Farmers more trusted than lawyers and accountants

Farmers are again ranked in the top half of New Zealand’s most trusted occupations, according to the Readers Digest New Zealand's Most Trusted Professions for 2009.

“I’m pleased to see farmers are ranked more highly than lawyers, accountants and a lot higher than corporate chief executives,” says Frank Brenmuhl, Vice-President of Federated Farmers.

“The fact we have slipped two places from 13th in 2008, probably reflects consumers wrongly fingering farmers for the cost of basic necessities when in fact, it’s the supermarkets.

“Despite this, the profession’s high ranking still shows the instinctive respect New Zealanders have for the people who grow their food and fibre. Every New Zealander has a stake in our success.

“Farmers have a great story to tell and as the first Federated Farmers Farm Day showed earlier this year, people with no connection to farming are keen to learn more. It was also encouraging to hear the number of people who saw Federated Farmers at the National Fieldays, asking how they could become everything from an organic dairy farmer through to becoming a sheep and beef farmer.

“Federated Farmers is increasingly keen to show that the environment and agriculture are not mutually exclusive. Modern farming is about being open, upfront and honest about successes as well as where we need to do better.

“Very soon we will be announcing the 2010 date for Federated Farmers Farm Day. We look forward to widening and promoting this event in 2010 to showcase our entire profession and its many opportunities.

“Farmers work extremely hard in all sorts of weather and conditions to be the best they can be on and off farm. I am happy to see this reciprocated by being voted the 15th most trusted profession in New Zealand,” Mr Brenmuhl concluded.