FAQs
What is the Farm Business Survey?
The Farm Business Survey (FBS) is an independent research programme collecting detailed financial and physical data from over 1,500 farms in England. It provides valuable insight into farm business performance and helps shape agricultural policy.
Who runs the FBS?
In England, the FBS is delivered by Promar International on behalf of Defra.
How long has the survey been running?
The FBS has been running for nearly 90 years. It began in 1936 to better understand the economics of farming in the UK.
Who can take part in the survey?
Farmers based in England with a turnover of at least £21,000 a year from farming can register. All sectors are eligible — including dairy, cereals, livestock, poultry, pigs, horticulture and organic farms.
What if my farm is not in England?
Only farms based in England can register through this website. If you are farming in another part of the UK, you can still take part in the Farm Business Survey through your local delivery centre:
- Wales – Aberystwyth University ([email protected] | +44 (0)1970 622253)
- Scotland – SAC Consulting, Scottish Farm Business Survey ([email protected] | 07557 661316)
- Northern Ireland – Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) ([email protected] | 028 9052 4063)
Your local team will be happy to provide details about eligibility and how to get involved.
How do I register?
Simply visit our registration page and fill in the form. A member of our team will then be in touch.
Is it really free?
Yes. The survey is fully funded by Defra. There is no cost to participate.
What do I need to take part?
You’ll need to be willing to share financial records for the most recent year and spend a few hours working with your assigned Research Officer.
I’m not sure if I qualify — what should I do?
Contact us and we’ll be happy to check your eligibility with you.
What information will I need to provide?
Financial and physical details such as your income, costs, assets, cropping and stocking rates. Your Research Officer will explain everything and guide you through it.
How long does the survey take?
Most farmers complete the process in a few hours once a year.
Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
It helps to have your accounts and records ready. Your Research Officer will let you know what’s required in advance of your appointment.
Will someone help me complete it?
Yes. A local Research Officer will work directly with you to complete the survey.
Is my data secure?
Absolutely. All data is stored securely and treated in accordance with GDPR regulations. Please view our privacy policy for more information.
Will anyone know my farm’s results?
No. All data is anonymised before publication. Your individual results will never be shared with the public.
Who has access to my information?
Your non-anonymised data is only seen by the Promar team who work directly with you. Before any analysis takes place, your information is anonymised and handled under strict controls to ensure confidentiality.
You can also choose to share your non-anonymised data with Defra. In that case, a small team of Defra analysts may use it to link with other government datasets (for example, environmental data such as peat cover) to strengthen the evidence base for agricultural policy.
This data is used for research and policy purposes only. It will never be shared with other government departments, and it has no impact on your tax or subsidy payments.
If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is used, your Research Officer will be happy to talk it through with you, or you can contact us.
How is the data used?
The data supports government policy development, academic research, benchmarking, and public insight into the agricultural sector.
What do I get in return for taking part?
A free, confidential report on your farm’s performance and a benchmarking report to compare your data with other farms of a similar type – plus a free Xero license. You’ll also be contributing to a better understanding of farming across England.
Will I receive a report?
Yes. All participants receive a personalised farm business report.
Can I compare my results with other farms?
Yes. The benchmarking report allows you to compare your business with similar farms across your sector.
Where can I see the survey results?
You can explore anonymised data via our FBS Data Dashboard, download reports from the Resources section, or access more detail via the gov.uk page.
Who do I contact if I need help?
Visit our contact page or email us at [email protected]
Can I talk to someone before registering?
Yes. We’re happy to answer questions and help you decide whether to take part.
How do I update my details or withdraw?
Contact the team directly and we’ll update your records or remove your details if needed.
Where can I get mental health support?
We provide signposting to trusted organisations including FCN, YANA, RABI, and the Hub of Hope. Visit our Mental Health and Wellbeing page for more information.
Are there services available for farmers under pressure?
Yes. Many charities offer confidential support and resources tailored to farmers. You are not alone — help is available.
Want to explore the data behind the reports?
You can explore this data yourself using the Farm Business Data Dashboard — an interactive tool that allows you to filter results by farm type, region, size, and performance band. View trends in profitability, costs, diversification, and more, dating back to 2005/06.
Register Today
Sign up to take part in the Farm Business Survey and receive:
- Personalised Reports
- A free standard Xero licence
- Sector Benchmarking
- Business Insights