A survey has revealed that Britain’s farmers and growers are viewed as the most valued professions by the public, second only to nurses.
Commissioned by the NFU, it showed that 74% of those surveyed have a favourable view of agriculture workers.
The majority recognise how much hard work those in the agriculture sector do, through all weather conditions, to produce food for the nation.
See also: Connectivity still holding back UK farmers
91% of respondents also felt that farming is important to the UK economy, showing the key role farm businesses could play in kickstarting Labour’s new, mission-led government.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw expressed his gratitude at the public support, saying that growers “never take it for granted”.
“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,” he said.
“This will be a key focus at our reception with new MPs today.”
The survey will be published at the NFU’s first parliamentary reception since the general election, taking place today (18 June) in the House of Lords.
MPs and peers are set to hear that:
- 89% of the public feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry.
- 85% of people support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production.
- 87% of people think it is important that trade deals ensure animal welfare standards are the same in countries we import food from as in the UK.
Mr Bradshaw said that “confidence is key”, as another recent NFU survey found that trust in farm businesses is at an all-time low.
“It’s imperative that policies from the new government revitalise the confidence of farm businesses,” he continued.
“The number one priority to achieve this long-term confidence is for government to set a UK wide agricultural budget of £5.6b.”
