Support for EU's common agricultural policy is at its highest level ever

TALLINN - According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, support for the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) has reached an all-time high.

The level of public awareness for the CAP is at its highest level since 2007, with 78 percent of respondents across the EU, and 74 percent in Estonia, saying they are aware of the EU's common agricultural policy. Over 70 percent of respondents across the EU, and 75 percent in Estonia, agree that the EU, through the CAP, is fulfilling its role in providing safe, healthy and sustainable food of high quality. This demonstrates a clear understanding and acute awareness of the key role EU agricultural policies play, the European Commission representation in Estonia said.

Christophe Hansen, the EU commissioner for agriculture and food, noted in a press release that EU citizens are showing unprecedented awareness and support for the CAP.

"It has become a real building block of European integration and shows the importance of farmers and agriculture in our society. Our citizens trust our policies to help farmers provide safe food, adopt environmentally-friendly practices and boost employment in rural areas. This is a real European success story, shaping a sustainable future for all," he said.

Most EU citizens -- 81 percent across the EU and 78 percent in Estonia -- believe that the EU, through the CAP, is fulfilling its role in securing a stable supply of food at all times. Furthermore, around seven in ten respondents, or 72 percent across the EU and 69 percent in Estonia, believe that the CAP contributes to sustainable management of natural resources, the development of research and digital solutions to support agriculture and food sectors -- 71 percent of respondents across the EU and 67 percent in Estonia, and strengthening the role of farmers in the food chain -- 70 percent of respondents across the EU and 67 percent in Estonia.

In addition, the CAP helps boost investment and growth, and creation of jobs in agriculture and food sectors, according to 70 percent of respondents across the EU and 68 percent in Estonia, tackle climate change -- according to 70 percent of respondents across the EU and 59 percent in Estonia, and ensuring reasonable food prices -- 69 percent of respondents across the EU and 65 percent in Estonia. More than six in ten respondents also believe that the CAP helps reduce regional disparities -- 66 percent of respondents across the EU and 60 percent in Estonia, and encourages young people to join the agricultural sector -- 63 percent of respondents across the EU and 60 percent in Estonia.

The survey also reveals a strong appreciation for farmers among EU citizens as 92 percent both across the EU and in Estonia say that, in the EU, agriculture and rural areas are important for our future, with 52 percent considering them "very important." More than half, 56 percent, and 48 percent in Estonia, indicate that the level of EU financial support to farmers to help stabilize their income is right. Eighty-eight percent of respondents across the EU and 80 percent in Estonia are in favor of the EU continuing making subsidy payments to farmers for carrying out agricultural practices beneficial to the climate and the environment. The results also show that 62 percent of respondents across the EU and 54 percent in Estonia agree that agriculture has already made a major contribution in fighting climate change.

In terms of priorities and expectations, an overwhelming majority of respondents replied that securing a stable supply of food in the EU at all times, 94 percent across the EU and 92 percent in Estonia, ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers, 92 percent and 94 percent, ensuring sustainable management of natural resources, 91 percent and 89 percent, and strengthening the farmer's role in the food chain, 90 percent and 86 percent, are important.

EU trade agreements are widely seen as a success by Europeans, with a large majority believing they bring significant benefits to EU agriculture and consumers. Specifically, 76 percent across the EU and 78 percent in Estonia agree that these agreements ensure diversification of markets and supplies of agricultural products in the EU. More than seven in ten, or 73 percent across the EU and 72 percent in Estonia, think that these trade deals enhance exports for EU agricultural products around the globe, while respectively 71 percent and 67 percent believe that they promote EU labor and environmental standards, including animal welfare for agricultural production in other countries.

This is the eighth Eurobarometer survey on "Europeans, Agriculture and the CAP," conducted in all 27 EU member states between June 13 and July 8, 2024. A total of 26,349 respondents from different social and demographic groups were interviewed in their national language.