Half Of UK Farmers Have Adopted Regenerative Practices, Barclays Finds

Rising production costs and increasingly volatile weather have driven more than half of UK farmers to adopt regenerative farming practices as they seek to strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of their businesses, according to new research from Barclays.

Some 56% of 223 farmers surveyed in May 2026 said they have already implemented regenerative practices, while a further 24% plan to do so, the bank revealed in a new report titled: Resilience in the Field: The Evolving Case for Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture.

In total, four out of five farmers (80%) surveyed by Barclays are either adopting or considering regenerative approaches.

The findings suggest that regenerative agriculture is increasingly being viewed through a commercial as well as environmental lens, as growers seek to improve resilience in the face of mounting financial and climatic pressures.

Two-thirds of respondents identified rising input costs as the biggest challenge facing their business over the next 12 months, while 77% said they had experienced the effects of changing climatic conditions on their farm.

Among those affected by climate change, 72% reported experiencing drought, 71% cited greater weather variability, and 55% said they had seen increased rainfall.

Practical Response

UK farmers are responding with a range of practical measures aimed at improving efficiency and reducing reliance on costly inputs. 

Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they have already reduced pesticide or herbicide use, with a further 14% planning to do so. 

Just over half (52%) have adopted technology to improve operational efficiency, while another 30% intend to invest in new technologies.

Challenges Ahead

However, the research also highlights the challenges many businesses face when planning their transition, with many farmers having to navigate complex changes with limited formal support.

More than 60% of farmers said they had developed their transition plans independently, while only 22% had worked with an independent adviser.

Barclays said the report suggests there is growing demand for finance and advisory support tailored to farm businesses making long-term investments. 

It also points to an increasing role for farm data, with 78% of respondents saying they would be willing to share evidence of sustainable farming practices with their bank if it could improve access to finance or deliver other commercial benefits.

Wayne Astridge, Head of Agriculture & Landed Estates at Barclays Business Bank, said the findings demonstrate that the industry’s understanding of the business case for regenerative farming has matured. 

“Whether the drivers of that change are commercial, environmental, or a combination of both, the fact that 80% of surveyed farmers tell us they are already adopting or planning to explore regenerative and sustainable agriculture practices is significant and worth exploring,” he explained.

Astridge added that many farmers are making complex investment decisions while facing continued cost pressures and climate uncertainty, highlighting the need for appropriate financial support as businesses adapt.

The survey was conducted in May 2026 among Barclays agricultural customers and forms the basis of the bank’s latest assessment of resilience, sustainability, and regenerative agriculture across the sector. 

Barclays is discussing the findings with farmers and industry stakeholders at Groundswell this week.