Back British Farming Day 2026: supporting the future of British agriculture

As Back British Farming Day returns on Wednesday 9 September, it provides an opportunity to recognise the vital contribution farmers, growers and rural businesses make to the UK’s economy, food security and countryside.

For many agricultural businesses, 2026 has been another challenging year. Following one of the driest periods in decades, continued pressure on input costs and the ongoing impact of livestock disease, many farm businesses are facing difficult decisions as they plan for the seasons ahead. The National Farmers’ Union has highlighted concerns around farm cash flow and access to funding, calling for measures that will help businesses invest in future production and maintain resilience.

A sector facing continued pressure

British farming has always demonstrated remarkable resilience, but resilience alone cannot overcome every challenge. Weather volatility, rising operational costs and increasing regulatory demands continue to affect businesses across the sector. At the same time, farmers are being asked to deliver food production, environmental enhancement and long-term stewardship of the countryside.

For landowners, farmers and agri business operators, maintaining a profitable and sustainable business requires careful planning, strategic investment and the ability to adapt to change. Access to finance, workforce planning, succession arrangements and effective risk management are becoming increasingly important considerations.

Why Back British Farming matters

Back British Farming Day celebrates the people behind UK agriculture and raises awareness of the importance of homegrown food production. It also serves as a reminder that a thriving agricultural sector is essential not only for rural communities but also for national food security.

The campaign seeks to champion British farmers and growers while encouraging policymakers, businesses and consumers to recognise the value of domestic food production and the importance of supporting the sector’s long-term viability.

Looking ahead

While the agricultural sector continues to face significant challenges, there are also opportunities. Innovation, diversification, succession planning and investment in modern farming businesses will remain key drivers of future success.

As trusted advisers to farming families, rural estates and agricultural businesses across the UK, Birketts understands both the opportunities and complexities facing the sector. From land ownership and succession planning through to commercial arrangements, disputes, renewable energy projects and regulatory matters, our specialist agriculture team works alongside clients to help protect and strengthen their businesses for future generations.

This Back British Farming Day, we join in recognising the dedication, resilience and expertise of Britain’s farmers and growers, and the essential role they play in feeding the nation and supporting the rural economy.

The Birketts view

The challenges facing British farming are increasingly complex, but so too are the opportunities for those businesses that plan ahead and adapt.

At Birketts, our award-winning agriculture team advises farming families, landed estates, growers, agri-businesses and rural landowners on every aspect of their operations, from succession planning, tax and estate structuring through to land transactions, agricultural tenancies, diversification projects, renewable energy schemes, employment matters, disputes and strategic business growth.

With specialist agricultural lawyers based across our network of offices, led by Head of Agriculture and Estates Chris Coupland (Norwich), we combine deep sector knowledge with practical, commercial advice to help clients navigate uncertainty, protect their assets and build resilient businesses for future generations.

For more information, contact Partners Jack Royall (Norwich), Sophia Key (Norwich), James Dinwiddy (Ipswich), Tom Verrill (Ipswich), Edward Venmore (Bristol), Annabelle Rout (Sevenoaks) and Tristan Ward (London and Sevenoaks).