Farmers second only to nurses in respect, NFU survey reveals

As Britain marks the 10th Back British Farming Day, farmers have once again been ranked the UK’s second most-respected profession – behind only nurses – according to the NFU’s latest Farmer Favourability Survey.

This is the third consecutive year farmers have held this position.

In addition, 77% trust British farmers and growers to uphold higher food standards than overseas producers.

See also: Farmers gear up for 10th Back British Farming Day

The survey also reveals that 92% of people value a productive farming sector, and 89% want British farms to grow as much food as possible to support national food security.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “British farming is the bedrock of the country’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – worth over £150bn to the economy and supporting more than 4m jobs.

“We must also recognise and invest in the people who make it possible: our farmers and growers.”

Public ‘behind farmers’

He added: “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, economy, and environment.

“And clearly, the public is behind us.”

With a new Defra leadership team in place, the NFU is urging the government to reflect this public support through policies that genuinely value domestic food production and farming’s environmental contributions.

Mr Bradshaw also highlighted the NFU’s submission to Defra’s farm profitability review, which outlines the potential for government to improve competitiveness, underpin food security, and help meet environmental targets.

“Key to the long-term future of our farms is improving the profitability of sustainable food production,” he said.

IHT rethink urged

A key policy concern is inheritance tax reform, with 66% of survey respondents saying the government should reverse plans to introduce farm inheritance tax next April – dubbed the “family farm tax” by the NFU and others.

“One simple thing the government can do is the right thing on inheritance tax – to avoid bereaved farming families facing unaffordable tax bills, something we know the public supports,” said Mr Bradshaw.

The annual Back British Farming event showcases widespread public appreciation while calling on policymakers to provide meaningful support for British farming.

The Farmer Favourability Survey was conducted between 23 May and 4 June 2025, with responses from 2,000 members of the public.