A survey of over 28,000 EU citizens in the 28 member states was carried out in early December 2017 and among the main findings is the acknowledgement that a clear majority of citizens (55%) see "providing safe, healthy and good quality food" as one of the main responsibilities of farmers.

When asked about the priorities for the CAP, 62% of respondents said that "providing safe, healthy and good quality food" should be the top priority for the EU’s CAp – a 6% rise on the 2015 survey.

Reflecting the increasing emphasis on CAP's contribution to the environment and climate challenge, 50% of citizens said that "protecting the environment and tacking climate change" should be the main objective of the CAP – also which 6% increase on 2015.

CAP support

Awareness of CAP remains high, with more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents having heard of the support that the EU gives farmers. There has been little change in this figure over the past two surveys, going back to 2013.

At least half of the respondents in all but one country had heard of the CAP.

CAP performance

In terms of performance, almost three-quarters of Europeans think that the CAP is fulfilling its role in securing a stable supply of food in the EU, thus supporting the principle of food security as a key objective.

Sixty-two percent think that it is ensuring a sustainable way to produce food.

A policy for all Europeans

With just over 60% of respondents indicating that the common agricultural policy benefits all citizens, more than nine in 10 (92%) think that agriculture and rural areas are important for the future.

In terms of protecting the environment and tackling a climate challenge, at least half of all respondents in the majority (24 of 28) member states agree that the CAP is fulfilling its role. At least half of all respondents agree that the CAP is fulfilling its role in creating jobs and growth in rural areas.

EU standards recognised

Some 87% of respondents said that imports of any origin should only be allowed to enter the EU if they comply with EU standards, a sentiment shared by a majority of citizens in 18 of the 28 EU countries.