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NFU Back British Farming Day: Survey reveals farmers ranked second most respected profession in UK

As the British public once again shows unwavering support for British farmers and growers, the NFU said now is the time to make a strong case for farming as Defra welcomes its new ministers into office

clock • 3 min read
NFU Back British Farming Day: Survey reveals farmers ranked second most respected profession in UK

The NFU's latest Farmer Favourability Survey found the public values farmers for producing high-quality food, caring for animals and protecting the countryside, often in the face of extreme weather and economic pressure. 

Farmers were ranked the second most respected profession in the UK, with nurses at the top.  

The survey also revealed that 92% of people feel it is important Britain has a productive farming sector and 89% say British farms should grow as much food as possible to support national food security. 

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More than three-quarters of respondents trust British food more than food from the rest of the world. 

The union said that the new ministers in Defra provide an opportunity to make a strong case for farming to its new top team.  

As the NFU takes Back British Farming Day once again to Westminster, it is calling on the Government to recognise and reflect on this continued public support with policies that truly value domestic food production and farming's environmental delivery. 

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "British farming is the bedrock of the country's largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – worth over £150 billion to the economy and supporting more than four million jobs. Just as we rightly celebrate the strength of our food and drink sector, we must also recognise and invest in the people who make it possible: our farmers and growers. 

"Back British Farming Day is about recognising the value of our farmers – not just for the food they produce, but for the role they play in our communities, our economy and our environment. And clearly, the public is behind us. 

"Over 40,000 people agree that children should learn more about agriculture in schools – which is why NFU Education runs programmes like Farmers for Schools, where farmer ambassadors visit secondary schools to share their experiences and challenge misconceptions about farming.  

"We have also recently launched the AgriFuture Scholarship Programme, a new initiative with the Outward Bound Trust and the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society that offers mentoring, outdoor learning and career inspiration for young people from underrepresented backgrounds." 

Farmers continue to invest billions in the wider economy, support rural tourism and diversify their businesses to stay resilient. But to secure the future of British farming, the NFU is calling for urgent action to improve farm profitability, protect domestic food production and ensure fair standards in trade. 

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Mr Bradshaw said: "Key to the long-term future of our farms is improving the profitability of sustainable food production.  

"One simple thing the government can do is the right thing on inheritance tax to avoid bereaved farming families having to fork out for an unaffordable tax bil, something we know the public stands behind." 

 "Our submission to the government's 51AVÊÓÆµProfitability Review outlines how it has the potential to improve competitiveness and profitability, helping to underpin national food security and meet our domestic environmental targets. 

 "As we mark ten years of Back British Farming Day, the NFU remains committed to championing a thriving future for British agriculture, one built on public trust, political partnership and pride in our homegrown food."

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