Two thirds of England say growing more of our own food matters more now than it ever has
68% say increasing England's own food production is more important than in previous decades, and 78% are worried about food prices over the next 12 months.
Key findings
- 68% of adults in England say it is more important now than in previous decades for England to increase its own food production. 41% say much more important. Only 4% say less.
- Over-55s are the most emphatic (55% say much more important) and 18 to 24s the least (21%).
- 78% are concerned that global disruption will push up food prices in the next 12 months, including 40% who are strongly concerned. 70% are concerned about availability.
- 42% agree that English food and drink was better quality in the past than today. 13% disagree.
Prices first, then supply
78% of adults in England are concerned that global disruption will affect the price of food over the next 12 months, including 40% who are strongly concerned. 70% are concerned about availability, with 26% strongly concerned. Only 3% are not at all concerned about either.
Worry rises with age. 85% of over-55s are concerned about prices, against 67% of 18 to 24s, and 77% of over-55s are concerned about availability, against 62% of the youngest group. Nottingham was the city with the highest share strongly concerned about prices (48%); Sheffield the lowest (33%).
A generation gap on growing our own
68% say it is more important now than in previous decades for England to increase its own food production: 41% much more important and 27% somewhat more. 17% say it is about as important as it has always been, 4% say less important, and 11% haven't thought about it.
| Age | Much more important | Somewhat more important | More important (net) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 21% | 34% | 54% |
| 25-34 | 28% | 31% | 59% |
| 35-44 | 37% | 25% | 62% |
| 45-54 | 37% | 29% | 66% |
| 55+ | 55% | 23% | 79% |
| All adults | 41% | 27% | 68% |
The gap between generations is the biggest in the survey. 79% of over-55s say more important, and 55% of them say much more. Among 18 to 24 year olds the figures are 54% and 21%. Regionally, the East Midlands and West Midlands (both 46%) lead on "much more important" and Greater London (34%) is lowest.
Better in the past?
42% agree that English food and drink was better quality in the past than it is today, and 13% disagree. 30% neither agree nor disagree and 15% aren't sure.
The nostalgia is strongest among people too young to remember. 54% of 25 to 34 year olds agree, including 21% who strongly agree, compared with 37% and 10% of over-55s. Over-55s are also the most likely to disagree (17%).
What Marcus says
Marcus Holland, founder of MadeInEngland.com:
"People aren't stupid. They've watched prices go up and shelves go empty and they've reached the obvious conclusion, which is that we should be growing more of it here. The over-55s feel it most. Maybe they remember when we did."
"Nobody is going to fix food security with a hamper. But you don't fix it by ignoring the people who actually grow things either, and that's most of the producers we work with."
Methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 2,001 adults in England, nationally representative of those aged 18 and over. Fieldwork ran from 13 to 16 April 2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society and the British Polling Council and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge, and abides by the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. Survey reference J17714CWMP. Full results for all 20 questions.
Notes for editors
Full data tables, including breakdowns by gender, age, region and nearest city, are available on request. Charts and figures may be reproduced with credit to MadeInEngland.com. Marcus Holland, founder of MadeInEngland.com, is available for interview and further comment. Contact: marcus@madeinengland.com, 07983 818291.
