Consumers flying the flag for British farming
15 October 2009
Public opinion of British farmers and growers is high and on the increase according to a recent survey published by the NFU.
Results from the NFU's public perception 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 have strong views about the role of farmers and growers with the majority saying high priority should be placed on producing high quality food and providing the country with a secure food supply.
NFU Campaigns Officer, Jon Chinery said. "The NFU's Why Farming Matters campaign communicates the importance of farming and it's encouraging that these figures demonstrate that the public are starting to recognise this.
"Our campaign emphasises 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. UK farming can help by producing more food while having less impact on the environment."
Notes:
1. The Farmer Favourability survey is an internal survey completed annually for the NFU by England Marketing. It interviews men and women aged between18-65+ from all regions in England and Wales.
2. 97% of people rated 'growing quality foods' as a high priority for farmers.
3. 60% of participants believe farmers can help prevent climate change.
