Farming has been found to be second only to nursing when it comes to the public’s most favoured and valued professions, according to a new survey from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
The survey found that 74% of the public have a favourable view of farmers and growers, recognising how hard they work to produce food for the nation, the NFU said.
The OnePoll survey of 2,000 adults in England & Wales, which took place between May 3-9, 2024, also showed that 91% of respondents feel that farming is important to the UK economy.
The survey will be published at the NFU’s first parliamentary reception since the General Election, taking place today (Thursday, July 18) in the House of Lords.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the public for their continued support of British farmers and growers.
“When we’re out in our fields, sheds and glasshouses we never take it for granted and it spurs us on to get the food onto their plates.
“The results of the survey show it is vital the new government recognises how much the public value our farmers and growers and the climate-friendly, nutritious food we provide. This will be a key focus at our reception with new MPs today.”
Attitudes towards farming
Those present in the House of Lords today will hear more results from the survey, including how 89% of the public feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry.
85% of respondents support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production and 87% think it is important that trade deals ensure animal welfare standards are the same in countries food is imported from as in the UK.
“As outlined in the Labour manifesto, food security is national security. To ensure we deliver on this shared mission and that the public continues to see a safe supply of food in the face of climate change and a volatile global outlook, confidence is key. But confidence of agriculture businesses is at an all time low,” Bradshaw said.
“As the industry that underpins Britain’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – which is worth £146 billion to the economy, it’s imperative that policies from the new government revitalise the confidence of farm businesses.
“The number one priority to achieve this long-term confidence is for government to set a UK wide agricultural budget of £5.6 billion.
“It is not just ‘more money for farmers’ but an investment that means farmers and growers can do more of what the public value them for; delivering more climate friendly, high welfare food, delivering for the environment, increasing clean energy production and kickstarting economic growth.”
