A new survey by the NFU shows that British people believe farmers play a pivotal role in food security, quality produce and animal welfare, H&C has learned.

As recent months have shown, with fluctuating weather and Russia’s ban on wheat exports, British farming has played a crucial role in ensuring that high quality food is produced.

Independent survey

An independent survey of 1,002 people, commissioned by the NFU, revealed that 75 per cent think of farmers favourably or very favourably, up from 68 per cent in 2005. And with a growing demand for food as the world population grows, 86 per cent agreed that farming will be more important in the future. It showed that public perception of farmers has increased for the fifth year in a row.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “These figures clearly demonstrate that the general public supports British farming and recognises the importance of food production to our future and a growing interest in where our food comes from means that the public perception of farming is at a five-year high. And when we’re looking to effect change on government or retail policy then that is what really matters.

“When people think about what farmers do, it seems obvious, but not many people realise we are providing the building blocks for our food and drink manufacturing sector that is worth £22billion to our national economy. It is the largest manufacturing sector we have.

High standards

“One thing our survey tells us is that people believe farmers have many key roles, both for agriculture and the environment, but their highest priority for us is to produce food and to look after our animals to the highest standards. The reality is more and more we should be doing both while producing more and impacting less. We must continue to meet the growing demand for food and ensure we take the favourability of our customers with us; we need every available tool at our fingertips.

“Farming will become increasingly important in the coming years, but don’t just take my word for it; 86 per cent of those people surveyed agree.”