Importance of farming is high and on the increase
Public opinion of farmers and growers is high and on the increase according to a new survey published by the NFU today.
Results from the survey show that 84 per cent of the British public agrees that farming will become increasingly important in the years to come with food security high on the agenda. Overall, favorability of farmers is also on the increase with 73 per cent of people describing their view of farmers as favourable or very favourable, compared to 67 per cent in 2005.
People also have strong views about the role of farmers and growers with the majority saying high priority should be placed on producing high quality food, providing the country with a secure food supply and looking after the welfare of livestock rather than the environment. A massive 96 per cent said growing crops was more important than maintaining footpaths which scored just 49 per cent.
NFU Director of Communications Liz Falkingham said: "These figures demonstrate that the continued availability of fresh, quality food is high on everyone’s agenda and that they expect our farmers and growers to do the job and do it well.
"We have seen a growing number of people show they have a favourable view of farmers and those with an unfavorable view is on the decrease registering just six per cent this year compared to 10 per cent in 2005. These views come as no surprise. The NFU has regularly raised the importance of farming in its Why Farming Matters campaign which emphasised the role of farmers and growers not only in terms of producing food but through their contribution to the national economy and as custodians of the countryside.
"We are working hard to show that farmers and growers can be part of the solution to many of the challenges that lie ahead and more than half of the people interviewed say they think farmers can help in the fight against climate change, with the benefits offered by a variety of on-farm renewable energy, carbon sinks and other innovative green projects. We can help by producing more food while having less impact on the environment.
"The NFU is asking its members for views on a neighbour reassurance scheme as we know using pesticides safely is a big priority for the public, demonstrated by the 89 per cent who rated this as a priority, over and above protecting birds and wildlife, which scored 74 per cent.
"Across the country people know that farmers are working hard to fulfill a multitude of obligations and consumers are starting to vote with their shopping baskets. Those buying British produce is on the increase at 46 per cent – up from 38 per cent in 2008. There is also a strong message to retailers - with 84 per cent agreeing or strongly agreeing that farmers are being driven out of business by supermarkets - that consumers are aware of, and dislike, poor treatment of suppliers. This chimes very much with the clear need for an ombudsman – something that the NFU continues to push hard for."
