Cambridgeshire farmers are saying a huge “thank you” to people for their overwhelming support of the work they do to feed the nation and care for the countryside.
Farmers and growers in and around Cambridgeshire marked Back British Farming Day on September 13.
The day celebrates food production and the public’s appreciation of a job they have ranked as one of the most important and well-respected professions in the country, second only to nursing, according to an NFU survey.
The public has also backed the NFU’s call for the government to prioritise homegrown food production and legislate to ensure the UK’s self-sufficiency does not drop below its current level of 60 per cent.
Chairman of the Cambridgeshire branch of the NFU, Mat Smith said: “Back British Farming Day gives the opportunity to highlight the diversity of work being done on farms across Cambridgeshire.
“Farms growing crops such as blueberries, lettuces, apples and wheat or raising livestock whilst at the same time managing areas for environmental benefits. Farms have, and always will be at the centre of rural communities.
“We are pleased that people have shown their support and appreciation for what we do, and we thank them for their continued support.”
Minette Batters, NFU president, said: “Britain’s farmers and growers are truly inspirational, and it is heart-warming to know the public really value the work we do in producing fantastic homegrown food.
“This food underpins the British food and farming sector and is worth more than £100 billion to the national economy, all while protecting and enhancing our landscapes.”
Minette added: “As these survey results show, the public really appreciate what Britain’s farmers and growers do day-in, day-out.
“90 per cent of the public feel farming is important to the UK economy while 81 per cent agreed that British farms should grow as much food as they can to provide national food security.
“On this Back British Farming Day, we appreciate this public support more than ever and want to say a massive thank you to everyone.”
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