Accredited official statistics

Chapter 7: Crops

Updated 21 October 2022

Summary

Key results for 2021 compared to 2020:

  • Harvested production of wheat increased by 45% to just under 14 million tonnes, following a particularly small 2020 production. The value of production was 75% higher at £2.7bn.
  • Harvested production of barley decreased by 14% to around 6.9 million tonnes. The value of production was 9.4% higher at £1.2bn.
  • Oilseed rape production decreased by 5.5% to around 981 thousand tonnes, mainly due to the lowest planted area since 1986. The value of production increased by 36% to £488m due to higher prices.
  • Sugar beet production increased by 26% to 7.4 million tonnes. The value of production was 30% higher at £216m.
  • The value of vegetable production decreased by 0.1% to £1.7bn.
  • The value of fruit production decreased by 12% to around £917m.

Cereals

Table 7.1a to 7.1b Total cereals production (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.1a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 3,211 3,038 3,211
Volume of harvested production 25,517 18,962 22,369
Value of production (£ million) 3,645 2,762 4,025

Table 7.1b

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Production 25,517 18,962 22,369
EU Imports 1,757 2,802 2,787
Non-EU imports 2,404 2,128 2,040
EU exports 2,804 1,736 1,109
Non-EU exports 377 565 116
Total new supply 26,497 21,591 25,971
Change in farm and other stocks 2,328 -2,727 1,207
Total domestic uses 24,169 24,318 24,765
Production as % of total new supply for use in the UK 96% 88% 86%

Notes for table 7.1a and 7.1b:

  1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
  2. Value of production includes arable area payments but excludes set-aside payments and farm saved seed. Taxes, where applicable, are deducted.

Download the full Crops dataset.

In 2021, total cereal production of wheat, barley, oats and minor cereals (rye, triticale and mixed grain) in the UK was just under 22.4 million tonnes, an 18% increase compared to 2020. This increase was due to a combination of increased area and higher average yields. The value of production increased by 46% to just over £4 bn due to a combination of higher prices and increased production.

Average yields for wheat, barley and oats were higher in 2021 compared to 2020, and close to the 5-year average. Winter planting was challenging; early sown crops faired best but wet weather meant that later sown crops were sown into wet, cold seedbeds. Despite these challenges, these early sown crops established well, and with the aid of higher sowing rates, most crops were able to form good populations and survive the winter. Most planned winter sowing was complete by the end of November. Spring crop sowing generally faired well and progressed quicker on lighter soils which dried out better, aided by a dry March. Without the need to sow spring crops to compensate for poor or failed winter crops, growers reverted back to more typical winter plantings. This effect can be seen in the increased winter barley area, which was up 30% to 405 thousand hectares , whereas the area of spring barley fell by 31% to 745 thousand hectares.

Changeable weather conditions during the growing season meant crops were slower to develop and mature. The first cuts of winter barley were made in mid-July and made rapid progress with most of the crop harvested before the weather turned. Slow ripening together with wet/unsettled weather in early August caused a slow start to the wheat harvest, resulting in the slowest start to the harvest since 2017. The 2021 harvest was helped by a period of settled dry, warm weather in September and by 28th September most crops had been harvested except for a few pockets of spring barley and spring oats. These favourable conditions also meant crops required less drying than earlier; the exception being the North England which suffered from showers and heavy dews.

Wheat prices for 2021 were above 2020 values with prices generally increasing as the year progressed, following the global markets. Feed barley prices also increased and malting barley prices rose as demand from the Brewing Malting and Distilling industry started to increase as Covid restrictions eased.

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

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: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.2a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 1,816 1,387 1,790
Yield (tonnes per hectare) 8.9 7.0 7.8
Volume of harvested production 16,225 9,658 13,988
Value of production (£ million) 2,434 1,544 2,705
Sales 1,998 1,918 1,989
On farm use 227 209 231
Change in stocks 209 -583 485

Table 7.2b

Prices (£ per tonne) 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Milling wheat 162 172 211
Feed wheat 147 160 192

Table 7.2c

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Production 16,225 9,658 13,988
EU imports 670 1,547 1,436
Non-EU imports 552 586 614
EU exports 964 377 291
Non-EU exports 152 143 1
Total new supply 16,331 11,271 15,746
Change in farm and other stocks 1,814 -2,792 1,844
Total domestic uses 14,517 14,063 13,902
Flour milling 5,814 5,930 5,627
Animal feed 7,459 6,936 6,907
Seed 281 215 278
Other uses and waste 963 982 1,090
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK 99% 86% 89%
% of home grown wheat in milling grist 87% 81% 76%

Notes for tables 7.2a to 7.2c:

  1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
  2. Excludes farm saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset.

