Accredited official statistics

Chapter 7: Crops

Updated 22 July 2024

Summary

Key results for 2023 compared to 2022

• Harvested production of wheat decreased by 11% to just under 13.9 million tonnes, due to decreased area and yields. The value of production was 28% lower at £2.9 billion.

• Harvested production of barley decreased by 5.7% to just under 7 million tonnes. The value of production was 26% lower at £1.4 billion.

• Oilseed rape production decreased by 11% to around 1.2 million tonnes due to reduced yields offsetting an increase in area.  The value of production decreased by 45% to £483 million due to a combination of the lower production and lower prices.

• Sugar beet production increased by 39% to 7.7 million tonnes. The value of production was 82% higher at £368 million.

• The value of vegetable production increased by 10% to £1.9 billion.

• The value of fruit production increased by 2.2% to just over £1.0 billion.

Cereals

Table 7.1a to 7.1b Total cereals; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44 (0)20 802 66123
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.1a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	3,211	3,173	3,088
Volume of harvested production	22,369	24,262	21,957
Value of production (£ million)	4,045	6,102	4,436

Table 7.1b

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Production	22,369	24,262	21,957
EU Imports	2,798	2,495	2,546
Non-EU imports	2,041	1,732	1,482
EU exports	1,113	2,044	2,326
Non-EU exports	117	57	90
Total new supply	25,978	26,388	23,569
Change in farm and other stocks	1,379	1,897	-696
Total domestic uses	24,599	24,492	24,265
Production as % of total new supply for use in the UK	86%	92%	93%

Notes for table 7.1a and 7.1b:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content, with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data will only be adjusted for farms which have reported moisture content above 14.5% for cereals and 9.0% for oilseed rape. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted.

2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset

In 2023, total cereal production of wheat, barley, oats and minor cereals (rye, triticale and mixed grain) in the UK was just under 22 million tonnes, a 9.5% decrease compared to 2022. This was due to a 2.7% decrease in area and lower yields than 2022. The value of production decreased by 27% to around £4.4 billion due to lower prices and production. 

Average yields for wheat, barley and oats were lower in 2023 compared to 2022, and generally close to or just below the 5-year average. Winter planting was undertaken under good conditions and on schedule allowing the crops to establish well. Most planned winter sowing was complete by the end of November. Those crops sown on heavier soils were able to retain moisture during dry periods. Spring crop sowing also progressed well with earlier sown crops faring better as they were able to get established before drier conditions caused water stress.  Similarly to 2021 and 2002, without the need to sow spring crops to compensate for poor or failed winter crops, growers maintained typical winter plantings. This effect can be seen in the increased winter barley area, which was up 4.5% to 455 thousand hectares, whereas the area of spring barley remained stable at 682 thousand hectares.  A full breakdown of cereal and oilseed rape production including at the regional level can be found in Defra cereal production.

Harvest 2023 experienced a slow start due to above average rainfall in late July and early August. Drier, warmer conditions in September enabled progress but some regions were affected by localised storms which caused further disruption. Unlike 2022 the 2023 harvest required more drying due to higher moisture content.

Cereal prices for 2023 were below 2022 values, with global markets re-adjusting to the Russia / Ukraine conflict which started in spring 2022. Generally, prices drifted downwards until autumn 2023 when they stabilised or showed a slight increase. Prices remained higher than the equivalent 2021 levels.

For data and information for cereals on a crop year basis (July to June) please see the official UK cereal balance sheets published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board here.

