EU questions enlarged EU on CAP satisfaction
According to the findings of a recent survey carried out on 25,000 people in all 25 member states for the first time since the enlargement, two thirds of European Union (EU) citizens support the recent shift in spending under the Common Agricultural Policy. There is strong support for the move away from production support towards direct aid to farmers and greater assistance to the overall rural economy.
According to the survey, 29% of Europeans (compared to 20% in 2003 and 2002), recognise the importance of information on the geographical origin of the food and the role that the CAP plays in this respect. Most respondents agree the main priority for the CAP remains ensuring a stable and adequate income for farmers (36%). The second most important priority is to ensure that agricultural products are healthy and safe (30%) and the third (28%) is to promote the respect of the environment.
Europeans are, in general, satisfied with the CAP reforms and the move towards a more cost effective and market-orientated system that benefits both consumers and farmers. In the EU-15 in particular there has been an increase in positive opinion towards the role played by the programme. This is especially the case in countries such as France (+9%),