Harvested production of wheat was 45% higher in 2021 than 2020 at just under 14 million tonnes, which represents a more average UK production following the 2020 harvest which was the lowest production since 1981. This was primarily due to an increase in both the planted area and yield which rose by 29% and 12%, respectively. The value of production of wheat was 75% higher in 2021 at £2.7bn.

Domestic Human and Industrial wheat demand for flour milling (including starch and bio-ethanol) was 5.1% lower in 2021 compared to 2020 at 5.6 million tonnes, with imports increasing by 18% to 1.3 million tonnes. Demand from flour millers was reduced from 2020 but with the domestic crop showing the lowest premium milling wheat weights since 2012, imports were required. In 2021, the two UK biofuel plants were either closed (Vivergo) or not running at full capacity (Ensus) and using quantities of imported maize as an alternative to domestic wheat when market conditions were favourable. Within the starch sector structural changes saw one plant cease production at the end of November 2020. Usage of wheat for animal feed was similar to 2020 at just over 6.9 million tonnes. The percentage of wheat in the cereal ration increased once the 2021 harvest became available. Prior to that, the lack of wheat availably had encouraged more use of barley and to a lesser extent maize in feed rations.

Total wheat imports in 2021 were 3.9% lower than 2020 at 2.05 million tonnes despite demand from the milling sector. Exports in 2021 were 292 thousand tonnes compared to 520 million tonnes in 2020, with tight domestic supplies reducing the quantity of wheat available for export. Freight transport has also caused disruption to trade. The UK has been a net importer of wheat since 2016.

Barley

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

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.3a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 1,162 1,388 1,150
Yield (tonnes per hectare) 6.9 5.9 6.1
Volume of harvested production 8,048 8,117 6,961
Value of production (£ million) 1,072 1,062 1,162
Sales 707 761 893
On farm use 271 286 353
Change in stocks 94 15 -84

Table 7.3b

Prices (£ per tonne) 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Malting barley 146 140 188
Feed barley 125 130 159

Table 7.3c

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Production 8,048 8,117 6,961
EU imports 66 97 114
Non-EU imports 0 2 4
EU exports 1,580 1,157 663
Non-EU exports 211 418 107
Total new supply 6,323 6,641 6,309
Change in farm and other stocks 389 36 -754
Total domestic uses 5,935 6,605 7,063
Brewing/distilling 1,908 1,639 1,807
Animal feed 3,787 4,690 5,024
Seed 187 223 185
Other uses and waste 52 53 47
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK 127% 122% 110%

Notes for tables 7.3a to 7.3c:

  1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
  2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The value of barley increased by 9.4% between 2020 and 2021 to £1.2bn, despite the production of barley decreasing by 14% and the area by 17%. The area change was driven by a decrease for spring barley of 31% to 745 thousand hectares which offset a 30% increase in winter barley area to 405 thousand hectares. Growers switched back to winter barley due to more favourable winter planting / crop conditions negating the need for replacement spring crops.

The 2021 barley harvest decreased by 14% compared to 2020, to a total volume of just under 7 million tonnes.

Barley exports fell by more than 800 thousand tonnes to just over 770 thousand tonnes in 2021.

Demand for barley from the brewing, malting and distilling sector began to recover once Covid-19 related hospitality restrictions were lifted. Usage from the Brewing Malting and Distilling sector increased to 1.8 million tonnes in 2021, an increase of 10% on the 1.6 million tonnes in 2020. Demand for barley from the animal feed sector increased by 7.1% to 5.0 million tonnes in 2021 compared to 2020, with barley significantly increasing its share of the cereal feed ration until the 2021 wheat harvest became available. This increased usage was due to barley being available in greater volumes and competitively priced compared to feed wheat.  

