A new poll unveiled at this year’s NFU Conference highlights overwhelming support from the public for British farmers and growers.
Ahead of the next General Election, 94% of respondents to a survey carried out by Deltapoll said it is important that government backs British farming and food production.
Meanwhile, 81% said that it’s important that the food they are buying is produced in Britain rather than imported from overseas.
The poll also revealed that nearly half of respondents believe the amount of money being spent by government on UK farming should be increased.
The online poll was carried out by Deltapoll, with 4,068 GB adults surveyed between January 26 to February 5.
Minette Batters, who stood down as NFU president at the end of the conference on Wednesday, said: “This new research clearly shows two key things; first that food is something that connects with people, both in the head and the heart, and second that farming is important to everyone in this country, whether they live in rural areas or not.
“It comes as no surprise that the British public want whoever is in power to demonstrate how they plan to boost sustainable home-grown food production and care for the environment.
“Support for British food and farming will be a deciding factor in the general election and all political parties should take note.”
During the conference, Mrs Batters urged all politcal parties to commit to making food security and sustainable food producution a priority, ahead of a likely election this year. She urged party leaders to commit to giving food security the same strategic priority as energy security, and sustainable food production the same ambition as legislated environmental targets.