A new survey by OnePoll1 demonstrates the strength of
feeling among the British public when it comes to upholding the
UK’s high food standards in trade negotiations, with 85% of
people saying they want future trade deals to protect UK farmers
from being undercut by cheaper, sub-standard food imports.
As the government is striking trade deals around the world and
developing its domestic food policy, the results from the NFU’s
annual Farmer Favourability Survey clearly show that the public
want to see Britain’s climate-friendly, high-welfare way of
farming championed both at home and abroad.
Of the respondents, 84% said that trade deals should ensure
environmental farming standards for imports are the same as the
UK’s and 86% felt it’s important that animal welfare standards
also match our own.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “It’s fantastic to see
record-high support for British food and farming maintained over
the course of what has been a challenging year for everyone, and
to see our environmental and welfare credentials recognised
alongside an appreciation for quality food.
“As the government develops its new agriculture and trade
policies, as well as its first ever UK food strategy, this is a
clear message from the British public that they value and trust
British food.
“They have demonstrated time and time again that animal welfare
and sustainability are not things they are going to overlook,
whether it’s food produced here or overseas, and it’s important
that these values are at the forefront and embedded in every
policy decision.
“The survey results are clear – no one wants to see UK farmers
being put out of business by food imports that fail to meet our
own high animal welfare and environmental standards. Yet this
remains a real risk, especially if future trade deals with the
likes of New Zealand, Mexico, Canada and the USA – all major
exporters – allow tariff-free access to our markets. It’s hard to
not think the Australian deal has set a precedent but multiple
deals in the same vein will have serious and lasting impacts on
Britain’s ability to produce its own food.
“We recognise the huge role trade plays in determining the future
of food production in this country, and the importance of a trade
and domestic farm policy that works hand in hand. This means that
while many will be looking for quick-fix solutions to the climate
crisis, as well as a growing health crisis, we must avoid
pursuing a trade policy that would exacerbate the global
situation by simply incentivising lower standard production
abroad. Instead, we should promote the UK’s leading role in
high-welfare, climate-friendly farming and support our farmers in
selling more great British food abroad.”
The survey results also show an unwavering support for British
food and farming as the record-breaking level of support reached
at the start of the pandemic has continued this year, with 75% of
people voicing a positive view of UK farming. The values British
farming represents are the top reasons for this support with
respondent citing the quality of UK produce, high animal welfare
standards and environmental work as key reasons.
-ends-
Notes to editor:
- Commissioned by the NFU, the OnePoll Farmer Favourability
Survey was undertaken by 2000 adults across England and Wales
between 17 and 22 June 2021. Other findings from the survey
include:
- 75% of respondents said they trust British food more than
food from the rest of the world.
- 84% of respondents support clearer labelling of British food.
- 73% of the public often or always look specifically for
British food when shopping. This is the highest figure seen to
date since the start of the survey in 2012.
- 42% of Londoners reported a more favourable view than 12
months ago.
- Similarly to 2020, 88% of the public that feel that it is
important that Britain has a productive farming industry.