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: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.4a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 182 210 200
Yield (tonnes per hectare) 5.9 4.9 5.6
Volume of harvested production 1,076 1,031 1,123
Value of production (£ million) 132 150 151
Sales 92 103 115
On farm use 32 32 39
Change in stocks 8 15 -3

Table 7.4b

Prices (£ per tonne) 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Milling oats 147 137 152
Feed oats 115 115 136

Table 7.4c

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Production 1,076 1,031 1,123
EU imports 25 25 28
Non-EU imports 0 0 0
EU exports 93 62 29
Non-EU exports 2 4 8
Total new supply 1,006 990 1,114
Change in farm and other stocks 138 29 130
Total domestic uses 868 961 984
Milling 522 561 505
Animal feed 316 366 444
Seed 25 29 28
Other uses and waste 5 5 6
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK 107% 104% 101%

Notes for tables 7.4a to 7.4c:

  1. All cereal production estimates have been standardised to 14.5% moisture content.
  2. Value of production excludes farm-saved seed.

Download the full Crops dataset.

In 2021, the harvested production of oats increased by 4.2% to 1.1 million tonnes driven by an increase in yield (up 14%) offsetting a decrease in area (down 5%). Production was the highest since 1973. The value of production increased to £151m (up 1%).

UK oats usage is dominated by the oat milling sector which decreased by 10% to 505 thousand tonnes in 2021 compared to 2020, as demand for breakfast cereal foods eased. Use of oats in animal feed increased by 21% to 444 thousand tonnes due to availability and some switching from barley to oats in feed rations (cheaper alternative), Oats have a high fibre content which is useful for ruminant diets and horses but not suitable for poultry. Oat exports decreased from 66 thousand tonnes to 37 thousand tonnes - the majority of UK exports continue to be to EU countries. Imports were 3 thousand tonnes higher in 2021 than in 2020 at 28 thousand tonnes.

Straw

Cereal straw production in 2021 was estimated at 8.6 million tonnes, an increase of 41% on the 2020 crop (6.1 million tonnes) and 7.8% higher than the 5 year average (2016 - 2020) of 7.7 million tonnes. Low straw yields in 2020 and the increased usage due to the cold/wet winter in 2020 – 2021 meant that stocks were low at the start of the baling season. In 2021 there was a substantial increase in the areas planted; areas of winter wheat were 29% higher (1.8 million hectares) and winter barley areas 31% higher (397 thousand hectares) than 2020. Around 82% of the cereal area was baled in 2021, which is higher than the 2020 figure of 79%. There were increased proportions baled across all but the oat crop which led to a total area of 2.5 million hectares baled in 2021 compared to 2.3 million hectares baled in 2020. In 2021, wheat straw yields were on average 4.0 tonnes per hectare, winter barley 2.7 tonnes per hectare, spring barley 2.8 tonnes per hectare and oats yielding 1.6 tonnes per hectare.

Oilseed rape and linseed

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

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.5a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 530 380 307
Yield (tonnes per hectare) 3.3 2.7 3.2
Volume of harvested production 1,752 1,038 981
Value of production (£ million) 586 360 488
sales 621 459 499
change in stocks -35 -99 -11
Prices (£ per tonne) 334 347 497

Table 7.5b

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Production 1,752 1,038 981
EU imports 258 224 449
Non-EU imports 96 279 472
EU exports 74 114 25
Non-EU exports 0 0 0
Total new supply 2,032 1,426 1,876
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK 86% 73% 52%

Download the full Crops dataset.

In 2021, oilseed rape production fell by 5.5% compared to 2020 to 981 thousand tonnes mainly due to a historically low planted area. The value of oilseed rape increased by 36% between 2020 and 2021 to £488 million, the main driver of this was the price increase of 43% to £497 per tonne. Oilseed rape yields in 2021 returned to a more standard rate at 3.2 tonnes per hectare after the historical low of the 2020 harvest. The area planted decreased 19% at 307 thousand hectares.

Oilseed Rape establishment in 2021 was much more successful than 2020. Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) damage was generally reduced, thought to be because of early drilling dates, with favourable soil conditions.

Table 7.6 Linseed production; value, supply and use

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Download the full Crops dataset.

