The point was raised during the question session after the presentation of the results of the consultation. It was in response to a question asked about supports for those living near the poverty line.

Ensuring a fair standard of living should be the highest priority according to the study, with 88% of respondents recognising farm incomes as lower than the EU average.

Some 97% of respondents admitted that farmers only receive a small amount of the consumer price for food.

Direct income support was seen as the best method to counteract this, with 66% citing this.

Environment

The environment was also highlighted in numerous areas of the results, with Commissioner Phil Hogan saying in his speech on Friday that two thirds of farmers are willing to do more for the environment.

The study outlined that farmers should be encouraged to play their part in tackling climate change and protecting the environment, biodiversity, reducing soil degradation and ensuring a more sustainable use of pesticides and fertilisers.

The results of the public consultation, which was a part of the “CAP, Have Your Say” conference, were announced on Friday morning.

Over 320,000 people from all members’ states submitted replies to the survey which aimed to gather feedback on what people thought of the CAP at present and where it could improve.

The study was launched on 2 February and ran until 2 May 2017.

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