Britons are hungry for climate action – and supporting farmers is one of our top priorities

It’s been a pretty torrid time for the farming community across the country of late. Off the back of one of the worst harvests on record in 2025 and with significant concerns around proposed changes to inheritance tax rules, tractors lining the streets of Westminster in protest are now a common occurrence. 

But where do British people stand when it comes to valuing the farming community? Our new research out this week shows that people overwhelmingly understand the threats farmers face from climate change – and want to see them protected.

In surveys and focus groups conducted across the country, our research shows the public by and large have made the connection between a warming climate and threats to future food supply. When asked to rank what the Government’s priorities for climate policy should be, the top answer was protecting our food supply and supporting British farmers. The warm sentiment towards those who ensure our shelves are stocked extends beyond the rural areas that you might expect – it’s a priority across the seven British segments.  for different regions, age groups and backgrounds.

59% of people see farmers as more likely to suffer from the impacts of climate change than other groups of society, whilst the impact of unpredictable weather is people’s top worry about the future challenges facing the farming community.

In a big year for our country and the planet, the research tells us that pitching climate action against the interests of farmers is not what people want to see. We’re a nation that feels very warm towards farming and recognises the vital role they play in feeding us, a unique dependency we could not live without. In 2026 it is vital that policy makers and communicators reflect this strong support when making decisions.

Check out our insights and strategic recommendations, as part of our Britain Talks Climate & and Nature series.