Wheat

Table 7.2a to 7.2c Wheat; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44 (0)20 802 66123
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.2a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	1,790	1,813	1,720
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	7.8	8.6	8.1
Volume of harvested production	13,988	15,540	13,890
Value of production (£ million)	2,708	4,062	2,912
Sales	1,971	3,321	2,717
On farm use	246	508	558
Change in stocks	490	233	-363

Table 7.2b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2021	2022	2023
Milling wheat	210	280	244
Feed wheat	191	261	205

Table 7.2c

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Production	13,988	15,540	13,890
EU imports	1,446	1,066	1,080
Non-EU imports	614	568	628
EU exports	294	821	1,083
Non-EU exports	1	44	72
Total new supply	15,753	16,309	14,443
Change in farm and other stocks	1901	1,583	-545
Total domestic uses	13,852	14,726	14,988
Flour milling	5,793	5,985	6,288
Animal feed	6,677	7,156	7,135
Seed	278	280	267
Other uses and waste	1,104	1,305	1,298
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	89%	95%	96%
% of home grown wheat in milling grist	77%	84%	83%

Notes for tables 7.2a to 7.2c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data will only be adjusted for farms which have reported moisture content above 14.5% for cereals and 9.0% for oilseed rape. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted.

2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset

Harvested production of wheat was 11% lower in 2023 than 2022 at just under 13.9 million tonnes, which represents an average UK production. This was primarily due to a decrease in both the yield and planted area which fell by 5.8% and 5.1%, respectively. The value of production of wheat was 28% lower in 2023 at £2.9 billion.

Domestic Human and Industrial wheat demand for flour milling (including starch and bio-ethanol) was 5.1% higher in 2023 compared to 2022 at just under 6.3 million tonnes, with imports increasing by 11% to 1 million tonnes. Demand from flour millers was similar to last year but with a smaller domestic crop and some quality issues, meaning that more imports were required.  From May 2022 both UK biofuels plants have been operational which increased demand for feed wheat. Usage of wheat for animal feed was 0.3% lower at just over 7.1 million tonnes. The percentage of wheat in the cereal ration has now recovered to more typical levels after the drop caused by the poor 2020 harvest reducing availability. The AHDB publish cereal usage statistics which can be found at AHDB Human and Industrial cereal usage.

Total wheat imports in 2023 were 4.5% higher at 1.7 million tonnes, mainly due to greater requirements from the flour milling sector. Exports in 2023 were over 1.1 million tonnes compared to 865 thousand tonnes in 2022. The bulk of exports took place in the first half of the year and then tailed off as the smaller 2023 crop, together with less European demand and UK wheat being uncompetitively priced, took effect. The UK has been a net importer of wheat from 2017 to 2023.

Barley

Table 7.3a to 7.3c Barley; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless otherwise specified)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44 (0)20 802 66123
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.3a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	1,150	1,116	1,137
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	6.1	6.6	6.1
Volume of harvested production	6,961	7,385	6,963
Value of production (£ million)	1,168	1,818	1,351
Sales	933	1,322	1,012
On farm use	340	440	345
Change in stocks	-105	57	-5

Table 7.3b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2021	2022	2023
Malting barley	190	275	181
Feed barley	163	239	175

Table 7.3c

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Production	6,961	7,385	6,963
EU imports	118	78	134
Non-EU imports	5	4	0
EU exports	664	892	925
Non-EU exports	108	6	12
Total new supply	6,312	6,569	6,160
Change in farm and other stocks	-658	431	-16
Total domestic uses	6,970	6,138	6,176
Brewing/distilling	1,807	1,918	1,973
Animal feed	4,951	3,992	3,973
Seed	164	178	183
Other uses and waste	48	50	48
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	110%	112%	113%

Notes for tables 7.3a to 7.3c:

1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data will only be adjusted for farms which have reported moisture content above 14.5% for cereals and 9.0% for oilseed rape. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted.

2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset

The value of barley decreased by 26% between 2022 and 2023 to just under £1.4 billion.  The production of barley decreased by 5.7% to almost 7.0 million tonnes due to decreased yields offsetting a 1.9% increase in area. The area change was driven by an increase for winter barley of 4.5% to 455 thousand hectares, whereas the spring barley area remained largely unchanged at 682 thousand hectares. Good sowing conditions in autumn 2022 negated the need for growers to plant replacement spring crops. Full details of barley production can be found here; Defra cereal production.

Barley exports increased to 937 thousand tonnes in 2023 from 898 tonnes in 2022. Most UK exports are to the EU. Barley imports rose from 82 thousand tonnes to 134 thousand tonnes due to less availability of high-quality domestic malting barley.

