The British public has shown their support for farmers and growers, voting them as the second most respected profession in the UK for the third year running, according to a new survey by the National Farmers Union.
The results of the survey were released today (Wednesday, September 10) as part of Back British Farming Day,
According to the NFU, the Back British Farming Day aims to provides an opportunity for politicians and the public to show their support for farmers and growers, and the work they do to feed the nation along with caring for the countryside.
The NFU’s latest Farmer Favourability Survey demonstrates how the public “values farmers for producing high-quality food, caring for animals and protecting the countryside, often in the face of extreme weather and economic pressures”.
Farmers and growers were ranked second only to nurses in the recent survey.
The results also revealed that 92%of respondents feel that it is important Britain has a productive farming sector.
89% said British farms should grow as much food as possible to support national food security, while “more than three-quarters of respondents trust British food is produced to high-food standards”, more than overseas producers according to the survey.
Calls for government to “recognise and support” agriculture
The NFA have said that with new ministers now in the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), there is an “opportunity” to make farming’s case strongly to a new top team.
As the NFU takes Back British Farming Day once again to Westminster, the union is calling on government to “recognise and reflect” on this continued public support with policies that “truly value domestic food production and farming’s environmental delivery”.
President of the NFU, Tom Bradshaw said “British farming is the bedrock of the country’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, worth over £150 billion to the economy and supporting more than four million jobs.
“Just as we rightly celebrate the strength of our food and drink sector, we must also recognise and invest in the people who make it possible, our farmers and growers.
“Back British Farming Day is about recognising the value of our farmers, not just for the food they produce, but for the role they play in our communities, our economy and our environment. And clearly, the public is behind us,” he said.
The NFU have stated that while the public support is “hugely appreciated”, many farmers and growers face growing challenges.
It has called on the government to “improve competitiveness and profitability, helping to underpin national food security and meet the domestic environmental targets” to future proof the industry.
