The latest Eurobarometer reinforces public support for the Common Agricultural Policy and shows that European origin is becoming an increasingly important purchasing criterion, with significant implications for exporters from third countries seeking access to the EU market.
The European Commission survey shows overwhelming public support for farming and livestock production: 95% of respondents consider them important for Europe’s future, while 93% believe ensuring a stable food supply is essential.
Support for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is broad, with 70% believing it benefits all Europeans. Its most widely recognized contributions are ensuring a stable food supply, maintaining reasonable prices and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. More than 85% believe that increasing agricultural competitiveness should be a CAP priority, while more than two-thirds positively assess its role in protecting the environment and combating climate change.
The most relevant finding for international trade appeared in the survey for the first time: nearly eight out of ten Europeans consider EU origin an important or very important factor when purchasing food. This is accompanied by three requirements that nine out of ten consumers regard as decisive: that the product comes from a short supply chain, that it is produced under stricter environmental and animal welfare standards, and that it carries quality labels.
Regarding trade, Europeans value international agreements insofar as they diversify markets and promote European labor and environmental standards in third countries. At the same time, however, they demand those same standards for food entering the bloc.
