Farming the most valued profession behind only nursing, says public

Written by Administrator from Farming Monthly National

Britain’s farmers and growers have been named as one of the public’s most favoured and valued professions, second only to nurses, a new survey commissioned by the NFU can reveal. 74% of the public have a favourable view of farmers and growers, recognising how hard they work through rain and shine, to produce food for the nation.

It also shows 91% of respondents feel that farming is important to the UK economy, demonstrating the key role agriculture businesses play in kickstarting growth for Labour’s new mission-led government.

The survey will be published at the NFU’s first parliamentary reception since the general election, taking place today 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.”

New 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 continued: “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 low2.

“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 billion3. 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.”


The post Farming the most valued profession behind only nursing, says public appeared first on Farming Monthly National.

Continue reading more content from Farming Monthly...

If you are enjoying what you read then why not considering subscribing here: https://www.farmingmonthly.co.uk/subscriptions/
 

Have you taken any land out of production from last autumn?

  • Yes

  • No

  • Don’t know


Results are only viewable after voting.

Fields to Fork Festival 2025 offers discounted tickets for the farming community.

  • 764
  • 1
The Fields to Fork Festival celebrating country life, good food and backing British farming is due to take over Whitebottom Farm, Manchester, on 3rd & 4th May 2025!

Set against the idyllic backdrop of Whitebottom Farm, the festival will be an unforgettable weekend of live music, award-winning chefs, and gourmet food and drink, all while supporting UK’s farmers and food producers. As a way to show appreciation for everyone in the farming community, discounted tickets are on offer for those working in the agricultural sectors.

Alexander McLaren, Founder of Fields to Fork Festival says “British produce and rural culture has never needed the spotlight more than it does today. This festival is our way of celebrating everything that makes...
Back
Top