News

• The Eurobarometer survey conducted by the European Commission between May and June 2026 shows that 95% of Europeans support agriculture and rural areas in Europe.
• 89% of the European population supports continuing payments to farmers for practices that benefit the climate and the environment
• 48% of those surveyed want the European Union to increase its financial support for farmers over the next ten years

Agriculture and rural areas continue to hold significant weight in the perceptions of European citizens. This is reflected in the latest Eurobarometer survey on agriculture and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) , conducted by the European Commission (EC) between May and June 2016 in the 27 Member States. A total of 26,456 people from different social and demographic groups participated in the survey.

The results show a high regard for the role of agriculture and rural areas in the future of the European Union (EU), as well as broad support for issues related to food security, support for those working in agriculture, and practices that benefit the climate and the environment. Furthermore, the study analyzes the level of awareness of the Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP ) and public perceptions of its contribution to various areas.

Agriculture linked to the future of Europe

The importance of agriculture and rural areas remains high among European citizens. 95% of those surveyed consider both important for the future of the EU, a perception that has remained high since these surveys began in 2007.

Knowledge of European policies aimed at the sector also reaches a broad majority:

• 71% say they have heard about the support that the EU provides to farmers and livestock breeders through the CAP.

• 70% believe that the CAP benefits all European citizens and not just the agricultural sector.

• 60% believe that the CAP encourages young people to join the agricultural sector.

Food safety, proximity and quality

Ensuring food supply is also a high priority for citizens. 93% of those surveyed consider it crucial to guarantee a stable food supply in the EU, while 78% believe the CAP contributes to achieving this.

When evaluating food products, origin and production conditions also play a significant role. The main aspects highlighted by participants are:

• 89% consider it important that food be part of short supply chains .

• 89% value that the products have been manufactured respecting high standards of environmental protection and animal welfare.

• 79% consider it important that the food has been produced in the European Union .

The Eurobarometer also analyzes awareness of the main European quality labels . 58% recognize the organic production logo, while 25% identify the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) logo, 20% the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) logo, and 18% the Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) logo.

More support for farmers and their role in the rural economy

The survey also captures public perceptions of financial support for the agricultural sector. 55% consider the level of EU financial support aimed at helping farmers stabilize their income to be adequate.

Looking ahead to the next ten years, 48% of those surveyed support increasing this funding. Furthermore, a majority believe that the CAP contributes to various aspects of economic activity and territorial development.

• 68% believe it boosts investment and growth and promotes employment in the agricultural and food sectors.

• 66% believe it contributes to reducing inequalities between European regions and territories.

• 70% believe it helps to address climate change .

Support for environmentally beneficial practices

The environmental dimension also enjoys broad support. 89% of citizens are in favor of the EU continuing to make payments to farmers and livestock breeders who implement agricultural practices that benefit the climate and the environment, a percentage that has increased compared to the previous Eurobarometer survey.

Regarding the contribution of the CAP , respondents believe that:

• 71% believe it helps to ensure sustainable management of natural resources.

• 70% believe it contributes to ensuring a sustainable way of producing food .

• 67% say that it contributes to protecting the environment and addressing climate change.

Overall, the Eurobarometer results show a high regard for agriculture and rural areas among European citizens and widespread recognition of the role of the CAP in areas such as food security, support for the agricultural sector, territorial development and environmental protection.