EU residents show support for farming

An overwhelming majority (90%) of Europeans regard agriculture and rural areas as important for the future, according to a survey.

The Eurobarometer survey conducted by TNS last winter found that while European citizens placed importance on agriculture, most had limited knowledge about the CAP. About four-in-ten interviewees (41%) had heard or read about the EU agricultural and rural development policy.

Respondents suggested that the main priority for the CAP should be to ensure agricultural products were of good quality, healthy and safe (59%). Ensuring reasonable food prices (49%), protecting the environment and ensuring a fair standard of living for farmers (both 41%) were also given a high position on the public agenda.

The CAP was perceived to perform “fairly well” for securing food supply in the EU, ensuring that agricultural products were of good quality, healthy and safe and favouring methods of organic farming.

But, the policy was viewed as performing “fairly badly” for the protection of family-type farms and ensuring a fair standard of living for farmers – 83% of respondents were in favour of the EU continuing to support farmers’ income.