the agricultural sector by building their first flock of sheep, or herd of cattle, Bluetongue can have devastating impacts that can take years to recover from.
NFYFC, alongside other farming organisations, is calling on the government to take the urgent action and investment needed to keep businesses afloat, protect next year’s food production and safeguard long-term food security.
Nathan Greenwood, chair of NFYFC’s YFC AGRI steering group, raised concerns at the roundtable on behalf of all YFC members who are currently enduring the difficult conditions.
He called for the industry and government to come together to ensure all Young Farmers, particularly new entrants and those with contract farming business models, have access to the support they need.
Nathan said:
"Young Farmers remain dedicated to building their future within British agriculture. However, there is no denying that for many this year has been exceptionally tough.
"The crisis facing British agriculture is even more acute for young farmers who are just starting out in their careers and are inherently more vulnerable to the type of shocks we have experienced this year.
"The worst drought in 50 years is not only impacting this year’s production but is also damaging the confidence of the next generation.
"Young farmers are ambitious about the future of British agriculture, but for them to be able to feed our nation for decades to come, they need urgent support for their farming businesses to navigate this crisis.
"I welcomed the opportunity to represent NFYFC's members’ views at the roundtable meeting and fully support the vital measures recommended to government today.
“NFYFC values its relationship with industry and our role as a stakeholder within Defra. We want to ensure we continue to represent the interests of our farming members, highlight the challenges they face, and work collaboratively with policymakers to explore and develop effective solutions.”
