Rising costs and policy fears dent potato grower confidence

Confidence among British potato growers is under pressure in the short term, with rising costs, labour shortages and policy concerns weighing heavily on business decisions.

This is according to a new industry survey, carried out by GB Potatoes, which found 43% of growers were pessimistic or very pessimistic about the next 12 months, compared with 26% who felt confident.

The survey, conducted in late 2025 before the current season’s crop was planted, highlighted mounting financial pressures across the sector.

See also: Potato markets under strain as supply outweighs demand

Almost all respondents (94%) reported higher production costs between 2024 and 2025, while 58% said rising costs were already affecting investment decisions.

Reflecting concerns

Confidence, the survey revealed, was lowest among the most experienced growers.

Just 14% of those with five years or less in the industry were pessimistic about the year ahead, compared with 45% of growers with more than 20 years’ experience.

GB Potatoes chief executive Scott Walker said the findings reflected concerns being raised by growers across the country.

“These results reflect what we are hearing from growers on the ground,” he said.

“Confidence is clearly low for the coming season, and the pressure on margins is very real.” 

He added that difficult decisions had to be made about planting, investment and the scale of operations.

However, Mr Walker said that confidence improved when growers looked beyond the immediate season and considered the longer-term outlook, with 37% optimistic and 24% pessimistic about the next five years.

“That tells us there is still belief in the sector – but it depends on the right conditions being created,” he added.

Government policy

Government policy was a key concern, with 83% of respondents lacking confidence that current policies addressed the sector’s needs.

The survey also highlighted that more than 80% identified access to crop protection products, water availability and environmental regulations as significant challenges, while 68% reported difficulties recruiting staff.

The findings also suggest growers are becoming more cautious about expansion.

Only 12% of ware potato growers planned to increase planted area in 2026, while one-third expected to reduce acreage.

Despite the uncertainty, investment in technology remains a priority, with 38% already investing in automation and mechanisation and a further 29% considering it.