Demand for barley from the brewing, malting and distilling sector continued to recover from the COVID-19 related slump of 2020. Usage from the brewing, malting and distilling sector increased to over 1.9 million tonnes, an increase of 2.8% on 2022. Demand for barley from the animal feed sector fell by 0.5% to just under 4 million tonnes in 2023.

Oats

Table 7.4a to 7.4c Oats; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44 (0)20 802 66123
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.4a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	200	176	167
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	5.6	5.7	5.0
Volume of harvested production	1,123	1,007	830
Value of production (£ million)	162	213	163
Sales	115	183	155
On farm use	36	52	58
Change in stocks	12	-22	-50

Table 7.4b

Prices (£ per tonne)	2021	2022	2023
Milling oats	152	222	207
Feed oats	135	201	186

Table 7.4c

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Production	1,123	1,007	830
EU imports	28	22	18
Non-EU imports	0	0	0
EU exports	29	187	151
Non-EU exports	8	7	6
Total new supply	1,114	835	691
Change in farm and other stocks	136	-117	-135
Total domestic uses	978	952	826
Milling	505	510	488
Animal feed	439	413	310
Seed	28	24	23
Other uses and waste	6	5	4
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	101%	121%	120%

Notes for tables 7.4a to 7.4c:

1. All production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content with the exception of 2022 when the hot dry conditions led to lower average moisture contents in the harvested crops. 2022 production data will only be adjusted for farms which have reported moisture content above 14.5% for cereals and 9.0% for oilseed rape. Any production data which has been reported with lower moisture contents has not been adjusted.

2. Value of production excludes farm saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset

In 2023, the harvested production of oats decreased by 18% to 0.83 million tonnes, driven by a 5.1% decrease in area and a decrease in yield (down 13%). 2023 was the first time production fell below 1 million tonnes since 2018. The value of production fell by 23% due to lower production and lower prices to £163 million, back to the 2021 level.

UK oats usage is dominated by the oat milling sector which decreased by 4.2% to 488 thousand tonnes in 2023 from 510 thousand tonnes in 2022. Use of oats in animal feed decreased by 25% to 310 thousand tonnes due to reduced demand for animal feed and preference for wheat, barley, and maize in feed rations. Oats have a high fibre content which is useful for ruminant diets and horses but not suitable for poultry. Oat exports decreased from 194 thousand tonnes in 2022 to 157 thousand tonnes in 2023, but this is still at a high level. Most UK exports continue to be to EU countries. Exports have been strong to Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. Imports were 4 thousand tonnes lower in 2023 at 18 thousand tonnes.

Straw

Industry intelligence suggests cereal straw production in 2023 was estimated at 9.7 million tonnes, a decrease of 2.1% on the 2022 crop (10 million tonnes). Area bailed reduced by 2.8% at 2.4 million hectares with bedding sales reducing by 2.1% at 8.2 million tonnes. Most of the winter barley was harvested in good conditions during mid-July, resulting in relatively high levels of baling, with 92% of the crop area baled. Despite poor weather later in the year, wheat was estimated at 76% of total area baled, spring barley at 82% and oats at 70%. Straw yields were similar to last year, with wheat averaging at 3.9 tonnes per hectare and winter barley at 3.5 tonnes per hectare. Yields for spring barley at 2.5 tonnes per hectare and oats at 2.1 tonnes per hectare were both lower than last year. Straw quality was variable depending on the time of harvest, and whether it was able to be immediately baled. Winter barley straw was typically good quality, but wet weather delayed the wheat harvest and straw quality started to decline, becoming discoloured with mould starting to form.

