BackThe European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food sets out priorities for building a resilient, competitive and attractive agricultural sector for future generations. But to what extent do these priorities align with the expectations of European citizens?
EXPERTISE
Evidence
The latest Eurobarometer survey on agriculture and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) suggests that many of these priorities resonate strongly with Europeans.
In particular, ensuring a stable food supply across the EU is seen as a key priority, with 93% of Europeans considering it important. The findings also show strong support for strengthening farmers' role in the food chain, maintaining high production standards and enhancing the competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector.
Citizens also express strong support for maintaining high standards throughout the agri-food chain. Nearly nine in ten Europeans (89%) agree that imported agricultural products should only enter the EU if they comply with standards comparable to those applied within the European Union. This opinion is widely shared in all EU Member States, ranging from 75% in Estonia to 96% in Hungary. It is also broadly consistent across socio-demographic groups, although agreement is somewhat higher among respondents with a positive image of the EU (both 92%) than among those with a negative image (83%).
This echoes the Vision's emphasis on fair competition and reflects concerns that European farmers should not be placed at a disadvantage by having to comply with stricter requirements than their international competitors.
Taken together, the findings suggest that Europeans view food security and fair competition as closely connected objectives. As discussions on the future of the CAP continue, the survey highlights broad support for an agricultural sector that can simultaneously provide a secure food supply, maintain high standards and ensure fair competition for European farmers.
Disclaimer: The Eurobarometer surveys are conducted under a contract with the European Commission and the European Parliament. The views expressed in this presentation are solely ours.
