For the first time in Gallup's 20 years of tracking Americans' views of various business and industry sectors, farming and agriculture has risen to the top of the list.
During the July 30-Aug. 12 poll, American were asked whether they’re overall view of a business sector was very positive, somewhat positive, neutral, somewhat negative or very negative.
This year's rankings reflect significant changes in the ratings of six industries, three of which are delivering vital goods and services to Americans during the pandemic. Health care, farming and pharmaceuticals all rated more positively this year than in 2019.
Farming and agriculture already ranked among the top-rated industries before 2020, but it moved to No. 1 with a 69% positive rating - an 11% increase.
With a 13-point increase to 51%, the health care industry advanced from the third-lowest ranked industry to near the middle of the pack. This is the first time in the 20 years of Gallup measurement that a majority of Americans have rated health care positively.
The pharmaceutical industry's positive rating has increased seven points to 34%. The industry is now the second-lowest rated on a net basis.
Former top-ranking industries — restaurants and computers — remain in the top four, with the grocery industry rounding out the group.
Source: Gallup