Farmers Cut Barley Production to 16-Year Low Amid Decreased Alcohol Demand

An aerial view of a combine harvester working in a field of barley Aug. 8, 2016, in Hampshire, England. (Photo: Steve Parsons/PA Wire/AP Photo)

Farmers in the United Kingdom are planting barley at the lowest level in more than 16 years as declining alcohol consumption reduces demand from brewers and distillers, according to new industry data reported by The Mirror on Wednesday.

Figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board show barley acreage has fallen sharply this year as more consumers cut back on alcohol. Barley is a key ingredient in beer and also plays a major role in whisky production.

The data indicates about 930,000 hectares (about 2.3 million acres) of barley were planted this year, a 12% year-over-year decline and a 17% drop compared to the five-year average. The AHDB attributed the decline to weaker demand from the brewing and distilling industries.

The drop is even steeper in Scotland, where barley is heavily used in malt whisky production. Planting there is down 13% and is now at its lowest level since the 1960s, according to the report.

Industry officials say the shift reflects broader changes in drinking habits.

“The trend of drinking less alcohol is starting to work through the system,” Andrew Williamson, vice-chair of crops at the National Farmers’ Union, said, according to The Mirror. “Farmers are definitely aware of it.”

Alcohol consumption in the U.K. has been trending downward in recent years, driven by health concerns and rising costs, which have also contributed to closures across the pub sector.

At the same time, demand is shifting toward no- and low-alcohol products. A record 200 million pints of alcohol-free or low-alcohol beer were expected to be sold in the U.K. last year, according to industry estimates cited by The Mirror.

The British Beer and Pub Association expects continued growth in the category, forecasting a further increase this year. However, these products still account for a small share of total beer sales.

Separately, Drinkaware data shows nearly half of U.K. drinkers reported consuming no- or low-alcohol drinks in the past year, up from 22% in 2021.

The AHDB said lower demand from brewers and distillers is now feeding directly into planting decisions, an indication that changes in consumer drinking habits are reshaping agricultural output.