What are industry leaders’ greatest hopes and fears for 2026?

As UK agriculture moves into 2026, we asked the leaders of seven leading farm groups to share their greatest hopes and fears for the year ahead. This is what they told us.

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Tom Bradshaw

NFU president

Tom Bradshaw © NFU

HOPE: I am optimistic that our constructive relationship with Defra and the government gives us the platform to drive meaningful policy change in 2026 – change that sparks growth and investment so we can do what we do best – farm. I’m also hopeful farmers and growers keep working together. Never forget, together, we’re stronger.

FEAR: I’m fearful of the ongoing uncertainty testing farming’s resilience, from global shocks and input costs to uncertainty around farming schemes and damaging polices that create barriers to investment. But we’ll keep working hard to ensure farming’s voice is heard in Westminster and across the country. We’ll turn challenge into opportunity and secure a future where British farming thrives.

Andrew Connon

NFU Scotland president

Andrew Connon © NFUS

HOPE: I hope we finally have a clear, properly funded agricultural policy that genuinely supports productive, profitable farming. One that recognises our members – Scotland’s farmers and crofters – as trusted partners in delivering food security, meeting climate goals, and securing vibrant rural communities.

FEAR: My biggest fear is that we end up with more policy uncertainty and a lack of confidence in an industry that needs to plan for the long term. In addition, a continued lack of returns, particularly in the arable and dairy sectors, would bring huge financial pressures and must be avoided. 

Ian Rickman

Farmers’ Union of Wales president

Ian Rickman © MAG/Anne Dunn

HOPE: As the Sustainable Farming Scheme moves from design to delivery, we can only hope it is backed by the funding it needs to succeed. With a key Senedd election on the horizon, let’s also hope the next Welsh government takes decisive action on bovine TB and red tape, while putting food production and family farms at the heart of policy.

FEAR: While the upcoming Senedd election presents an opportunity for meaningful change, it also carries risks for budget instability and sector volatility. Strained markets and lingering animal health threats could also resurface, bringing restrictions that undermine productivity and damage already fragile farmer morale.

Aled Jones

NFU Cymru president

Aled Jones © NFU Cymru

HOPE: My hope is that the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) will provide stability and underpin thriving farming businesses. We want to see the Welsh government be agile in adapting to any “teething” issues, while the union will continue to lobby for improvements to support productivity and efficiency on farm.

FEAR: My continued worry is the significant mental strain and pressure being placed on farmers in Wales. Between the new SFS, animal disease threats, complying with water quality rules, market volatility and the “family farm tax”, the mental load on our farmers is considerable.

Robert Martin

Tenant Farmers Association chairman

Robert Martin © TFA

HOPE: With farm business tenancies comprising more than half of the let sector and growing, my greatest hope is that more landlords, and those who advise them, will see the benefit of longer security of tenure. This is vital for improved productivity, greater profitability and environmental delivery.

FEAR: A decade on from the EU referendum, my greatest fear is we will continue failing to exploit the policy and regulatory freedoms obtained as a result. Despite the rhetoric, agriculture is not given the prominence it deserves within public policy.

William Irvine

Ulster Farmers’ Union president

William Irvine © UFU

HOPE: My greatest hope is that by 2027 we will have restored confidence in farming. That means policy stability, fair supply chains, and a sector that is properly valued for the high standards it delivers. With certainty and a fair return, farmers will invest, innovate and pass viable businesses on to the next generation.

FEAR: My greatest fear is that continued uncertainty, particularly around succession, tax and environmental regulation, pushes family farms to breaking point. If we lose the next generation because they see no future, the damage will be irreversible. Getting decisions right now is critical.

Gavin Lane

Country Land and Business Association president

Gavin Lane © CLA

HOPE: 2026 needs to bring clarity and stability to the farming sector: getting the Sustainable Farming Incentive in England and the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales up and running, and ensuring the Farming Roadmap and Baroness Minette Batters’ Farming Profitability Review give a clear direction of travel, inject confidence and boost profit margins.

FEAR: I fear we are underestimating the effects of climate change on our water management. Whether for domestic housing, food security or data centres, fresh water demands are increasing and we desperately need to start building on-farm reservoirs to deal with this.