Oilseed rape

Table 7.5a to 7.5b Oilseed rape; production value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.5a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	307	365	391
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.2	3.7	3.1
Volume of harvested production	981	1,361	1,216
Value of production (£ million)	488	876	483
Sales	499	778	507
Change in stocks	-11	98	-24
Prices (£ per tonne)	497	644	398

Table 7.5b

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Production	981	1,361	1,216
EU imports	449	424	505
Non-EU imports	477	387	251
EU exports	25	49	38
Non-EU exports	0	0	3
Total new supply	1,881	2,124	1,931
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	52%	64%	63%

Download the full Crops dataset

The 2023 area of UK oilseed rape was 7.2% higher than 2022 at 391 thousand hectares, but still the third lowest area since 1990. Production was 1.2 million tonnes, an 11% decrease from 2022. Lower production can be attributed to the decreased yields which fell from 3.7 tonnes per hectare to 3.1 tonnes per hectare.  The value of the 2023 crop was £483 million, 45% lower than 2022, though only 0.9% lower than the 2021 value (£488 million).

Oilseed rape (OSR) in 2023 suffered from numerous problems; pests such as pigeons and cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) together with hot and dry conditions in June, led to crops having fewer pods and smaller seed sizes. Wet and windy weather prior to harvest also reportedly caused a slight increase in seed shedding. Cabbage stem flea beetle damage was worst in the East Midlands and Eastern regions. The OSR price fell back in line with most other commodity prices as global markets steadied after the shock of the Ukraine / Russia conflict affecting availability of the crop. There were also plentiful supplies of soyabeans, especially from South America, which put pressure on OSR prices. Prices fell from an average of £644 per tonne in 2022 to £398 per tonne in 2023.

Sugar beet

Table 7.6a to 7.6b Sugar beet production and value; Refined sugar production and supply (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.6a

Sugar beet	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	91	87	99
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	81	64	78
Volume of harvested production	7,364	5,574	7,746
Value of production (£ million)	210	202	368
Sugar content %	17	16	16
Price (average market price (£ per adjusted tonne))	29	36	48

Table 7.6b

All Sugar (refined basis)	2021	2022	2023
Production	1,038	749	1,078
EU imports	194	261	341
Non-EU imports	469	410	632
EU exports	15	33	39
Non-EU exports	25	21	21
Total new supply	1,660	1,366	1,991
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	63%	55%	54%

Notes for tables 7.6a to 7.6b:

1. Average price for all sugar, including transport allowance and bonus.
2. Sugar coming out of the factory in the early part of the year is regarded as being part of production in the previous calendar year.
3. The area for sugar beet is provided by British Sugar and may differ to the area in Table 2.2a.

Download the full Crops dataset

Sugar beet production increased by 39% to 7.7 million tonnes.  The value of production rose by 82% to £368 million with prices increasing by 31% at £47.5 tonnes per hectare.  The planted area showed an increase of 13% at 99 thousand hectares.

This has been one of the longest campaigns on record due to the persistent rain across the year. This meant slow lifting conditions for growers and British Sugar made the decision to slow down factories to ensure as much beet as possible was utilised. 

Late planting and increased rain resulted in the lowest recorded sugar content at 15.8%, however this has been offset by record high root weights for growers. 

Overall yields increased by 22% at 78 tonnes per hectare.

Protein crops (field peas and field beans)

Table 7.7a and 7.7b Protein crops; Field peas and field beans (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44 (0)20 802 66123
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.7a

Peas for harvesting dry	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	61	57	61
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.2	2.8	3.0
For animal feed
Volume of harvested production	176	144	167
Value of production (£ million)	39	39	38
For human consumption
Volume of harvested production	20	16	16
Value of production (£ million)	4	3	4

Table 7.7b

Field beans	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	188	212	214
Yield (tonnes per hectare)	3.7	3.0	3.2
Volume of harvested production	694	635	685
Value of production (£ million)	160	178	155

Notes for tables 7.7a and 7.7b:

1. Peas exclude vining peas.

2. Animal feed figures cover only that part of the crop which is assumed to be used for stock-feed including for pets and specialist bird food. It also includes an estimate for those varieties originally grown for human consumption but did not meet the required grade. The percentage utilised for animal feed is variable with typical estimates ranging from 30-60%.

