Eurobarometer survey shows huge public support for EU agriculture and rural areas
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The latest Eurobarometer survey reveals that 95% of Europeans consider agriculture and rural areas important for Europe's future. Similarly, 93% feel that securing a stable food supply for the EU is vital.
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The survey results show broad support for the common agricultural policy (CAP), with 70% believing that it benefits all Europeans, not just farmers. Providing safe, healthy and sustainable food of high quality is seen as the main objective of EU agriculture and rural development policy.
As key priorities for the future, more than half of Europeans cite ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers (55%) and a fair standard of living for farmers (53%). Citizens’ other priorities include securing a stable food supply in the EU (50%), protecting the environment and tackling climate change (47%), ensuring sustainable production of food (46%), and creating growth and jobs in rural areas (45%).
The EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food seeks to address these priorities, including fair income for farmers, sustainable production and creating opportunities for young people in rural areas.
The European Commission's proposal for the next CAP also aims to address these issues. It includes a minimum amount for farmers' income support, ring-fenced within the National and Regional Partnership Fund, to give farmers continued predictability and stability of their CAP support from the EU budget.
Explore the survey results in detail, including a report and country factsheets in English and other EU languages.
Discover the latest Rural Pact resources on agriculture and food, climate and the environment.