Public Support for Farmers Remains Strong as Back British Farming Day Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

Strategic Insights -

The British public has once again shown its unwavering support for farmers and growers, voting them as the second most respected profession in the UK for the third year running. This is marked on Back British Farming Day, an annual celebration that recognizes the value of domestic food production and farming's environmental delivery. The NFU's latest Farmer Favourability Survey reveals that the public holds farmers in high esteem, valuing their contributions to the country's largest manufacturing sector - food and drink, worth over £150 billion to the economy and supporting more than four million jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • 92% of the public feel it's essential to have a productive farming sector in Britain to maintain national food security.
  • 89% believe British farms should prioritize growing as much food as possible to support the country's food needs.
  • Over three-quarters of respondents (76%) trust that British food is produced to high standards, surpassing overseas producers.
  • The NFU is calling for urgent action to improve farm profitability, protect domestic food production, and ensure fair standards in trade to secure the future of British farming.
  • Many farmers and growers face significant challenges, including high debts to stay afloat, and nearly half of all farm businesses are tenanted, lacking control over their land.
  • The average age of a farmer is now 60, making long-term investment and succession planning increasingly difficult.
  • Farmers continue to invest heavily in the economy, support rural tourism, and diversify their businesses to remain resilient.
  • The NFU is advocating for progressive policies that allow family farms to invest and grow the economy.

Statistics:

  • 92% of respondents value a productive farming sector in Britain.
  • 89% believe British farms should prioritize food production.
  • 76% trust that British food is produced to high standards.
  • Between 2010 and 2020, the farming industry supported more than four million jobs in the food and drink sector.
  • The food and drink sector is worth over £150 billion to the UK economy.
  • Nearly half (47%) of farm businesses are tenanted and do not own their most valuable asset - the land they farm.
  • The average age of a farmer is 60.

Sources:

  • NFU's latest Farmer Favourability Survey
  • NFU submission to the government's Farm Profitability Review
  • NFU President Tom Bradshaw's statement on Back British Farming Day
  • Jane Bassett's comments as NFU Midlands regional board chair, representing farmers in the county and across the region
  • The Government's Farm Profitability Review
  • Imagestore.jmipa.uk webimages (various images of Tom Bradshaw, Back British Farming, Jane Bassett, and wildflowers for pollinators)