This year has challenged the farming sector like none other. Farming businesses have been impacted by the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus health pandemic, the UK EU trade negotiations and the Agriculture Bill have been at the fore and significant changes are expected following the EU transition period.

In addition, ahead of the international climate change summit COP26 next year and driven by plans for post a COVID-19 recovery, climate change and a green recovery have received heightened attention.

The NFU Confidence Survey has been running for over a decade and has tracked the impact of changes in the sector and provided a useful evidence base for our lobbying and campaigning work.

The survey assesses, among other issues; confidence farmers have in their business, external factors that may impact businesses, intentions to invest, business longevity, lending experiences, and this year additional questions on the impact of coronavirus, understanding around net zero and thoughts about conditions when the transition period with the EU ends this year.

NFU economist Priya Punj said:

“Farmer business confidence is vitally important for a profitable, productive and progressive food and farming sector. Confidence feeds through to investment which determines the future of the sector.

"In view of the ongoing political and economy uncertainty, it is now more important than ever to hear farmer views and experiences, so please take a few minutes to respond. Your responses help shape and inform the evidence behind our policy asks.”

The results of the 2019 survey can be read here.

More from NFUonline:

• Coronavirus news and information
• Latest on EU exit and international trade talks
• The seven key things that will help farmers manage the process of leaving the EU