Most people have a favourable view of British farming, according to a survey.

Ipswich Star: National Farmers' Union president Meurig Raymond. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PANational Farmers' Union president Meurig Raymond. Picture: JOE GIDDENS/PA

According to the 2017 results of the National Farmers’ Union’s (NFU) annual Farmer Favourability survey - the first since the UK’s vote to leave the EU - 68% of the public has a favourable or very favourable view of British farming, while 90% think farming is important to the UK economy.

Of those polled, 89% think it is important to have a productive farming industry and 64% trust British food more than food from the rest of the world

Two thirds of people often or always specifically look for British food when shopping.

NFU president Meurig Raymond said: “The results of this survey will make for welcome news for the farming sector.

“It’s clear the public recognise the strategic importance of farming in feeding the country, looking after the countryside and contributing to the economy.

“Public support is vital to the British farming industry. It sends a strong message to the MPs and decision-makers who have a huge opportunity during Brexit negotiations to create a political environment where farming can really thrive. This support will be instrumental for the British farming sector in the coming months and years ahead.”