Download the full Crops dataset

The overall area of pulses in 2023 was 275 thousand hectares, an increase of 2.3% from 2022 with an increase in both field bean area and field pea area. Pulses remained a popular crop option due to greening requirements of the Common Agricultural Policy, although restrictions on the use of plant protection products on crops grown on Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) and UK exit from the EU may affect the area planted going forward.  Pulses are a good source of energy and protein and can be used in the diets of poultry, cattle and pigs as well as aquaculture and pet food. Pulses are also able to fixate nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil.

The total area of field peas increased by 6.5% in 2023 to 61 thousand hectares. The proportion of this area utilised for animal feed was estimated at between 91% and 92%, higher than the estimated 90% in 2022.  Total production for animal feed increased by 16% to an estimated 167 thousand tonnes. The production utilised for human consumption decreased by 3.0% to an estimated 16 thousand tonnes. The yield for field peas averaged 3.0 tonnes per hectare compared to 2.8 tonnes per hectare in 2022. There was a variation in yields dependant on how crops faired in the wet spring which affected planting and the hot June causing moisture deficit for crops grown on lighter soils. Harvest of both peas and beans was hampered by the return of wet weather at the end of July into August. Some crops had problems with staining and disease which affected overall quality.

Decreased prices were sufficient to offset the rise in production and the overall value of field peas in 2023 was £38.3 million compared to £38.7 million in 2022 (1.1% decrease).

The area of field beans was 1.1% higher than last year at 214 thousand hectares. The increased area and higher average yields meant production increased by 7.9% to an estimated 685 thousand tonnes. Average yields increased to 3.2 tonnes per hectare from 3.0 tonnes per hectare in 2022. Generally winter beans were sown in good conditions throughout autumn 2022 which resulted in good establishment and plant numbers. However, winter beans did suffer from wet weather and disease pressure in the spring followed by hot dry weather in June. Spring beans were affected by wet weather during the spring which caused delayed sowing, with those crops planted tending to go into cooler, wetter seed beds than ideal, resulting in slow and patchy emergence. The hot and dry period in June negatively affected crops, particularly those which were planted on lighter land. Bruchid beetle activity was reduced this year across most areas, particularly in the north, with the notable exception of the West Midlands and Eastern regions where activity increased. The quality of field beans was variable, with winter beans tending to have better quality, whilst spring beans tended to be of variable yield and quality.

Average prices decreased, offsetting a rise in production, and the overall value of field beans in 2023 was £155 million compared to £178 million in 2022 (13% decrease).

Fresh vegetables

Table 7.8a to 7.8c Fresh vegetables; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.8a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	113	108	101
Grown in the open	112	107	100
Protected	0.8	0.7	0.7
Value of production (£ million)	1,683	1,692	1,860
Grown in the open	1,295	1,331	1,486
Protected	388	361	374
Selected crops
Cabbages	73	75	82
Carrots	185	174	211
Cauliflowers	64	56	75
Calabrese	83	107	107
Lettuces	207	228	220
Mushrooms	132	136	135
Onions	154	132	196
Tomatoes	123	96	108

Table 7.8b

Prices (farm gate price (£ per tonne))	2021	2022	2023
Selected crops
Cauliflowers	691	713	1,058
Tomatoes	1,803	1,410	1,708

Table 7.8c

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Total production	2,548	2,330	2,216
EU imports	1,577	1,679	1,644
Non-EU imports	401	365	417
EU exports	67	83	74
Non-EU exports	2	14	2
Total new supply	4,457	4,278	4,202
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	57%	54%	53%

Notes for tables 7.8a to 7.8c:

1. Data for vegetables and salad crops grown in the open is from the June Survey.

2. Protected area excludes area of mushrooms.

Download the full Crops dataset

The value of vegetable production increased by 10% to £1.9 billion, with total production decreasing by 4.9% at 2.2 million tonnes. Area planted for vegetables reduced by 6.5% at 101 thousand hectares. Domestic production as a percentage of total new supply to the UK for all fresh vegetables was 53% in 2023, down 1 percentage point from 2022.

