A survey commissioned by the NFU has revealed that farming is one of the most valued professions, coming second only to nursing. The poll of more than 2000 members of the public found that 74% of respondents had a favourable view of farmers and recognised how hard they work to grow food for the nation. Other noteworthy findings of the poll indicated:
- 91% of people feel farming is important to the UK economy.
- 89% feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry.
- 85% think there should be more self-sufficiency in UK food production.
- 87% think it is important that any trade deals ensure that animal welfare standards are as high in countries from which food is imported as they are in the UK.
Towards a ‘shared mission’ for food security
The poll was shared with new MPs and the new farming minister Daniel Zeichner at a recent NFU parliamentary reception at the House of Lords. Mr Zeichner committed to enhancing Britain’s food security with a “new deal for farmers,” calling food security “a shared mission” for the new government and the agricultural sector. The “new deal” consists of a raft of government pledges including seeking a new veterinary agreement with the EU, ensuring farmers aren’t undercut by low standards in trade deals, and a commitment to the agricultural transition through the environmental land management schemes.
Farmers need a confidence boost, says NFU president
Despite the favourable poll numbers and the new government’s commitment to support farmers, a survey of almost 800 NFU members found that in the short and medium-term at least, farmers’ confidence is low, following extreme wet weather, volatile pricing and huge policy changes all of which has taken its toll. NFU president Tom Bradshaw has called for more government investment in UK agriculture and for the introduction of policies that ensure the system works for farmers. Speaking at the parliamentary reception, Mr Bradshaw said that restoring the long-term confidence of farm businesses must be the government’s number one priority. Calling for the government to set a UK-wide agricultural budget of £5.6bn, he emphasised that the funds would not just be ‘more money for farmers,’ but an investment in them and their businesses so they can do more of what the public value them for; delivering climate-friendly, high-welfare food, protecting the environment as custodians of the land, and kickstarting economic growth.
Sources:
https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/nfu-poll-reveals-farming-most-valued-profession-behind-nursing
