Public support for British food and farming is at an all-time high, according to the NFU.
A survey commissioned by the farmers’ union south of the border, and conducted by OnePoll, found 75% of people have a positive view of UK farming.
This is up from 69% in June 2019 and the highest figure reported in the annual survey since it launched in 2012.
The survey also found 88% of the public feel it is important Britain has a productive farming industry – the highest figure for three years.
It also found 89% believe farming is fairly or very important to the UK economy and 77% believe farmers should continue to receive financial support after Brexit – up from 85% and 73% respectively in 2019.
“Like the rest of the nation, our farmers have had a challenging year and it’s fantastic to see that the British public has recognised the efforts of growers and producers across the country in keeping us fed,” said NFU president, Minette Batters.
“With the ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19 and the potential for a no-deal Brexit looming large I, along with my fellow farmers, remain extremely thankful for this huge show of public support and the increasing value they place on quality British food.
“Understanding and supporting our food supply chain has never been more important.”
She said public support for the British farming sector was evident through support for an NFU petition, which gathered more than one million signatures and was backed by celebrity chefs, calling for government to ensure any future trade deals do not lead to an increase in food imports that would be illegal to produce in the UK.
Almost 80,000 people also wrote to their MP asking them to support the introduction of a Trade and Agriculture Commission to oversee future trade deals – this has since been established.