The start of the year was dryer than expected, enabling widescale drilling of carrots, onions and parsnips in the east of England. Crops drilled in this period produced better than average yield. A wet spring meant little was planted or drilled on land with lighter soil and also made harvesting difficult, especially on the heavier soils. This significantly delayed the start of the season for most crops. In early summer the weather turned hot and dry, so that any crops established in this period favoured farmers with access to irrigation and those without struggled to get crops to germinate or grow. In July, the weather turned wet, and this persisted until the end of the year, causing harvesting and disease issues.

Plants and flowers

Table 7.9a to 7.9b Plants and flowers; area, value of production and trade (thousand tonnes unless otherwise specified)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.9a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area (thousand hectares)	12	13	11
Value of production (£ million)	1,562	1,538	1,686
Flowers and bulbs	129	165	179
Pot plants	325	285	330
Hardy ornamental nursery stock	1,108	1,088	1,177

Table 7.9b

Trade (£ million)	2021	2022	2023
Total imports (exc. Channel Islands)	1,258	1,534	1,457
Bulbs	71	95	88
Cut flowers	693	705	616
Foliage	68	69	58
Indoor plants	148	171	174
Outdoor plants	107	148	154
Trees	110	242	263
Other	61	104	103
Total exports	56	49	54
Bulbs	7	8	8
Cut flowers	22	23	21
Foliage	1	1	2
Indoor plants	7	1	6
Outdoor plants	3	2	4
Trees	6	4	2
Other	9	9	11

Notes for table 7.9a and 7.9b:

1. Areas relate to field areas multiplied by the number of crops in the year and hence differ from those shown in table 2.2.

2. Trade totals may differ to the sum of the components due to rounding.

Download the full Crops dataset

Dry weather in January and February were welcomed by producers as good soil conditions helped to facilitate lifting and planting of stock. The prolonged wet weather and low summer temperatures temporarily impacted the growth of some field grown ornamentals, though most caught up by the end of the growing season. The summer weather eased fears of another drought and associated hose pipe ban, making for a much easier growing season from an irrigation perspective.

The value of production in the ornamental sector increased by 9.6% to £1.7 billion between 2022 and 2023.

In 2023, hardy nursery stock showed an 8.1% increase in value at an estimated £1.2 billion.

Flowers and bulbs showed an 8.5% increase in value at an estimated £179 million.

The pot plant sector saw a 16% increase in value at £330 million.

Potatoes

Table 7.10a to 7.10c Potatoes; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.10a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Area sown (thousand hectares)	137	127	115
Area harvested (thousand hectares)	112	120	98
Yield (tonnes per hectare harvested)	46	42	48
Volume of harvested production	5,127	5,062	4,704
For human consumption	3,697	2,803	2,796
Seed	365	562	515
Stockfeed and waste	1,066	1,698	1,392
Sales	5,255	5,587	4,639
For human consumption	3,883	3,412	2,801
Seed	365	562	515
Sold for stockfeed	1,007	1,613	1,323
End year stocks	2,477	1,869	1,864
Change in stocks	-186	-609	-5
Value of production (£ million)	748	768	1,005
Sold for human consumption	649	654	755
Sold for seed (including farm saved seed)	120	215	238
Sold for stockfeed	10	16	13
Change in stocks	-31	-117	-1

Table 7.10b

Prices (paid to registered producers (£ per tonne))	2021	2022	2023
Early/maincrop (for human consumption)	167	192	270
Seed	329	382	461
Stockfeed	10	10	10

Table 7.10c

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Total production	4,062	3,365	3,311
Imports	1,828	2,482	2,439
Exports	431	466	426
Net trade (negative means net export)	1,397	2,015	2,013
Early/maincrop	-58	-116	-79
Seed	-75	-92	-80
Processed (raw equivalent)	1,530	2,223	2,173
Total new supply (raw equivalent)	5,459	5,380	5,325
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	74%	63%	62%

Download the full Crops dataset

The value of potatoes was £1.0 billion in 2023, an increase of 31% from 2022 (£768 million). A substantial 41% increase of the average year on year price to £270 per tonne outweighed the reductions in planted area (-9.7% to 115 thousand hectares) and volume produced (-7.1% to 4.7 million tonnes).

