Eurobarometer survey: Europeans back CAP, value food origin
95% say agriculture and rural areas matter for EU's future
24 September 2026
3 minute read
By: According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, 95% of Europeans consider agriculture and rural areas important for Europe's future, while 93% say that securing a stable food supply for the EU is crucial. An even larger share of Europeans believe that the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is delivering on its priorities. Regarding consumption habits, the quality and origin of food are the most important considerations for Europeans.
The growing recognition of agriculture's strategic importance goes hand in hand with broad support for the CAP. 70% of Europeans believe that it benefits all Europeans, pointing overwhelmingly to its achievements in securing a stable supply of food in the EU at all times (93%), ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers and sustainable management of natural resources (92%), and strengthening farmers' role in the food chain (91%). In addition, around 85% consider that increasing agricultural competitiveness is an important CAP priority.
Over two in three respondents agree that the CAP is delivering on protecting the environment and tackling climate change. Most respondents believe food security has increased or remained stable over the past ten years. Nonetheless, more than nine in ten recognise the impact that extreme weather events can have on food security and food supply.
For the first time, respondents were also asked how important they consider EU origin when buying food products. Almost eight in ten Europeans consider it an important or very important factor. Almost nine in ten point toward products being part of a short supply chain, and production being in line with higher environmental and animal welfare standards, as equally determining in their purchasing decisions, alongside quality labels.
Overall, quality and origin are key drivers for citizens when purchasing food. Building on this, the Commission will launch a new "European food" campaign, as announced in President von der Leyen's State of the Union speech last year.
When asked about trade, EU trade agreements continue to be viewed positively by citizens. Respondents consider that these agreements ensure a diversification of markets and supplies of agri-food products in the EU, enhance exports for EU agri-food products around the globe, and promote EU labour and environmental standards, including animal welfare, for agricultural production in other countries. At the same time, Europeans expect high standards for food entering the EU.
Providing safe, healthy, and sustainable food of high quality is seen as the main objective of EU agriculture and rural development policy. More than half of Europeans cite ensuring reasonable food prices for consumers (55%) and ensuring a fair standard of living for farmers (53%) as key priorities for the future. Other priorities include securing a stable supply of food in the EU (50%), protecting the environment and tackling climate change (47%), ensuring a sustainable way to produce food (46%), and creating growth and jobs in rural areas (45%).
The Commission's Vision for Food and Agriculture already seeks to address these priorities, including fair income for farmers, sustainable production, and creating opportunities for young people in rural areas. The Commission's proposal for the next CAP also aims to address these issues. Among other measures, it proposes a minimum amount for farmers' income support, which would be ring-fenced within the National and Regional Partnership Fund so that farmers continue to have predictability and stabili
"It is encouraging to see such strong public support for European agriculture and our farmers," said Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. "These results show that we are aligned with our citizens on the priorities that matter most: ensuring safe, high-quality food, supporting farmers and strengthening rural areas, while protecting our environment. The Common Agricultural Policy is central to delivering on these priorities and supporting farmers in meeting the expectations of European citizens."