Table 7.6 Linseed figures are no longer presented here as the area grown in the UK is so small. Historical data can be found in the datasets (Table 7.6). Area data can be found in chapter 2 (Structure of the industry) Table 2.2 Crop areas and livestock numbers.

Sugar beet

Table 7.7a to 7.7b 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: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.7a

Sugar Beet 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 100 104 91
Yield (tonnes per hectare) 78 57 82
Volume of harvested production 7,763 5,894 7,420
Value of production (£ million) 210 167 216
Sugar content % 17% 16% 17%
Price (average market price (£ per adjusted tonne)) 27 28 29

Table 7.7b

All sugar (refined basis) 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Production 1,189 906 1,189
EU imports 514 271 194
Non-EU imports 430 428 469
EU exports 180 91 15
Non-EU exports 68 70 25
Total new supply 1,886 1,443 1,811
Production as % of total new supply for UK use 63% 63% 66%

Notes for tables 7.7a and 7.7b:

  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.

Download the full Crops dataset.

Sugar beet production increased by 26% between 2020 and 2021 to 7.4 million tonnes. The value of production rose by 30% between 2020 and 2021 to £216 million. Following a colder winter than seen in previous years aphid numbers decreased to low levels and in 2021 and there was no need to utilise the derogation in place for use of neonicotinoid in the crop. In 2021, a good mix of rainfall and better seed beds resulted in a better growth to the crop. Yields in 2021 returned to 5-year levels excluding 2020. Prices showed an increase of 3.1% between 2020 and 2021 to £29.1t/Ha. The 2021 planted area showed a decrease of 13% compared to 2020 to 91 thousand hectares and yields were 82 tonnes per hectare up 44%.

Protein crops (field Peas and field Beans)

Table 7.8a to 7.8b Protein crops (field peas and field beans - thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Allan Howsam on +44(0)20 802 66123
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.8a

Peas for harvesting dry 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 41 52 61
Yield (tonnes per hectare) 3.9 3.1 3.2
For animal feed      
Volume of harvested production 147 94 176
Value of production (£ million) 26 19 39
For human consumption      
Volume of harvested production 13 66 20
Value of production (£ million) 2 12 4

Table 7.8b

Field beans 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) 137 181 188
Yield (tonnes per hectare) 4.0 3.0 3.7
Volume of harvested production 548 544 694
Value of production (£ million) 104 111 160

Notes for tables 7.8a and 7.8b:

  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 2021 showed an increase from those seen in 2020 with an increase in both the bean and 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 fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil.

The total area of field peas increased by 18% between 2020 and 2021 to around 61 thousand hectares. The proportion of this area utilised for animal feed increased to 90% from 59% in 2020. Total production for animal feed increased by 86% to an estimated 176 thousand tonnes. Consequently, production utilised for human consumption decreased to an estimated 20 thousand tonnes. Field peas yield averaged at 3.2 tonnes per hectare in 2021 compared to 3.1t/ha in 2020. However, yields varied depending on how well soils retained moisture during the dry spring. Harvest of both peas and beans usually starts in August which in 2021 coincided with a period of heavy rain, but fortunately conditions improved in September and most crops were harvested in good condition (albeit with drying required). The best yields of peas in 2021 were from the South East and South West; overall quality was generally good and there were few viruses and diseases prevalent this year.

The area of field beans in 2021 was 3.5% higher than 2020 at 188 thousand hectares. Increased area and higher average yields meant production increased by 28% to an estimated 694 thousand tonnes. Average yields increased to 3.7t/ha from 3.0t/ha in 2020. The best yields were crop beans grown in the North East and Yorkshire. Winter beans were planted in generally favourable conditions in autumn 2020 which led to good establishment. The dry spring caused some moisture deficit for crops grown on lighter soil but crops on heavier soils fared better, retaining sufficient moisture until rain arrived in May. Spring beans were sown in dry, cool conditions and establishment depended on soil type with some areas affected by moisture deficits. Bruchid beetle activity was reduced this year (particularly in northern areas) and crop quality was generally good.