Prices and yield information were previously obtained from the AHDB who stopped producing data midway through 2021. For 2022, estimated yields were based on input from sector representatives, devolved administrations, and coverage of the sector in the farming press. For prices, we made use of the Northern Ireland published potato price figures. For 2023, we commissioned an outside contractor to provide industry data and insight for England and Wales in addition to receiving information from devolved administrations. The devolved administrations also provided an update to their 2022 data, including price information.

The wet weather in March and April made de-stoning, ploughing, bed forming and planting operations difficult, delaying planting on many sites. The harvest of early potatoes from April to May progressed relatively normally, starting in coastal areas in the south and then moving to inland sites. The second earlies were worst hit by the late plantings, meaning harvesting was delayed. Growing conditions were better in 2023 compared to the heatwave and reduced rainfall in 2022. However, harvest was difficult because of the wet weather, and this led to around 20% of the crop being unharvested by the end of September.

Fresh Fruit

Table 7.11a to 7.11c Fresh fruit; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: [email protected]

Table 7.11a

Production	2021	2022	2023
Outdoor fruit area (thousand hectares)	33	33	32
Orchard fruit	23	22	21
Soft fruit	10	10	11
End year stocks	106	128	58
Value of production (£ million)	922	1,017	1,039
Orchard fruit	287	384	285
Soft fruit	635	633	755
Sales	880	990	1,121
Change in stocks	42	27	-82
Selected crops:
Dessert apples	154	190	152
Culinary apples	43	94	37
Pears	22	15	14
Raspberries	154	136	180
Strawberries	399	426	471

Table 7.11b

Prices (farm gate price (£ per tonne))	2021	2022	2023
Selected crops
Dessert apples	817	879	904
Culinary apples	228	435	218
Pears	360	180	240
Raspberries	7,977	7,601	11,631
Strawberries	2,541	2,608	2,952

Table 7.11c

Supply and use	2021	2022	2023
Total production	577	663	585
EU imports	997	1,109	998
Non-EU imports	2,330	2,168	2,150
EU exports	35	35	34
Non-EU exports	2	2	2
Total new supply	3,867	3,902	3,697
Change in stocks	42	27	-82
Total domestic uses	3,825	3,875	3,778
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK	15%	17%	16%

Notes for table 7.11a to 7.11c:

Notes:

1. Orchard fruit includes field area of commercial and non-commercial orchards only.
2. Stock data relates to apples and pears.
3. Value of production excludes change in stocks for apples and pears.
4. Value of production includes glasshouse fruit.
5. Excludes change in stocks for apples and pears.
6. EU trade data no longer includes dried fruit.

Download the full Crops dataset

Dry weather at the start of the year gave growers the ability to raise polytunnels for soft fruit again this year. Soil conditions were good for planting strawberries, raspberries, and new orchards. Cold winds in early spring slowed crop development and delayed flowering of top and soft fruit. Cold, dull weather in May reduced crop potential and affected yields of all the top fruits. Harvesting of all fruit crops started slightly later than usual and regular periods of wet weather made harvesting difficult.

The value of fruit production increased by 2.2% to just over £1 billion, with orchard fruit decreasing by 26% to £285 million and soft fruit increasing by 19% to £755 million. Production volumes decreased by 12% to 585 thousand tonnes.

Domestic production of fresh fruit as a percentage of total new supply decreased from 17% to 16% in 2023.

Table 7.12a and 7.12b Linseed; production value, supply and use

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: [email protected]

Download the full Crops dataset

Linseed figures are no longer presented here as the area grown in the UK is so small. Updates to the dataset stopped in 2019, apart from the area data. Historical data can be found in Table 7.12a and 7.12b in the Crops dataset.

Revisions and further information

Further detailed information on vegetables, plant and flowers and fruit statistics can be found in the annual publication Horticultural Statistics. Some of the more detailed commentary in this chapter is based on data in that report that is not presented here.

Figures for 2023 are provisional and may be subject to revision.

There have been revisions to the data for wheat, barley and oats back to 2020, and fruit stocks data to 2016.