The NFU has launched its Farmer Confidence Survey in a year of uncertainty and challenges the industry has never seen the likes of before.
Now in its eighth year, the online survey, which takes up to 10 minutes to complete, measures farmers' current levels of business confidence.
The last few years have demonstrated great volatility, from the ebb and flow of agricultural commodity markets to the EU Referendum vote and the subsequent uncertainty.
The survey has helped track the impact of those changes, and provides a useful evidence base for lobbying and campaigning work.
The survey is conducted in line with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct, and all responses are aggregated and analysed anonymously.
NFU economist, Anand Dossa said farmer confidence is "absolutely critical" to the future of a "profitable and productive" food and farming sector.
Mr Dossa said: “NFU members believe that confidence feeds through to investment. Making investment decisions for the long term, for example in buildings and other farm infrastructure, against a backdrop of increased political uncertainty, is challenging.
“In view of the increased political and economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to ‘check the pulse’ of the industry. We'd like to hear about your current situation, so please take a few minutes to respond,” he said.
Last year, the Farmer Confidence Survey showed an 18-point drop in mid-term confidence. The NFU blamed the political environment since the UK voted to leave the EU as a key driver for this fall.
