Europeans show strong support for EU farm policy and local food, survey reveals
A Eurobarometer survey finds that 95% of Europeans view agriculture and rural areas as vital to the EU's future, and 93% consider stable food supply essential. The survey shows broad backing for the Common Agricultural Policy, with majorities crediting it for food security, environmental protection, and climate action. Consumers increasingly prioritize quality and origin, with nearly eight in ten valuing EU-origin products.
The survey marks the first time Eurobarometer has measured consumer attitudes toward EU-origin food products, with roughly eight in ten respondents citing origin as a purchase factor. Short supply chains and production standards matching higher environmental and animal welfare expectations ranked nearly as high, alongside quality labels, as decisive buying criteria.
Commissioner Christophe Hansen framed the results as validation of alignment between EU policy direction and citizen priorities. The findings arrive as the Commission prepares a "European food" campaign announced in last year's State of the Union address, and as negotiations continue on the next CAP framework, which proposes ring-fenced minimum income support for farmers within national and regional partnership funds.
These findings could strengthen the Commission's hand in CAP negotiations, giving policymakers a public mandate for continued farm subsidies and tighter origin-labeling rules. Consumers may see more prominent EU-origin marketing and potentially higher prices if shorter supply chains become policy targets. Farmers could benefit from reinforced income guarantees, while food retailers may face pressure to adjust sourcing practices. The survey's emphasis on climate resilience also may push food-security planning higher on national agendas across member states.