NFU poll reveals farming most valued profession behind nursing
© Tim Scrivener Britain’s farmers and growers have been named as one of the public’s most favoured and valued professions, second only to nurses, according to a new survey commissioned by the NFU.
Poll results from more than 2,000 members of the public reveal that 74% have a favourable view of farmers and growers, recognising their hard work to produce food for the nation.
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It also found that 91% of respondents feel farming is important to the UK economy.
The survey will be shared at the NFU’s first parliamentary reception since the general election, taking place at the House of Lords today (18 July).
New MPs and peers will hear that:
- 89% of the public feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry
- 85% support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production
- 87% think it is important that trade deals ensure animal welfare standards are the same in countries from which food is imported as in the UK.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “The results of the survey show it is vital the new government recognises how much the public values 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.”
Low confidence
Despite the public’s support for farming and the agricultural sector, the results come after a recent survey of 797 NFU members found that farmers’ short- and mid-term confidence is at its lowest since records began in 2010.
Mr Bradshaw continued: “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 £5.6bn.
“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.”