Most Europeans consider agriculture and rural areas important for Europe’s future.
Another93% say that securing a stable food supply for the EU is “crucial.”
This is according to the latest Eurobarometer published on 22 September.
An even larger share of Europeans believe that the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is delivering on its priorities, it finds.
Regarding consumption habits, the quality and origin of food are the most important considerations for Europeans.
EU agricultural policy is delivering
The growing recognition of agriculture’s strategic importance seems to go hand in hand with broad support for the CAP.
Some 70% of Europeans believe that it benefits all Europeans, pointing overwhelmingly to its achievements in securing a stable supply of food in the EU at all times (93%), ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers and sustainable management of natural resources (92%), and strengthening farmers’ role in the food chain (91%).
In addition, around 85% consider that increasing agricultural competitiveness is an important CAP priority, says the survey.
Over two in three respondents agree that the CAP is delivering on protecting the environment and tackling climate change.
Most respondents believe food security has increased or remained stable over the past ten years. Nonetheless, more than nine in ten recognise the impact that extreme weather events can have on food security and food supply.
For the first time, respondents were also asked how important they consider EU origin when buying food products. Almost eight in ten Europeans consider it as an important or very important factor.
Almost nine in ten point toward products being part of a short supply chain, and production being in line with higher environmental and animal welfare standards as equally determining in their purchasing decisions, together with quality labels.
Overall, quality and origin are key drivers for citizens when purchasing food. Building on this, the Commission says it will launch a new ‘European food’ campaign, as announced in President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent state of the union address.
When asked about trade, EU trade agreements continue to be viewed positively by citizens.
The survey says EU citizens consider that they ensure a diversification of markets and supplies of agri-food products in the EU, enhancing exports for EU agri-food products around the globe and promoting EU labour and environmental standards, including animal welfare, for agricultural production in other countries. At the same time, Europeans expect high standards for food entering the EU.
A look to the future of agriculture
An EC spokesman said, “Providing safe, healthy and sustainable food of high quality is seen as the main objective of EU agriculture and rural development policy.”
More than half of Europeans cite ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers (55%) and ensuring a fair standard of living for farmers (53%) as key priorities for the future. Other priorities include securing a stable supply of food in the EU (50%), protecting the environment and tackling climate change (47%), ensuring a sustainable way to produce food (46%), and creating growth and jobs in rural areas (45%).
