Farmers and growers have gone up in the public’s opinion as respect for the role of high-quality food continues to climb, a National Farmers’ Union (NFU) survey has revealed.

Results from the poll 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, favourability 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 the number of those with an unfavourable 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.

“Across the country, people know that farmers are working hard to fulfil a multitude of obligations and consumers are starting to vote with their shopping baskets,” she said.

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