Fresh vegetables

Table 7.9a to 7.9c Fresh vegetables; production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.9a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares): 115 119 113
Grown in the open 115 118 112
Protected 0.8 0.9 0.8
Value of production (£ million): 1,516 1,670 1,668
Grown in the open 1,180 1,320 1,295
Protected 336 350 374
Selected crops:      
Cabbages 76 83 73
Carrots 175 185 185
Cauliflowers 57 78 63
Calabrese 71 85 83
Lettuces 196 209 207
Mushrooms 140 130 118
Onions 142 148 154
Tomatoes 84 89 123

Table 7.9b

Prices (farm gate price £ per tonne) 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Selected crops:      
Cauliflowers 635 771 682
Tomatoes 1,378 1,363 1,803

Table 7.9c

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Total production 2,524 2,599 2,548
EU imports 2,007 1,892 1,577
Non-EU imports 349 321 401
EU exports 122 102 67
Non-EU exports 21 6 2
Total new supply 4,737 4,704 4,457
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK 53% 55% 57%

Notes for tables 7.9a to 7.9c:

  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 decreased by 0.1% to £1.7bn between 2020 and 2021, with total production decreasing by 2.0% at 2.5 million tonnes.

Areas for vegetables reduced by 5.0% between 2020 and 2021 to 113 thousand hectares with demand remaining high post-Covid lockdown. Although total volume is 2.0% lower the value only decreased by 0.1%.

The year started with another very wet winter, but a period of dry weather allowed soil conditions to become favourable enough for early drillings of carrots, onions and vining peas in late February. Late frosts and freak hailstorms caused a small percentage of salad crops to be lost. Traditional summer conditions began in June; crops such as carrots, brassicas and salads made good growth during the warm weather and showers and caught up some of the delayed growth caused by the prolonged cold in the spring.

Domestic production as a percentage of total new supply to the UK for all fresh vegetables was 57% in 2021 compared to 55% in 2020.

Plants and flowers

Table 7.10a to 7.10b Plants and flowers area, value of production and trade (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.10a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area (thousand hectares) : 12 12 12
Value of production (£ million) 1,381 1,367 1,580
Flowers and bulbs 125 127 128
Pot plants 317 283 316
Hardy ornamental nursery stock 939 957 1,137

Table 7.10b

Trade (£ million) 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Total imports (excl. Channel Islands) 1,228 1,228 1,259
Bulbs 75 83 71
Cut flowers 693 643 695
Foliage 52 50 68
Indoor plants 140 164 148
Outdoor plants 90 94 107
Trees 98 104 110
Other 81 90 61
Total exports 76 68 55
Bulbs 8 7 7
Cut flowers 33 26 22
Foliage 1 1 1
Indoor plants 11 10 7
Outdoor plants 4 4 3
Trees 4 3 6
Other 17 18 9

Notes for table 7.10a and 7.10b:

  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.

The value of production in the ornamental sector increased by 16% to £1.6bn between 2020 and 2021.

2021 was a challenging year for the hardy nursery stock sector due to a combination of poor weather and higher than usual demand because of the pandemic. For field grown stock, bare root hedging sales performed well with shortages of UK grown stock across the industry. Direct online sales to the public also remained good for many businesses, but not all, since lockdown; these factors have resulted in minimal wastage of these lines. The value of production in the hardy nursey sector increased by 19% to £1.1bn between 2020 and 2021.

For the pot plant sector, overall production increased again in 2021, through increased estimates for unit value for hydrangea, foliage and ‘other’ plants. Interest in house plants increased, with a shift in production from flowering plants (e.g. orchids) to foliage plants.

In 2021, hardy nursery stock showed a 19% increase in value at an estimated £1.1 billion (£957m in 2020). Flowers and bulbs showed a 0.9% increase in value at an estimated £128m (£127m in 2020). The pot plant sector saw a 11% increase in value at £316m (£283m in 2020).

