Farmers remain a trusted profession

After a tumultuous 2009, farmers were 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 2010.

“While we’ve slipped one place from 2009 to sixteenth overall, I’m delighted with the result given last year was tumultuous to say the least,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.

“If we look at Cadbury’s decline in the brands category, I was steeling myself for a similar result for agriculture.

“I actually think we’re in respectable company being sandwiched right between chefs and scientists. We’re only a few places below dentists and judges, so the company is more than respectable.

“Farmers have a great story to tell and a great product to talk about. We have our moments but I think this shows how the general public sees us as honest people who take great care about what we do.

“I think it’s our job to demystify what goes on in farming as we want people to see and seize the fantastic opportunities that exist in agriculture both on and off farm.

“While I’m saddened to drop one place from last year, I think the public is starting to see through the vilification and spin.

“I’m happy farming is the sixteenth most trusted profession in New Zealand,” Mr Nicolson concluded.

For further information contact:

Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President, 027 226 6331

Readers Digest New Zealand's Most Trusted Professions 2010

1. Firefighters
2. Ambulance officers
3. Pilots
4. Nurses
5. Doctors
6. Pharmacists
7. Veterinarians
8. Armed forces
9. Police officers
10. Teachers
11. Judges
12. Childcare providers
13. Dentists
14. B Bus/train drivers
15. Scientists
16. Farmers
17. Chefs
18. H Hairdressers
19. Psychologists/counsellors
20. B Baristas
21. Plumbers
22. Accountants
23. Mechanics
24. Roof insulation installers
25. Religious ministers
26. Weather forecasters
27. Charity collectors
28. Lawyers
29. Taxi drivers
30. Domestic cleaners
31. Fast-food servers
32. Financial planners
33. CEOs
34. Tow truck drivers
35. Journalists
36. Real estate agents
37. Car salesmen
38. Sex workers
39. Politicians
40. Telemarketers