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Agricultural industry

British Farmers Voted Second Most Respected Profession for Third Year Running

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The British public has expressed its gratitude and respect for farmers and growers, voting them as the second most respected profession in the UK for the third consecutive year. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) credits this recognition to the hard work and dedication of farmers, who produce high-quality food, care for animals, and protect the countryside, often under challenging weather and economic conditions. The survey results highlight the importance of Britain's farming sector, with 92% of respondents deeming it crucial for national food security and 89% advocating for British farms to grow as much food as possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • Farmers and growers have been ranked as the second most respected profession in the UK for the third year running, showing appreciation for their dedication to producing high-quality food, caring for animals, and protecting the countryside.
  • 92% of respondents believe it is essential for Britain to have a productive farming sector, while 89% advocate for British farms to grow as much food as possible to support national food security.
  • Over 75% of respondents trust British food more than food from the rest of the world, and more than half of respondents feel that farmers are under-appreciated for their role in society.
  • The NFU has published the results of the survey to coincide with Back British Farming Day, an annual event celebrating the food and farming sector.
  • NFU president Tom Bradshaw has emphasized the significance of British farming, highlighting its contribution to the country's largest manufacturing sector, worth over £150 billion to the economy and supporting over four million jobs.
  • The NFU has campaigned for landmark changes for farmers, including the introduction of 'Buy British' buttons on eight major supermarket websites and driving the launch of No. 10's Farm to Fork Summit.
  • The NFU's petition to protect family farms from the family farm tax has gathered over quarter of a million signatures.
  • More than 40,000 people believe that children should learn more about agriculture in schools, and the NFU has developed programs like Farmers for Schools to educate and challenge misconceptions.

Statistics:

  • 92% of respondents feel that it's essential for Britain to have a productive farming sector.
  • 89% of respondents believe that British farms should grow as much food as possible to support national food security.
  • 75% or more of respondents trust British food more than food from the rest of the world.
  • 51% or more of respondents feel that farmers are under-appreciated for their role in society.
  • The food and drink sector is worth over £150 billion to the economy and supports over four million jobs.
  • Over a quarter of a million people have signed the NFU's petition to protect family farms from the family farm tax.
  • More than 40,000 people believe that children should learn more about agriculture in schools.

Sources:

  • National Farmers' Union (NFU) - Farmer Favourability Survey
  • NFU president Tom Bradshaw - Back British Farming Day speech
  • NFU campaigns and initiatives, including the introduction of 'Buy British' buttons and the launch of No. 10's Farm to Fork Summit.

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