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Farming income and productivity have risen significantly for 2017, with total income standing at £5,743 million – an increase of 41% - and productivity increasing by 2.9%.

This comes from the annual publication –Agriculture in the UK – which summarises data across a range of measures, including farming income, productivity and commodity prices.

There are number of factors behind the rise in income, including exchange rates, increased global cereals stocks and generally favourable weather in 2017, which led to good crop establishment and growth.

In 2017, we also saw an increase in the value of several commodities. This includes:

• Wheat – increasing by 23% to almost £2 billion
• Beef and veal – increasing by 8.1% to £2.99 billion
• Mutton and lamb – increasing by 4% to £1.2 billion
• Pig meat – increasing by 21% to £1.33 billion
• Poultry meat – increasing by 6% to £2.42 billion
• Milk and milk products increasing by 32% to £4.34 billion

Looking ahead, as we leave the EU and the Common Agricultural Policy we have an opportunity to design our own agriculture policy for the first time in 45 years, rewarding farmers for their work to protect and enhance the environment. Following our public consultation, which closed on 8 May, an Agriculture Bill will be brought forward later this year.

To see the report in full please see here.