Most Europeans Think CAP is Important

EUROPEAN UNION - Over 80 per cent of survey respondents consider the role of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) "very or fairly important" for stimulating jobs and growth and for supporting the role of the farmer in the food chain, according to a new eurobarometer survey.
calendar icon 8 January 2016
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Respondents also agree that the CAP contributes to improving trade relations between the EU and the rest of the world (66 per cent agree) and to the smooth running of the EU single market (65 per cent agree).

Commenting on the survey, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, said: "I welcome the growing importance that citizens are putting on agriculture and rural areas, and appreciate that 70 per cent of Europeans believe that the EU is fulfilling its role in securing the European food supply.

"I also welcome the indications that EU citizens understand how the CAP is contributing to investment, growth and jobs. These will feed into our deliberations when determining EU policy for the future."

The outcome of the survey also highlights the importance for the future that the general public puts on agriculture and rural areas (>90 per cent) and confirms the trend from previous surveys which shows increasing concern about the future of agriculture and rural areas as well as improved awareness of the CAP.

A large majority of Europeans are in favour of the EU continuing to pay farmers for carrying out agricultural practices that are beneficial to the climate and the environment (87 per cent, vs. 6 per cent "opposed").

The aim of this Special Eurobarometer Survey was to understand the relationship between Europeans and agriculture, by exploring the level of importance they attach to agriculture, understanding their view of the role of the farmer and what they believe are the main objectives of the EU with regards to agriculture.

Further Reading

You can view the full report by clicking here.

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