Potatoes

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

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.11a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Area sown (thousand hectares) 144 142 137
Area harvested (thousand hectares) 117 120 116
Yield (tonnes per hectare harvested) 45 46 46
Volume of harvested production 5,307 5,513 5,307
For human consumption 3,412 3,858 3,401
Seed 367 366 365
Stockfeed and waste 1,529 1,289 1,540
Sales 5,306 5,132 5,323
For human consumption 3,490 3,548 3,500
Seed 367 366 365
Sold for stockfeed 1,450 1,219 1,458
End year stocks 2,353 2,664 2,565
Change in stocks -78 310 -98
Value of production (£ million) 761 821 703
Sold for human consumption 648 633 585
Sold for seed (including farm saved seed) 112 120 120
Sold for stockfeed 15 12 15
Change in stocks -14 55 -16

Table 7.11b

Prices paid to registered producers (£ per tonne) 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Early/maincrop (for human consumption) 186 179 167
Seed 305 329 329
Stockfeed 10 10 10

Table 7.11c

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Total production 3,778 4,224 3,767
Imports 2,553 2,347 1,827
Exports 691 595 432
Net trade (negative means net export) 1,862 1,753 1,395
Early/maincrop -43 49 -59
Seed -100 -102 -75
Processed (raw equivalent) 2,005 1,806 1,529
Total new supply (raw equivalent) 5,641 5,976 5,162
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK 67% 71% 73%

Notes for tables 7.11a to 7.11c:

  1. Prices are average price paid to registered producers.
  2. Negative net trade values indicate net exports.

Download the full Crops dataset.

The value of potatoes was £703m in 2021, a decrease of 14% from 2020 (£821m) with the area sown reducing by 3.8% to 137 thousand hectares. Prices and yield information were previously obtained from the AHDB who stopped producing data midway through the year following the results of their ballot. In absence of this data Defra looked at trends in historic data and sought input from stakeholders on the value of the sector.

Fresh fruit

Table 7.12a to 7.12c Fresh fruit production, value, supply and use (thousand tonnes unless specified otherwise)

Enquiries: Lisa Brown on +44 (0)20 802 66340
Email: Crops-statistics@defra.gov.uk

Table 7.12a

Production 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Outdoor fruit area (thousand hectares) 35 34 33
Orchard fruit 24 23 23
Soft fruit 11 11 10
End year stocks 65 61 106
Value of production (£ million) 903 1,045 917
Orchard fruit 276 340 287
Soft fruit 627 705 629
Sales 917 1,044 874
Change in stocks -14 1 42
Selected crops:      
Dessert apples 142 158 154
Culinary apples 42 81 43
Pears 23 20 22
Raspberries 161 140 154
Strawberries 404 473 399

Table 7.12b

Prices (farm gate price £/tonne) 2019 2020 2021 prov.)
Selected crops:      
Dessert apples 685 788 817
Culinary apples 202 405 228
Pears 286 216 360
Raspberries 5,857 5,598 7,977
Strawberries 2,330 3,145 2,541

Table 7.12c

Supply and use 2019 2020 2021 (prov.)
Total production 688 657 576
EU imports 1,379 1,265 997
Non-EU imports 2,279 2,299 2,330
EU exports 159 174 35
Non-EU exports 3 3 2
Total new supply 4,184 4,043 3,866
Change in stocks -14 1 42
Total domestic uses 4,198 4,043 3,824
Production as % of total new supply for use in UK 16% 16% 15%

Notes for table 7.12a to 7.12c:

  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.

The value of fruit production decreased by 12% between 2021 and 2020 to just under £917m, with orchard fruit decreasing by 15% to £287m and soft fruit decreasing by 11% to £629m. The value of raspberries increased by £14m to £154m in 2021, an 10% increase on 2020. Meanwhile the value of strawberries showed a 16% decrease to £399m. Heavy rain and snow in the first three weeks of February 2021 delayed field operations such as planting fruit trees and soft fruit crops. In contrast to recent years, very cold weather during February and the first three weeks of March delayed bud break and the early development of all fruit crops. Consequently, the season was a week to 10 days later than the long-term average and remained that way for the rest of the growing year, including harvest. Regular overnight frosts in April damaged flowering fruit crops and reduced yield potential, as did heavy rain in June.

Domestic production of fresh fruit as a percentage of total new supply reduced by 8.3% between 2021 and 2020 to 15%.

Data Sources and Revisions

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 are not presented here.

Figures for 2021 are provisional and may be subject to revision.

There have been revisions to the data for oats back to 2018, and 2019 for wheat and barley, and some fruit data to 2016.